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7 Great Virtual Reality Travel Experiences

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Who says you can't see the world if you stay home? Virtual reality (VR) tourism experiences let you see places all over the world without ever leaving your couch. These aren't games; they're experiences, so the pace may be slower than you expect, but they are worth your patience. Here are some of the best VR tourist destinations to help you decide on your next virtual adventure.

Make sure your computer is beefy enough to handle the demands of virtual reality technology.

The Grand Canyon VR Experience

Very relaxing experience.

Excellent visual and sound quality.

Impressive attention to detail.

Predefined with little control.

Requires powerful hardware.

Short experience.

In The Grand Canyon VR Experience ($2.99 by Immersive Entertainment), you sit in a virtual motorized kayak ride through the Grand Canyon. Tailor the tour to your preferences by selecting either a sunlit or moonlit experience and controlling the ride's speed.

While you cruise along, you'll enjoy the sights and sounds of procedurally generated, artificially intelligent wildlife. Attract and feed the virtual fish as you navigate the waterways.

The ride is on rails, so you can't steer the kayak. However, you can stop at various points and enjoy the scenery by using the throttle speed controls of your motorized kayak or by exiting at scenic rest stops.

The tour is short, and there's no historical background information for history buffs. Still, it is a fun ride perfect for someone new to VR.

This tour requires one of the following virtual reality headsets: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift , or Valve Index .

Explore amazing places.

Impressively detailed.

More locations are added to the library regularly.

Not updated recently.

Realities (free from Realities.io ) is a VR travel app that allows you to explore scanned and modeled real-world environments. The environments aren't just 360-degree photos; these locations were captured with specialized scanning equipment, allowing for immersive rendering in virtual reality.

The user interface is a giant globe you rotate with your VR controllers. Once you decide on the place you want to visit, tap the area on the virtual globe, and you are instantly whisked away to the exotic locale.

One interesting destination is a cell in the infamous Alcatraz prison. When you arrive, you're greeted by an unseen narrator, presumably a former prisoner in the cell next to you, who recalls their experiences. It's museum-like and an educational adventure worth having.

There are other destinations of varying size and complexity, and the experience is updated with new realities regularly.

This experience is compatible with the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Valve Index, and Windows Mixed Reality .

Titans of Space PLUS

Great soundtrack.

Detailed 3D visuals.

Impressive sense of scale.

Flying through space makes some users feel nauseated.

No improvements since late 2019.

Do you like planetariums? Have you always wished they were more realistic? If you've ever dreamed of riding in a spaceship and exploring the solar system and beyond, Titans of Space PLUS ($9.99 by DrashVR LLC) helps make this a reality—at least a virtual one).

The original Titans of Space was one of the first polished virtual reality experiences available; it created a lot of buzz about all the potential VR had to offer.

This app provides a theme park-style ride through the solar system and beyond, allowing you to control the pace of the experience. Factoids about the planets and moons are provided throughout your journey, as are distances and other measurements of interest.

The sense of scale of the planets and moons is truly awe-inspiring and gives a unique perspective only astronauts usually get to have.

This title runs in both standard and VR modes. It does not require a VR headset. It is compatible with HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Valve Index, and Windows Mixed Reality.

Impressive rendering technology.

Auto-tunes for your GPU.

Stunning visuals.

Can feel slow.

Mostly narration with little hands-on time.

Everest VR ($9.99 from Sólfar Studios ) is an interactive Mount Everest VR tourism experience.

You'll experience Mount Everest in five iconic scenes. Prepare for your expedition at Basecamp, traverse the terrifying Khumbu Icefalls, spend the night at Camp 4, ascend the perilous Hillary Step, and finally conquer the summit of Everest.

After completing your first summit attempt, unlock God Mode to reach a unique vantage point of the Himalayas that's only possible in VR. Towering over the mountain range, this is a stunning VR diorama.

EVEREST VR is a must if you're into mountain climbing but don't like its possible death and frostbite aspects.

Requires one of the following virtual reality headsets: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, or Valve Index.

The VR Museum of Fine Art

Lots of content.

Educational experience.

Hasn't been updated since its initial release.

No voice narration.

Only takes about 20 minutes to experience.

