Cannes 360: a truly unique application for an immersive visit of

Allowing users to experience an immersive visit inside the events centre, along with the main iconic sites in the town, it is at once practical, informative and fun.
 
Cannes 360 is part of the future project initiated by the Mayor of Cannes, to create a town of marked contrasts: an authentic yet thoroughly modern Smart City.  As David Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes says: “By placing digital innovation at its core, Cannes is adding a new dimension and is offering services that will develop in line with the challenges of our time. The arrival of virtual reality marks a new phase which we must adapt to .”  
 
The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès’ new digital transformation strategy, announced during the PAC 2018 presentation, will initially be deployed by boosting on-line platforms (Cannes Convention Bureau and Activités Loisirs [Leisure activities]), increasing WiFi and developing customer relationship and business tourism management tools.
The aim is to raise the town’s profile by using tailored devices so that customers are provided with everything they need to know about the towns different attractions. Something that Didier Vescovi, Managing Director of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, supports. “The Palais has made a commitment to become the most connected events centre in the world. This application is testament to a determination to push for a new impetus by providing powerful decision-making tools. The client who selects Cannes is also opting to enter a new dimension."
 
A Cannes start-up delivers digital innovation to the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès.
By choosing Film 06, after an exacting, competitive call for tender, the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès has also decided to support a Cannes-based start-up. In partnership with Silicon Valley engineers, it presents Cannes and its events centre through 360° videos. A technical and technological evolution which promotes understanding of the destination and showcases the scope of Cannes’ MICE service offering. Initially intended for organisers of exhibitions, conferences and events, this new digital tool facilitates and encourages visitors to explore the town.
The dynamic entrepreneur Sébastien Aubert said: “We are very fortunate that the Palais and the Cannes Town Council are the first to have put their trust in us for this truly unique mobile application project! We are now hoping to convince other towns and cities to create their own 360° application... We are convinced this is the start of a wonderful large scale digital adventure for our Cannes-based start-up.” .
 
Moreover, on 2 February, Sébastien Auberts won the Tech for Good category, in the Regional Awards ‘10,000 start-ups to change the world’ (organised by BNP and La Tribune) with the concept of the 360° tourist application and will enter the national competition in Paris in March.
 
 
A state-of-the-art technology for a remarkable experience
This innovative instrument presents the different areas of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès both during events and also empty, in order to have a better understanding of the spaces.
 
Technical data is also displayed in information tabs and includes all the characteristics of the floor space and halls available for rent. In addition to the event centre, the historic district of the old town may be an unusual entry point for organisers, but enables them to improve their customers’ knowledge of the town while showcasing Cannes’ cultural heritage.
 
The plan for this scalable application is to eventually become a collaborative, unifying tool by including different companies in the Cannes MICE sector such as reception venues and hotels.  Therefore, companies in the tourism sector can promote their business and the destination.
 
Cannes is the first tourist destination to adopt a 360° promotional tool designed to this level. It will not only be available in classic app stores (Google Play, App Store) but also in Oculus Store, which is specific to immersive applications. The shots were taken by new generation of cameras specially designed for producing 360° panoramic views.
It includes a synchronised recording system for high quality pixel definition. In order to assemble the shots taken by several cameras, it uses a process called ‘Stitching’ which involves editing the shots taken and producing a single 360° panoramic film.
 
The 360° videos plunge the user into the heart of Cannes and its activities. They can be viewed by turning the telephone or tablet around you, by swiping with the finger or by using a virtual reality headset.
“This new technology considerably boosts our client-focussed approach. As true partners and advisers, our staff equipped with this interactive solution can meet their expectations and will be able to surprise and satisfy even the most demanding of clients.” stated Claire-Anne Reix, Chair of the Palais es Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes.