USA. Paradies Lagardère has brought a “first of its kind” virtual reality (VR) experience to New York John F Kennedy International’s Terminal 4.
The North American travel retailer and restaurateur has partnered with PeriscapeVR, a technology company focused on enhancing the traveller experience, to create the new VR experience centre.
Located in T4’s retail lounge, the centre features freestanding VR towers with 12 stations combining luxury, retail, original content, and technology.
Prices for using the VR services range from US$1-2 a minute and the experiences average between five and ten minutes each. The stations also offer secure compartments for storing luggage and personal items.
PeriscapeVR’s experiences are grouped into five content categories: first time, experience, create, play, and cause. Interactive options include undersea adventures and space travel. The centre has been designed by Gensler Architects and is powered by Hewlett-Packard.
Paradies Lagardère President and Chief Executive Gregg Paradies said: “Paradies Lagardère has always been committed to delivering the ultimate customer experience in our retail and dining establishments.
“With technology such as virtual reality at our fingertips, we’re excited to expand and enhance the customer experience at airports throughout North America through innovation. PeriscapeVR has been a fantastic partner with us in this new offering for travellers, the first of its kind at any airport.”
PeriscapeVR founder and Chief Executive Lynn Rosenthal commented: “Paradies Lagardère and [airport operator] JFKIAT have been enthusiastic partners in bringing visual entertainment to a worldwide audience. Gerry Savaria, Executive Vice President at Paradies Lagardère, is a true thought-leader and is always looking for ways to improve the quality of the traveller experience. He’s become a friend and mentor – I could even say he’s given me my MBA in airport retail.
“Every day we get tremendous joy seeing travellers of all ages experiencing virtual reality for the first time. Travellers often have hours of dwell time between connections, which can be stressful and dull. PeriscapeVR Experience Center is focused on taking them on a journey that’s both blissful and fun.”