If you've ever wanted to peruse a museum at your own pace with no limits on how close you can get to the artwork, then The VR Museum of Fine Art (free from Finn Sinclair) is for you.

This free app holds amazing educational value with incredibly detailed scans of some of the world's most famous paintings and sculptures. Look at the brushstrokes of Monet's Water Lilies or take a 360-degree tour of Michelangelo's David. This is an art lover's delight.  

The experience makes you feel as if you're visiting a museum, complete with a pamphlet map to help you navigate your way around the exhibits.

Great VR experience.

Incredibly realistic.

Contains three episodes.

theBlu ($9.99 from Wevr INC .) is a collection of virtual reality-based underwater experiences that make you feel as if you're literally in the tank of a huge aquarium exhibit.

Stand on the deck of a sunken ship while a gargantuan whale swims by and looks you straight in the eye or swim in a sea of bioluminescent jellyfish. There's no need for expensive scuba equipment or diving classes, or even to leave your living room, for that matter.

The level of detail in this app is amazing, and the sense of scale (especially during the whale encounter in the first episode) is jaw-dropping.

Compatible with HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Valve Index, and Windows Mixed Reality.

Google Earth VR

Amazing street view VR.

Travel the world virtually.

Impressive, vast experience.

Can be slow to load.

Lacks a search feature.

May cause motion sickness.

When Google Earth was released many years ago, everyone marveled at the novelty of finding and viewing their house from satellite imagery. Now, Google Earth VR (free from Google) lets you see your house from space and virtually fly to it and stand in your front yard or on your rooftop.

Change the sun's position, scale objects to any size you like, and fly around the world. The detail levels depend on what you're trying to view. For example, tourist destinations are likely to have more detailed geospatial imagery than rural areas. There is so much to see, and Google offers virtual tours to help you get started.

Google has even added several comfort features to prevent virtual travel sickness in this must-see virtual reality app.

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What Is VR Tourism and What Are Its Benefits?

You can use VR to visit far-away places virtually and help improve your actual experience when you get there. Here's how.

Virtual Reality (VR) allows users to experience simulated environments as if they're in the real world. With VR, you could experience far-off destinations' sights, sounds, and sensations without ever getting on a plane.

VR tourism has been gaining popularity in recent years, offering tourists an immersive and accessible way to explore the world. But is it worth doing?

Let's explore the world of VR tourism, what it is, and whether it's a worthwhile experience for avid travelers.

How VR Is Revolutionizing the Tourism Industry

VR devices are commonly associated with gaming, but they have a range of other applications. One of them is in the travel industry, which now allows people to explore the world virtually from their living rooms. It offers travelers an immersive and interactive experience of traveling to any part of the world.

Travelers around the world are taking a keen interest in virtual tourism. According to an estimate by Market Data Forecast , the Global Virtual Tourism Market is expected to reach approximately $847.95 billion by 2028. Meanwhile, the market's valuation for the year 2022 was around $385.75 billion.

VR technology creates a virtual environment that simulates actual tourist spots worldwide. You can experience them through VR headsets or glasses and enjoy these far-off destinations virtually. But it is only one instance of the use of VR in the tourism sector—there are many other uses of this tech in the industry.

For instance, VR can help tourists virtually explore a place before planning a trip. It would allow them to get familiar with the location's culture, know which things they should try, give them a better sense of what to expect, and increase their confidence in their choice. It can also be handy for marketing in the tourism sector and help travel guides attract more visitors.

Furthermore, VR technology offers an immersive experience for travelers unable to travel due to physical disabilities, health issues, or financial constraints. It can also help preserve natural and cultural heritage sites by reducing the number of physical visitors.

Moving forward, let's now focus on the different benefits of VR in tourism.

Create Virtual Travel Experiences

One of the main benefits of VR in tourism is the possibility of virtual travel experiences. You can experience a range of tourist spots, including religious sites, historic sites, and even places that still need to be fully developed for tourists. A range of VR technologies like VR headsets and glasses, 360-degree cameras, special video editing tools, and others allow you to enjoy these attractive sites without being in person.

Virtual traveling can eliminate many limitations for travelers, like budget constraints, physical limitations, or time constraints. You only need to invest in VR technologies, and you can avail immersive travel experiences of any destination worldwide.

