High-Tech, Interactive Roadshow Features
Virtual Reality, Green Screen Technology and Interactive Games
Texas Tourism is taking the state on the road again this year, with Texas on Tour (http://www.texasontour.com) - a high-tech, virtual reality roadshow. The 53-foot interactive experience will travel throughout the United States from mid-May through October 2009, with 11 stops coast to coast.
Texas on Tour will kick off a six-month tour across the country at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on May 15. In addition to the virtual reality technology, green screens, and interactive games, this year Texas on Tour offers some exciting new components including a 30-foot dome theater that will project a short film showcasing the amazing landscapes, fun and history of the Lone Star State. The theater presentation will also include a trivia game where guests compete for prizes. Texas on Tour has also added double passenger kayaks, allowing more guests to experience the virtual reality adventure through Texas’ many waterways.
Texas on Tour transports the consumer to unique outdoor Texas experiences that are highly entertaining, educational and personalized – complete with live performances from Texas musicians, a virtual beach stroll, and a dome theater offering a glimpse of the seven diverse regions of Texas.
“Texas on Tour is traveling to 11 destinations across the U.S. in 2009 to promote tourism to Texas and give potential visitors an opportunity to experience some of the sights and sounds of the Lone Star State,” said Julie Chase, Chief Marketing Officer for the Texas Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism Division.
Texas on Tour will be at the following fairs and festivals in 2009:
Joint Services Open House May 15-17 Andrews AFB, MD
NYC – South Street Seaport (stand alone) May 28-31 New York, NY
Riverbend Festival June 5-13 Chattanooga, TN
Summerfest June 25-July 5 Milwaukee, WI
Three Rivers Festival July 11-19 Fort Wayne, IN
AirVenture Oshkosh 2009 July 27-August 2 Oshkosh, WI
Chicago – Navy Pier (stand alone) August 14-16 Chicago, IL
Illinois State Fair August 20-23 Springfield, IL
Colorado Balloon Classic September 5-7 Colorado Springs, CO
Los Angeles County Fair September 11-20 Pomona, CA
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta October 3-11 Albuquerque, NM
For more information on all there is to see and experience in Texas, visit www.TravelTex.com or call 1-800-8888-TEX to order the Official Texas State Travel Guide and map.
Note to Media: An official Texas Tourism Texas on Tour spokesman will be available for interviews and media tours of the exhibit on the first day of each tour stop. Photographs of the exhibit are also available upon request.
For Interview Opportunities and Media Tours, please contact:
Meredith Michelson
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
512.472.3515
Highlights from Texas on Tour
• Virtual Reality Kayak Adventure – Ride the Waterways of Texas
Through a virtual kayak simulator, riders will travel through the rapids of the Big Bend Country canyons to Austin’s Lady Bird Lake and continue on their journey to the serene Caddo Lake. The journey ends on the rolling waves of the Gulf of Mexico.
• Green Screen Photo Experience - Picture Yourself in Texas
Visitors will be transported to the historic Alamo, the grandiose scenery of the Palo Duro Canyon, adventure-filled SeaWorld San Antonio or glamorous skylines of a Texas metropolis. Through green screen technology, visitors can take a piece of Texas with them.
• Virtual Beach Stroll– Stroll Along the Texas Coast
Visitors are transported to the beautiful beaches of Texas’ magnificent coastline stretching 624 miles along the sun-kissed Gulf Coast. The bountiful fishing, sparkling sands and major metropolitan areas such as Houston and Corpus Christi bring this virtual experience to life.
• Entertainment Stage
Featuring live entertainment, Texas musicians, and interesting Texas trivia.
• Dome Projection Theater – Discover Texas
Theater style setting where consumers can view all sides of Texas, from waterways to nightlife to adventure. After a brief, informative and entertaining movie, visitors participate in a trivia game and have the chance to win prizes.
• Win a Trip for Two to Texas
Visitors can enter to win a trip for two to Texas by registering online at www.texasontour.com through October 2009.
• Major Sponsors of Texas on Tour
Dallas/Fort Worth Area Tourism Council
San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau
SeaWorld San Antonio
