E-xploris Launches Web Developments
27th April 2007
Exploris – The Northern Ireland Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary is leading the way in new e-tourism initiatives.
PRESS RELEASE
Friday April 27th 2007
Embargoed until May 4th 2007
Issued on Behalf of Exploris – The Northern Ireland Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary
Phrases such as podcasting, virtual tours, web cams and internet gaming have quickly become the norm in youth vocabulary, and in an effort to keep up with this huge market segment, Exploris has decided to delve into the world of E-tourism. The exciting developments were made possible by the partnership of a number of tourism bodies, technological companies and local expertise. Indeed not only have such phrases been adopted by youth culture, but a vast amount of the e-lderly as well. With website user demographics increasing amongst our ageing population, media literacy of the internet will also increase making fewer barriers to accessing and using this technology.
The first development which is set to go live on the Exploris site early next week is the 'Day in the Life of an Aquarist' + 'Seal Rescue' Podcasts funded by ERNACT, administered by The East Border Region Tourism Partnership and developed by 'Stream On' in accordance with Exploris' needs. The podcasts can be downloaded to a portable compatible MP4 player or watched as a streaming video from your PC or lap top. A broadband connection is recommended for this process. Exploris is just one of several venues benefiting from these podcasts, all of which can be viewed now on Exploris' homepage
www.exploris.org.uk
The second of the web developments are the 360o immersive virtual tours, which will give Internet Users an idea of the layout of Exploris and an idea of what to expect on a typical visit. The virtual tours comprise of fully seamless panoramic photography taken from several points throughout the aquarium, which gives users the feeling of being immersed in the picture. The immersive video photographs are developed and hosted by The Painted Dog - www.painteddog.net .
The third piece of interactive material will give web visitors an insight into the Seal sanctuary at Exploris through a seal cam. Exploris previously had a temporary seal cam in place which was part of a travelling programme organised by the BBC. Due to the large amount of web traffic witnessed during the trial, research was undertaken to ensure the financial viability and feasibility of reinstating a similar piece of hardware. Access Video Projects installed the manoeuvrable night vision camera, and Painted Dog provided the encoding and live video stream to the Exploris homepage. This technology will enable visitors who have assisted the seal adoption programme to see their seal on its journey from rescue to release. As we are currently between seal pupping seasons at present there are no seals in the sanctuary, however Common seal pupping season starts towards the end of May, so keep your eyes peeled!
The fourth web development is an interactive video game based on turtle conservation. Exploris is currently working in partnership with the EHS and Zircus Creative to develop an exhibition promoting the wealth of turtles in local waters. Over the years Exploris has been instrumental in the rescue and release of a number of Loggerhead turtles washed up in UK and Irish waters. The video game and exhibition which is in its initial stages will hopefully be given the go ahead in the coming months.
Web developments can be an expensive outlay, and due to the speed at which technological advancements hit the market place, you will always be chasing the latest gadget, however if you do not act now, you will inevitably get left behind. As Rory Martin - Exploris Events and Marketing Officer suggests:
“Exploris has recognised the huge increase in website traffic in the past year with double the monthly visitors on occasions from the previous year. All of these new and improved initiatives are likely to increase unique web visits, repeat web visitors and the average length of stay on the Exploris website. Increased Web Traffic equates to increased footfall and with a rise in visitor numbers by 13% in 2006, Exploris aims to maximise the potential from this opportunity.”
Exploris have also recently installed a new on-line booking request system to facilitate requests for the Exploris roadshow and assist group organisers when booking their trip. This along with the homepage redevelopments including rotating imagery and navigation buttons will ensure the website leads the way as a new exciting interactive and educational resource for all. To check out the new developments visit www.exploris.org.uk
-Ends-
Notes to Editors
1. Exploris website is hosted by Tibus a leader in e-tourism website development.
2. Exploris is a fully accessible Ards Borough Council tourism facility.
3. Children under four go free!
4. For opening times and admission prices, please visit www.exploris.org.uk or Tel: 028 4272 8062, fax: 028 4272 8396 or email info@exploris.org.uk
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