What's Happening?
Exeter Airport has introduced a new virtual tour designed to assist travelers, particularly those who may find flying daunting. The interactive digital walkthrough allows users to explore various airport facilities, including car parks, check-in desks, security, departure lounges, and boarding gates. Developed by The Virtual Tour Experts, the project incorporates features such as British Sign Language, sensory-aware elements, and a day and night mode to cater to neurodiverse passengers. The initiative is supported by Connected Places Catapult, the government's innovation agency for transport and mobility, and aims to make Exeter one of the UK's most accessible regional airports.
Why It's Important?
The virtual tour represents a significant advancement in making air travel more inclusive and less stressful for passengers with reduced mobility or anxiety about flying. By providing a detailed preview of the airport experience, the tool helps build confidence and reduce travel-related anxiety. This development aligns with broader industry trends towards enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in travel, potentially setting a precedent for other airports to adopt similar technologies. The initiative could lead to increased passenger satisfaction and loyalty, benefiting both the airport and travelers.
What's Next?
The virtual tour is expected to evolve as Exeter Airport updates its facilities, ensuring that the tool remains relevant and useful for passengers. Other airports may consider adopting similar technologies to improve accessibility and enhance the travel experience. Stakeholders, including airlines and travel agencies, might collaborate to integrate such tools into their services, further promoting inclusivity in the travel industry.
