Take a Virtual Tour of the Rockford Region with the RACVB

It may come as a surprise, but there are other forms of technology out there that are even more interesting than "Pokeman Go." And, you can use this tech to check out some really cool things in the Rockford region without ever leaving the comfort of your home computer.

Our friend Andrea Mandala, with the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (RACVB), stopped by the WROK Morning Show this morning to fill us in on a new joint-venture between the RACVB and the Illinois Department of Tourism.

In a nutshell, you (or anyone else on the Planet Earth with an internet connection) can take virtual tours of some of the Rockford area's coolest places, all without ever setting foot in the place you're touring.

In the Rockford region, these live tours will give travelers an exclusive look at several featured sites, attractions and eateries starting today, July 15th, through next Friday, July 22nd. Visitors can find the links to the live and interactive videos by visiting GoRockford.com/georama. Live tours featuring other CVBs across the state of Illinois can also be found at EnjoyIllinois.com/live.

Here's the tour schedule, starting with today's tour:

• Rockford City Market
  Friday, July 15 at 5:00 p.m.

• Riverfront Museum Park
  Monday, July 18 at 12:00 p.m.

• Anderson Japanese Gardens
  Tuesday, July 19 at 12:00 p.m.

• Downtown Rockford
  Wednesday, July 20 at 12:00 p.m.

• Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens
  Thursday, July 21 at 12:00 p.m.

• Coronado Performing Arts Center / Cheap Trick
  Friday, July 22 at 12:00 p.m.

According to the RACVB's website, this tour experience is not just someone wandering around a venue with a camera:

Georama is the world's first real-time virtual tour platform. Our vision is to help anyone travel anywhere in the world instantly. When people can't go where they want to go, whether it be due to time, money, or physical limitations, Georama's technology helps them go there virtually, in real-time via mobile and interactive live video tours. Our platform enables organizations and individuals to provide live mobile guided tours in HD quality with low latency and superior reliability from a smartphone, wearable camera, or 360° camera to viewers around the world. Viewers can interact in real-time to ask questions and make suggestions thereby controlling the experience as if they were there. We are focused on enabling real-time virtual experiences that are mobile, authentic, and personalized - whether it be across smartphone, computers, tablets, or VR headsets.

Josh Albrecht, RACVB director of marketing and public affairs, tells us "Sign-up is simple and gives folks full access to 30 minute live videos airing each day. This also includes interactive Q&A with the tour guides and hearing their favorite tips and ideas about the region."

Here's a look at what Georama does: