A BOOM in “staycations” has generated “unprecedented” demand from the hospitality industry for the services of a company which creates virtual tours.

Bournemouth-based Yooport creates 3D models – or ‘Digital Twins’ – of real world spaces.

It calls the reproductions Digital Twins.

It says its reality capture software works to a much higher level than traditional video or 360-degree tours.

Its services have been sought out by a series of hospitality businesses keen to show their accommodation online.

The Coniston Inn, a newly reopened pub with rooms in the Lake District, is the latest to offer would-be customers the chance to explore the premises virtually through Yooport’s technology. Visitors can enter the foyer, tour the bar and eating areas and select a bedroom, all before booking.

Richard Guppy, Yooport’s technical director, co-founded the business with his wife Krystyna, who is marketing director.

Mr Guppy said: “The race is on to attract holidaymakers who are seeking alternatives to international travel due to Covid, with short breaks and hotel stays in the UK proving hugely popular right now.

“As a result, we are seeing unprecedented demand from hospitality sector clients with the breathtakingly beautiful Coniston Inn the latest to come aboard.”

Mrs Guppy said: “Our virtual tours are an ideal solution for remote viewings of bedrooms, lounges, eating areas and other features, so creating an additional and compelling platform to extend the hospitality sector’s marketing reach.”

Chris Moor, operations manager for the Inn Collection Group (West), which owns the Coniston Inn, said: “A virtual tour is an ideal promotional tool, especially at this time as millions of staycationers across the UK look to enjoy a change of scenery close to home and want to ‘try before they buy’.”

Yooport originated as a way of equipping builders and commercial property owners with 3D views of construction and development projects but rapidly expanded into leisure, education and hospitality.

As well as high-definition photography and video, Yooport output formats can include architecturally dimensioned floor and ceiling plans. Users can also measure remotely from the 3D digital twin.

For presentation, users embed the Yooport content in their websites as they do with YouTube clips. They can also add the models into Google searches and Google Maps.