With VR travel, you can get teleported anywhere you like and enjoy VR city tours with your friends and loved ones. And because you're not going through the trouble of transit, you don't need group planning apps that help make planning trips with friends and family easier.

However, virtual travel experiences are still uncommon as many people yearn for the authenticity of actual travel. The idea of virtual tourism, where you don't even have to pack your bags, can be puzzling to some. But if you want to try virtual travel, you should check out these free virtual travel experiences .

Use VR for Self-Guided Tours

VR technology and augmented reality (AR) devices can work as your personal tour guide. Although VR and AR are different technologies , they can work together to improve your tour. This especially benefits those who prefer solo travel or desire more privacy. VR tourism apps provide self-guided tours, allowing travelers to explore at their own pace.

VR travel apps for exploring , like the City Guide Tour , can provide you with information about destinations through object recognition features. For instance, if you are traveling in an unknown city, it might pinpoint tourist spots like museums, parks, and galleries and offer on-screen information related to them.

Additionally, translation apps let you talk to anyone, even in places where communication is a challenge. You can download languages to your phone, translating conversations in real time, even without a data connection. Therefore, you can communicate easily at markets, airports, or hotels.

Book Your Destination Using VR

The travel industry is getting even more exciting with the introduction of VR booking systems that provide users with an immersive environment for planning trips. These systems help you to plan your vacation in a better way. You can select your destination, hotel rooms, or plane seats through these AR and VR booking interfaces and even make payments.

Although yet to be widely used by travel agencies, several companies have introduced these services. Amadeus' VR travel search and booking experience is one excellent example that allows travelers to plan their entire trip virtually.

VRBookings.com is another example that offers vacation rental software to travel companies. This emerging trend could revolutionize the VR tourism industry by making the booking system more user-friendly and efficient.

Travelers could save time and money by using VR for booking and payment. At the same time, travel companies could reduce overhead costs and provide more personalized services to their customers. As this technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of AR and VR in the travel industry.

Take a Virtual Tour Before Booking Your Hotel

VR is not limited to the tourism industry but also offers unique features for the hospitality industry. You can take virtual hotel tours before deciding on whether to book. This lets you know what a hotel offers, its environment, recreational activities, and the overall experience. It lets you book a hotel according to your preferences and enjoy a personalized experience.

VR hotel room previews allow hotels to be more transparent about their services and attract more visitors, promoting their services worldwide. Many hotels, like Atlantis Dubai, highlight their lavish features through 360-degree video virtual tours. This innovative approach helps hotels stand out and ensures customers make informed decisions before booking, leading to a more enjoyable and memorable stay.

A Look Ahead at the Tourism Sector and VR

The global virtual tourism market is rapidly expanding thanks to the inventive use of virtual and augmented reality technology. Although VR tourism trips may feel strange to some, Virtual Reality can surely enhance your travel experiences.

VR tech can revolutionize the tourism industry by transforming how travelers plan and experience their trips. In the future, it could be used for destination marketing, creating personalized travel experiences, and enhancing in-destination experiences through immersive tours and interactive exhibits.

This technology can also help tourism boards attract more visitors and encourage them to stay longer. Travel companies, too, can create customized travel itineraries and offer travelers more engaging and memorable experiences. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of VR in the tourism industry.

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What is virtual reality in travel?

Virtual reality refers to interactive images or videos which enable the viewer to explore the entire 360 degrees of a scene. Unlike a regular image of video, which is shot from a fixed view point, VR production captures every part of a location.

In the travel industry, virtual reality can be used to capture tourism destinations in a unique and immersive way.

This is achieved using specialist cameras, rigs, and software. The finished content can then be viewed on either a VR headset or a regular computer or mobile device.

Many people assume that VR content can only be viewed on a specialist VR headset but this is not the case. Although VR is more immersive when viewed in this way, it can also be viewed on any device, including mobiles.

Take a look at the tourism VR content below, produced by us at Immersion VR. You can click or swipe across the video in order to view an entire 360 degrees.

VR in tourism marketing

The most common way in which VR is utilised in the tourism industry is for marketing. Being able to capture tourism destinations in such a memorable and immersive way is a powerful marketing tool.

