Last Thursday, online tourism aggregator Travelzoo revealed plans to debut a Metaverse Software as a Service (SaaS) eCommerce platform, with an estimated September release date.
The firm introduced Travelzoo: Meta during its Second Quarter 2022 Performance presentation. The SaaS will debut as a browser-based platform, allowing users to interact with digital immersive travel experiences.
Travelzoo: Meta will attract a new generation of users and its 30 million existing members, the presentation explained, adding it contains opportunities for users to own Metaverse content aligned with physical goods.
What is the Status?
Travelzoo split its SaaS production into various phases, and currently, the meta product is in its infancy, undergoing a test and learn strategy.
In May, Travelzoo: Meta Phase One launched, allowing a limited set of testers to perform quality assurance procedures in a controlled environment.
Travelzoo is taking what it learned from Phase One and deploying its learnings toward the product’s launch in September. The firm states that “being a first-mover” in the Metaverse digital space race is important.
Driving Modern Consumer Engagement
The presentation sources data from a June McKinsey & Company report that asked consumers what drove their excitement for Metaverse worlds compared to “similar activities in the physical world.”
The report found that the second-most influential driver for Metaverse engagement is the ability to explore digital worlds, making up 26 percent of survey answers. Additionally, “Connectivity with People” came first, scoring 46 percent, and “Meet and collaborate with remote colleagues” came third with 10 percent.
Travelzoo says that the McKinsey & Company report “validates” the production of its Meta product, influencing its design and marketing and in March, Travelzoo first announced its Metaverse division.
Holger Bartel, the Global CEO of Travelzoo added,
“We believe that Metaverse spaces and its future destinations provide completely new and different experiences that consumers want to see. The Metaverse is disruptive and abundant with lucrative opportunities for innovative companies that are willing to be the first movers”
In the March press release, the company also predicted that annual membership fees from Travelzoo Meta users would fund and support its Metaverse division.
Travelzoo’s March announcement also said it built the Meta product in collaboration with an unnamed partner. Furthermore, the service allows “hundreds of creators” to create bespoke content on the Metaverse platform.
