Wowzitude Newsroom
Press Releases
Wowzitude brings the world’s wonders to senior adults where they live
through community-based, interactive livestreamed remote guided tours
Woodcliff Lake, N.J. – March 19, 2021 – At a time when older adults are experiencing unprecedented isolation, Wowzitude offers a powerful antidote. The new subscription-based virtual travel club is reconnecting seniors with the world beyond through highly engaging, real-time tours livestreamed to groups within 55+, senior living communities, library groups, churches and synagogues, and other senior-oriented organizations.
Each 60-minute interactive program features both an expert host to facilitate discussion and a hand-picked, trained local tour guide eager to introduce armchair travelers to their favorite spots. Wowzitude’s community-based model means participants experience their tour with people who are part of their real-life circle. The programs are tailored, unscripted and unedited, so every experience is unique.
Wowzitude members currently can explore more than 50 destinations across the globe via full-screen video stream, from Paris, Las Vegas and Berlin to Santiago, St. Petersburg, and Sydney. In addition, groups with special interests can choose from a selection of more than 30 tour packages on themes like Jewish Quarters Around the World, Sinister and Scandalous Stories, and The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches.
Tours can be streamed into community rooms or directly into residents' rooms using the Zoom platform. They require no special equipment or downloads, aside from an internet-connected computer and screen. Tour guides are provided high-quality equipment and trained in its use to ensure a seamless experience.
Wowzitude is the brainchild of Susan Black, principal of Susan Black Associates and a seasoned travel industry executive. Inspired by her own experience moving her 96-year-old mother into a long-term-care facility just before the pandemic hit, Black saw an opportunity to help communities connect through virtual enrichment and entertainment.
“As I reached out to senior living communities around the U.S., it became clear that engaging armchair travel was the number-one area of interest for residents across the board,” said Black. “By bringing travel experiences to them, in real time and with real interaction, Wowzitude helps older adults stay social and engaged both within their own circles and with the outside world. And that will continue to be as important in the future as it is during this time of isolation.”
Optional cooking activity offers a more immersive experience
Each tour program incorporates a recipe from the featured location, which is provided to the group in advance for an optional pre-tour cooking activity. Participants might enjoy New York cheesecake during a virtual stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge or scones with clotted cream during a tour of London’s Soho.
Annual subscription packages are affordable and flexible
Wowzitude’s virtual community travel club is a monthly, bi-monthly, or weekly subscription, with introductory pricing that ranges from fully customized experiences for individual communities, to more cost-effective “value packages” for up to three communities. All subscriptions include content curation and production, visual presentations, and live, interactive facilitated discussions with both a host and local tour guide. Programs are recorded and archived so they can later be shown on demand to all community members and to residents’ family to help spark meaningful conversations with their loved ones.
Activity Professionals and writers invited to join live, interactive tours. As part of Wowzitude’s introduction, and to celebrate the contributions of Activity Professionals, Wowzitude invites activity professionals, their guests, and writers/editors to participate in one of six free live tours. Options include Dublin, Lisbon, Budapest, Tel Aviv, Sydney, or Berlin. A schedule of complimentary live tours, dates and times may be found at www.wowzitude.com/free-tour
For more information, visit www.wowzitude.com
# # #
Media Contact
About Wowzitude
Wowzitude's Travel Club connects seniors to live, remote, virtual tour and travel programs. Groups may choose from 50+ destinations. Our guides provide real-time, live-streamed tours and discussions that promote connections and conversations among mature adults and their communities.
Wowzitude not only live-streams tours around the world, its experienced team conducts interactive, live "Travel Chat" programs, designed to engage, enrich and entertain your community. And Wowzitude's live travel activities may be enjoyed in community rooms and/or individual residences.
Wowzitude's tour and travel programs are perfect for long-term care residences, 55+ senior living and retirement communities, senior programs, church and synagogue groups, and even families - any group that aims to help older adults stay social and connected will benefit from compelling travel, and fun, stimulating conversations.