One of the greatest strengths of VR is allowing the user to experience the feeling of “being there”. Whilst regular images and videos can work well for showing what a destination has to offer, they don’t often elicit an emotional response.

VR in tourism has the ability to place the user at the heart of the scene and makes it easier for them to imagine themselves at the location.

360 VR tourism

When many people think of VR they think of it as CGI (computer generated imagery), which is how it is used in the gaming industry. However, there is a different form of virtual reality known as 360 VR, or 360VR video.

360 VR focuses on the real world rather than computer generated imagery. This makes it perfect for the tourism industry where it is important to show users a real location rather than a mockup or a simulation.

360VR content in tourism is captured in a similar way to regular image and video content. A 360 VR company, like us at Immersion VR, arrives at the location with specialist equipment in order to shoot the scene. The footage is then taken back to the studio where it is produced into VR content using specialist software.

This form of VR is the most widely used form of VR in tourism and it something that we specialise in here at Immersion VR. 360 VR is also commonly used in education, the real estate industry, and for online marketing in general.

VR technology in tourism

VR can be used in many different ways in the tourism industry. The technology is evolving at a rapid rate and the uses of VR within tourism is expanding along with the technology.

The main VR technologies that are used in the travel industry are VR video and VR photography.

VR tourism videos

A VR tourism video works much like a normal video. They can be viewed on social media or websites, but unlike a regular video, the user is able to explore the entire scene whilst the video is playing.

VR tourism videos are captured using specialist cameras known as omnidirectional cameras. These cameras film every angle of the destination at once. After filming, the footage is taken back to the studio where it is stitched together in order to produce a VR tourism video.

There are 2 types of VR tourism videos:

• – Monoscopic VR tourism video
• – Stereoscopic VR tourism video

Monoscopic VR videos for tourism can be viewed on regular devices including mobiles and computers. The viewer can click or drag across the screen in order to rotate the field of view, similar to turning your head to explore a scene.

Take a look at the VR tourism video below for an example of monoscopic footage. The video can be viewed on any device, inclusing mobile and desktop. Scroll or swipe across the video to explore the entire surroundings.

Stereoscopic VR videos for tourism are produced for VR headsets and they cannot be viewed on a regular device. Although they take more time to produce and are typically more expensive, they provide a more immersive travel experience. These videos feature head tracking so the user can move their head to explore the surroundings in a realistic way.

For more information about monoscopic and stereoscopic VR content, take a look at our in-depth article here .

VR tourism photography

VR tourism photography involves the production of 360 images of travel destinations. These images are generally designed to be viewed on regular devices such as mobiles and desktops.

Virtual tourism photography works much like a VR tourism video but with still images. The view is free to scroll or swipe across the image in order to view the entire scene.

Take a look at a sample of some of the 360 tourism images taken below.

The images are taken with state-of-the-art DSLR cameras on specialist rigs which allow for the capture of 360 degrees. Because DSLR cameras are used, it allows for higher resolution images when compared to VR tourism videos.

The 360 images can then be uploaded to social media and websites for user to view just as easily as regular images. Although these images are typically not as immersive as VR videos, they are quicker to produce and generally more cost effective.

Using 360 photography, it is also possible to produce hotel tours which enable the user to explore a hotel and its surroundings in an immersive and interactive way.

Applications of virtual reality in tourism

Applications of VR in tourism include:

• – Virtual reality travel experiences
• – VR tourism content for social media/websites
• – Virtual hotel tours

Virtual reality travel experiences

Virtual reality travel experiences typically refer to VR tourism videos made for VR headsets. These virtual travel experiences aim to create a feeling that is as much like being in the real destination as is possible.

At the cutting edge of 360 VR, virtual reality travel experiences provide something truly unique and memorable to the user. The number of travel agencies and travel companies embracing this technology is continually growing and they promise a bright future within the industry.

VR headsets in the travel industry

VR headsets typically provide the most realistic virtual reality travel experience for the user. A VR headset uses specialist software which tracks the movement of the users head. This allows the user to explore the travel destination as they would in real life.

Currently, the number of people that own a VR headset is rising at a fast rate. This growth in headsets can largely be attributed to the gaming market, where the technology is being pushed hard.

