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12:04 AM 2nd October 2025
business

Yorkshire Tech Firm Marks Milestone With Long-Standing Client

Alessandro Proietti (left), co-owner of Buon Apps, and Mark Shepherd, director and founder of Apollo3D, toast the company's 3,000th virtual tour.
Alessandro Proietti (left), co-owner of Buon Apps, and Mark Shepherd, director and founder of Apollo3D, toast the company's 3,000th virtual tour.
Apollo3D, a UK 3D mapping specialist, has reached a significant milestone, producing its 3,000th virtual tour for the popular Italian restaurant, Buon Apps in Otley, West Yorkshire.

The achievement is particularly notable as Buon Apps was one of Apollo3D’s first clients when the company launched in 2017. The restaurant, run by owners Alessandro and Sofia Elena Proietti, originally commissioned a 3D tour after relocating to its stunning riverside site at Wharfebank Mills.

As Buon Apps has evolved, the owners have continued to partner with Apollo3D to create immersive, high-quality virtual maps showcasing their atmospheric dining spaces and outdoor terrace.

The Power of Immersive Digital Content

The newest 360° virtual tour, created using state-of-the-art Matterport camera technology, allows customers to digitally explore the venue before making a booking. This provides an authentic feel for the restaurant's unique ambience and layout, helping it stand out in a competitive hospitality market.

Alessandro Proietti, co-owner of Buon Apps, explained the value of the tool: “For us, a virtual tour is more than just a visual showcase, it’s a way of inviting people into the restaurant before they’ve even set foot inside. Thanks to the expertise of the team at Apollo3D, customers can see the surroundings, the riverside setting and the quality of our dining spaces, which really helps when they’re choosing somewhere special to eat or planning a private event. Tools like this are vital for attracting new visitors and securing bookings.”

Growth Across the Hospitality Sector

Since its launch six years ago, Otley-based Apollo3D has seen rapid growth, with its virtual tours embraced by a diverse range of hospitality and leisure clients across the UK. Its projects span wedding venues, hotels, bars, and visitor attractions, including tours for venues such as Kirkstall Abbey, The Royal Armouries in Leeds, and Rudding Park in Harrogate. The company has even produced a tour for the historic 'Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem' in Nottingham, which claims to be England’s oldest inn.

L-R: Alessandro Proietti, co-owner of Buon Apps, with Rob Wilyman and Mark Shepherd, directors of Apollo3D, with the Matterport cameras it uses to make 3D virtual tours.
L-R: Alessandro Proietti, co-owner of Buon Apps, with Rob Wilyman and Mark Shepherd, directors of Apollo3D, with the Matterport cameras it uses to make 3D virtual tours.
Mark Shepherd, director and founder of Apollo3D, commented on the firm’s milestone: “Reaching our 3,000th virtual tour is a huge achievement for the whole team and it’s fitting that it’s for Buon Apps, one of the very first businesses to believe in what we do."

He added that the hospitality sector has widely adopted virtual tours as a crucial marketing tool, helping venues to attract footfall, secure bookings, and establish a strong online presence.

With demand for immersive digital content continuing to rise, Apollo3D—which is based at Wharfebank Mills and employs a team of 12—is set to expand its offering across the UK and internationally next year. The company’s diverse client list includes major names such as the NHS, Marks & Spencer, and Primark, alongside its extensive work in the leisure and facilities management sectors.