History, maps, images and a video all on one disc. Unique innovation utilizes latest technology to promote country
Tourists visiting Lebanon will soon be able to send home electronic postcards, which are much more visually interesting than the usual rectangles of colored cardboard.
Paravision, a company specialized in online and off-line multimedia design, has set itself in an ambitious target to replace postcards with “super postcards.”
The postcards contain approximately 50 to 100 pictures, a three-minute video, a guided tour with an interactive map, a detailed history of the city, site or region, a screensaver and 360 degree panoramic views.
The super postcards, known as “postcardigital,” will be available in 38 different versions covering cities from Batroun to Zahle, sites from Anjar to Kfarhim, and themes from eco-tourism to Lebanese gastronomy. Paravision has also created versions that tour Lebanon as a scuba diver sees it or from a bird’s eye view.
“Each version will have different covers, keeping the real feel of a postcard. For example Beirut’s postcardigital has 25 different covers and Beiteddine has 10,” said Paravision’s general manager Michel Sfeir. Each version will also have its own multimedia design, content and features such as museum tours or festival description.
How much does this new beefed up postcard cost?
“Only LL5,000 without taxes,” said Sfeir.
The idea to replace postcards with this ingenious product came to Sfeir when he wanted to share pictures he took of Lebanon with friends in France. “I burned hundreds of pictures and a short video of Lebanon on a CD and sent it via mail. I then realized how innovative the idea was,” he said.
Sfeir then set up his company in Berytech, the first technology park in Lebanon, hired employees and worked on the project for two years.
“Two years later, the Tourism Ministry allowed us to put their logo on the product since they deemed it to be of superior quality,” said Sfeir. And indeed it is, because experts have told The Daily Star that these remarkable postcards are not only unique in the world, but also utilize the latest technologies available, like 3D-animation.
“In less than a month all versions will be available on the market and people will be able to buy them in libraries, hotels, restaurants and even Liban Post offices,” explained Sfeir. Such a product will surely be of interest to tourists, but will definitely be a must for Lebanese wishing to share the country’s scenery, activities, historic sites and cities with friends or family who have never visited Lebanon.
Tarek El Zein. Daily Star staff
© The Daily Star 2003