Also, all the major online platforms including Google, Facebook, and Amazon are all investing heavily in VR headsets and VR content, promising a bright future for this space.

VR created for headsets is more expensive to produce as it requires the production of Stereoscopic content and spatial audio. However, for those travel companies looking to be at the forefront of the technology, the cost can be worth it to allow them to stand out from the crowd and provide an unrivalled experience to their clients.

VR for travel agencies

One of the most common uses of VR headsets in tourism is by the travel agencies themselves. They can offer prospective clients in-store virtual travel experiences that completely transform what it means to visit a travel agency.

Instead of showing visitors brochures and computer screens, travel agents can provide their clients with a virtual experience. This approach can also be used to great effect at trade shows and events, quickly gaining interest from the general public.

Utilising VR allows travel brands to stand out from the crowd and it provides the user with an experience they won’t forget. Many travel companies have embraced VR technology and have used it to improve sales, as well as to gain brand exposure.

Virtual tours of hotels

Virtual hotel tours allow users to explore a hotel and its grounds in a much more immersive way than ever before. Just how virtual tours are transforming the real estate industry, they are also having a huge impact on the hotel industry.

Hotel interiors and exteriors can be captured in extreme detail using high resolution cameras and specialist equipment. The images are then merged together ( stitched ) to form a complete 360 degree interactive tour in which the user can choose which room to explore.

VR hotel tours are usually monoscopic, which means they can be viewed on any device including mobile and desktop. The tours can then be uploaded to websites and social media for prospective clients to view at any time.

They can also be stereoscopic if the situation and budget allows. This can result in a more realistic and immersive experience.

Unlike regular images of hotels, these tours allow users to imagine themselves in the space. This kind of immersion helps to create unique brand engagement and a lasting impression with the user.

To find out more about virtual tours please take a look at our in-depth article here .

VR travel tours

As well as hotels, VR travel tours can also be created for a wide range of travel destinations and landmarks. VR tours of popular tourism destinations can be produced to give the user a taste of what it’s like to be there.

Benefits of virtual reality in tourism

The benefits of virtual reality in tourism include:

• – Allowing the user to imagine themselves at a travel destination
• – Being able to showcase 360 degrees of a destination in high resolution
• – Enabling the user to explore a scene at their own will
• – Creating memorable and unique experiences for the user
• – Creating unique brand engagement
• – Allowing travel companies to stand out from the crowd
• – Providing travel experiences to those that cannot travel
• – Reducing impact of tourism on vulnerable destinations

VR tourism statistics

According to research carried out in Germany by Statista (see below), almost 50% of people would use VR as a tool for choosing their holiday destination (providing it was free). 13% of those surveyed were actually willing to pay for the VR.

Furthermore, research carried out by Tourism Australia found that almost 20% of consumers had used VR to select a holiday destination. Around 25% of consumers said they planned to use VR in the future to help them decide on a holiday destination.

Overall, the research by Tourism Australia found that VR had the ability to bring a destination to life and make consumers consider travelling to places they wouldn’t have otherwise considered. In particular, consumers were most interested in the VR content that related to nature, wildlife, aquatic, and coastal offerings. – http://www.tourism.australia.com/content/dam/assets/document/1/6/y/7/t/2003897.pdf

The future of VR travel

At Immersion VR, we can’t see tourism VR going anywhere. On the contrary, we have seen an increase in the use of VR for travel. We cannot predict how this space will develop or what new VR travel technologies will be developed. However, we can spot emerging trends within the industry.

VR travel trends

Common VR travel trends include the following:

• – VR travel experiences by travel companies
• – Virtual hotel tours by travel companies and hotels
• – Technologies to make VR travel more realistic
• – VR travel experiences for the elderly
• – VR flight experiences
• – Virtual experiences of landmark destinations
• – Virtual booking interface

We are sure that this list will be growing in the near future so watch this space!

Virtual experiences of landmark destinations

Popular landmark destinations often suffer from the environmental problems associated with too many tourist visitors. By making VR experiences of these landmarks, the number of users can be controlled, reducing the environmental impact.

Take a look below at a VR travel experience of the Grand Canyon. Don’t forget to drag or scroll across the video to explore the scene.

With the number of VR headsets on the increase, these type of experiences are sure to become a common feature in many households across the world.

