Apollo3D Otley Leeds reports 50% increase in pubs adopting virtual mapping technology as venues prepare for the FIFA 2026 World Cup, with plans to map every stop on the Otley Run
Otley-based virtual mapping specialist Apollo3D Otley Leeds has seen a 50% rise in pubs and hospitality venues adopting virtual tours compared with the same period last year, as operators prepare for a surge in trade during the FIFA 2026 World Cup. The company has been working with Greene King pubs across England, Scotland, and Wales, and with Wakefield-based Ossett Brewery, to help venues showcase their spaces online and convert digital interest into confirmed bookings. Apollo3D has also created tours for several pubs on the famous Otley Run in Headingley and aims to produce a complete curated video tour of all 18 stops on the two-mile pub crawl.
Why This Matters For Leeds
The World Cup creates a short, intense window of opportunity for Leeds pubs — England matches can drive sales uplifts of 30% to 147%, with a successful tournament potentially boosting the wider hospitality economy by over £150 million. For hospitality operators under pressure from rising costs and tight margins, an activation that drives footfall and pre-bookings has real commercial value.
How Apollo3D Otley Leeds Helps Pubs Compete
Apollo3D’s technology creates immersive 3D walkthroughs that can be embedded on websites, shared on social media, and integrated with booking platforms. For pubs preparing for the World Cup, virtual tours let customers see large screens, private hire areas, outdoor spaces, and premium seating before they commit to a venue — helping operators secure group bookings, corporate events, and repeat visits early. Director Rob Wilyman said competition between venues during major tournaments is fierce and customers want to know exactly what they are getting before they choose where to watch. The company’s new Infinity Virtual Tours platform goes further, enabling organisations to connect multiple locations, guide users through a space, and gain insights into which areas attract the most attention.
“Pubs have had a challenging few years, so making every major event count is crucial. We have seen firsthand how virtual tours can increase enquiries and event bookings. For a key sporting occasion like the World Cup, where demand peaks quickly, being visible and engaging online can make a real difference.”
— Mark Shepherd, Director, Apollo3D
The Otley Run Goes Virtual
The Otley Run project is one of Apollo3D Otley Leeds’ most distinctive initiatives. The company has already created virtual tours for several pubs along the famous Headingley pub crawl route and plans to map all 18 stops, creating a complete curated digital resource for the two-mile route. Beyond pubs, the Infinity Virtual Tours platform is drawing international interest from theatres, stadiums, and cinemas. Around half of Apollo3D’s current projects are driven by venues looking to increase visitor numbers. The push comes at a challenging time for the hospitality sector, with rising energy bills, increased business rates, and wider economic pressures squeezing margins.
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- Learn more about Apollo3D: https://www.apollo3d.co.uk
