Volvo Ocean Race Launch 2018

The Wildlife Trusts Living Seas Wales (LSW) team have made a big splash at the Volvo Ocean Race, Cardiff. The LSW team launched  their new Living Seas Wales project and exciting ‘Sea Wales’ 7D augmented reality experience featuring Dolphins, Porpoise, Puffins, Seals and a surprise wildlife encounter!

First to try the new experience and get up close to the pod of Bottlenose Dolphins was Lord Elis-Thomas, Tourism Minister and Elin Haf Davies, Visit Wales’ Year of the Sea Ambassador.

Lord Elis-Thomas said: “The increase in use of technology such as virtual reality presents many opportunities for tourism businesses in Wales and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to support the innovative Sea Wales project – which is an excellent way to promote our fantastic coastline during Year of the Sea 2018.   When trying to entice someone to Wales and selling the concept of what a holiday in Wales could be like – virtual reality is a perfect way of bringing those possible experiences to life.  Seeing and virtually experiencing a destination leaves a  lasting impression which possibly stays in the mind for longer  than looking at a website,  brochure or advert. I hope that many visitors to the Volvo Ocean Race will get a chance to experience ‘Sea Wales’ - which will inspire them to discover more of Wales’ epic shores.”

Living Seas is The Wildlife Trusts’ vision for the future of UKs seas. The Living Seas Wales project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and will provide participants with opportunities to learn about, enjoy and contribute to the conservation of the marine environment.

Gina Gavigan, Marketing and Development Manager for The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales said, “Following the success of our award-winning virtual reality wildlife experiences ‘Dolphin Dive’ and ‘Flight of the Kingfisher’ we are once again delighted to receive support from the Welsh Government’s Tourism Product Innovation Fund (TPIF) for the Sea Wales 7D experience software development. Sea Wales will showcase our iconic marine wildlife using the very latest in 7D augmented reality technology and CGI animation. This unique mobile experience will inspire people of all ages to explore our wonderful Welsh wild places, connect with nature and have a memorable wildlife adventures in Wales”.

Sea Wales 7D will form part of the Living Sea Wales roadshow promoting our Welsh wildlife and related coastal experiences to both domestic and national visitors over the next 3 years. Check out the Living Seas Wales project website for the 2018 roadshow events list and to find out how you can get involved with the project and work of the Wildlife Trusts.  www.livingseas.wales

Funding for the Living Seas Wales project was raised by National Lottery players, the Welsh Government’s Tourism Product Innovation Fund and Players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.