Galveston, (oh Galveston) CVB Comes to Second Life

This is something for which Second Life is uniquely and beautifully suited.  This May the Galveston Convention & Visitors Bureau is opening Galveston Isle in Second Life.  According to their press release, it will be replete with a multimedia-rich visitors center, a replica of Galveston’s downtown Strand District, Victoria-inspired homes, a working trolley,  live web cams and of course an ode to the nightlife with concerts and a lounge.

The build is still under construction but looks to be ambitious with Galvestons’s real life photos strewn across the terraforms.  A message board/blog will keep visitors updated on the progress of the build, estimated to take four months to complete.

Galveston.com claims to be on the forefront of utilizing new media forms to promote the destination.  According to the message board they were the first Convention and Visitors Bureau to produce audio and video podcasts, to use RSS feeds for news distribution, and to implement a proprietary online reservation system.  Second Life is apparently in keeping with their “cutting edge” promotional approach, making their virtual presence in SL the next-best-thing to visiting – or living.  Galveston Isle will also sport rentable penthouses, and seaside homes.

Jim Cordell, vice president and chief creative officer at Galveston.com is quoted:  “Our debut within Second Life will give digital travelers a chance to introduce themselves to the best aspects of Galveston Island, and unwind their virtual selves in our social areas, beaches, and concert venues. They will be able to take guided virtual tours, learn about Galveston history, view Galveston Island tourism videos, provide feedback, and interact with new virtual friends from around the globe.”

The build is coming to Second Life via Galveston & Company who has recently completed a 3-year redesign of the Galveston.com web site.

For more information, see the press release here, the blog here, the web site here, or stop by the build here.

January 15, 2007