Tourism Victoria Launches the Melbourne Remote Control Tourist

Tourism Victoria has today announced a world-first tourism initiative. The Melbourne Remote Control Tourist allows would-be visitors to explore and experience Melbourne virtually - to 'go before you go' - by directing real people on adventures in and around the city that are live streamed in real time. 

From 9 to13 October, two Melbourne Remote Control Tourists will be fully connected to the world via helmet-mounted cameras, microphones, GPS and some clever mobile live streaming technology.

With the public deciding their adventures at remotecontroltourist.com, the Melbourne Remote Control Tourists become the ears, eyes and even tastebuds of the user, offering an engaging first-person perspective of the ever-evolving and exciting city of Melbourne.

Along with some of Melbourne's most recognisable landmarks and interesting people and places, the Melbourne Remote Control Tourists are set to venture off the beaten path in search of new discoveries and interesting people and places, providing fresh inspiration for would-be visitors to the city.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Louise Asher said the latest instalment in the successful Play Melbourne campaign is a participatory concept that will highlight the more active, adventurous and creative aspects of the city.

"This world-first campaign is all about giving people new reasons to come and experience the latest and greatest our city has to offer, by introducing it to them virtually first. We want to spark curiosity and encourage people to tap into their sense of discovery.

"We're expecting this concept to resonate with new and regular visitors to Melbourne," Ms Asher said

From indulging at the latest restaurants, cafes and bars, to rewarding fashion and shopping expeditions, or taking in one of many sensory arts experiences, the consumer chosen adventures will feature the many and varied authentic attributes of the city, providing plenty of holiday inspiration.

"Through the actions and interactions of the Remote Control Tourists, our online audience will have the chance to connect with their curiosity and unpeel the layers of our creative and surprising city - where the deeper you go, the more you will find and better the reward," Ms Asher said.

"It will be as if they're actually exploring what lies at the top of that mysterious flight of stairs, or what they might uncover should they venture down that hidden laneway. The initiative is an ideal way to unveil some of Melbourne's hidden or lesser-known secrets, "she said.

Melbourne Remote Control Tourist will be live 9 - 13 October. 

To place requests go to www.remotecontroltourist.com.