VR flight experiences

Passengers embark upon a replica of an aeroplane cabin while they are given the pre-flight safety demonstration and then served gourmet food. The goal is to provide them with a realistic experience of flying to a destination.

VR flight experiences are a relatively new addition to the VR travel space. A Tokyo based company called First Airlines has created the world’s first virtual reality airline.

Upon “arrival” the passengers are then given a virtual tour of the destination with VR headsets. Whilst still in its early stages, this kind of experience has the potential to provide people with travel experiences that they would otherwise be unable to afford.

Virtual booking interface

A virtual booking interface is another very recent development within tourism VR. Users can book their holiday whilst wearing a VR headset. All of the booking process takes place within virtual reality.

Everything from choosing the hotel to paying for the holiday happens whilst the user is experiencing the VR. Whilst this has limited applications, we can see travel agencies and companies taking this approach to increase the number of conversions.

It seems to be the logical next step up from one-off travel experiences to taking care of the entire booking process. Whilst still in its infancy, we can see virtual booking interfaces becoming more common within the tourism industry.

Virtual reality travel for seniors

One of the areas in which virtual reality can replace travel is for those that cannot travel, in particular seniors. When people think of VR, they don’t tend to think of the elderly. But being able to provide them with travel experiences that would otherwise not be possible can be extremely rewarding.

In a blog post written by The Big Issue, they explain how a company called Viarama have been working on a VR tool to help people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. They worked on providing senior citizens who are receiving end-of-life care with a one-of-a-kind experience.

Billy Agnew, chief executive of Viarama, said:

“In a hospice situation, we are going in there and letting people ‘travel’ the world. We are letting people travel to where they got married, or where they did their national service, and to places that they never thought they would be able to see.” – https://www.bigissue.com/latest/technology/how-virtual-reality-is-giving-the-elderly-remarkable-end-of-life-adventures/

Viarama achieves this by using HTC Vive headsets, Google Earth VR software, and powerful computers. But whilst the experience is virtual, the emotions it elicits are definitely real.

Billy Agnew went on to say:

“It’s quite often hugely moving. The first time we worked in a hospice we had two doctors who were in to evaluate what we were doing, and both of the doctors broke down because it was so emotional.” – https://www.bigissue.com/latest/technology/how-virtual-reality-is-giving-the-elderly-remarkable-end-of-life-adventures/

Will virtual reality replace travel?

VR is great for creating moments of immersion but it cannot yet replace the complete immersion of being in a real space 24/7.

In fact, in a recent study carried out by European touring company Italy4Real, 81% of adults said that VR can’t replace travel. 92% said that visiting a destination in VR did not equate to visiting it in real life. Furthermore, 77% cited sampling the local food as being important to them. – https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/302947/virtual-reality-not-seen-as-substitute-for-travel.html

Other downsides of VR include smells and the overall atmosphere created by people and animals. Whilst VR technology is progressing at a fast rate, it’s pretty safe to say that virtual reality won’t be replacing travel anytime soon.

VR in tourism is currently best used for marketing travel destinations and hotels. With the growth of VR, we think that virtual travel experiences will become a huge part of the tourism industry in the near future.

VR travel experts

At Immersion VR we have a wealth of experience in VR for travel with clients across the UK and overseas. We have shot on location in countries such as Oman, Scotland, Spain, Indonesia, and Mexico.

We can cater for any kind of tourism VR that you need, from virtual reality travel experiences to VR hotel tours.

We take great pride in the quality of our work and we are unlike any VR travel company. With skills in so many areas of VR, we can advise and inform our clients every step of the way.

Our highly trained crew and attention to detail is what puts us amongst the best VR travel experts out there.

For more information on VR for travel and the services we offer please get in touch today.

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10 of the Best Virtual Reality Travel Experiences

  With the time and expense required to travel being prohibitive to many, there are alternative ways of indulging your wanderlust – including via the burgeoning world of Virtual Reality.

(Photo: Cubicle Ninjas)

There are a huge number of VR companies all vying to create ever more unique experiences for consumers – and one of the biggest growth categories has been travel. And what better time to get a taste of exploration and adventure from the comfort of your living room, equipped only with a VR headset, than now, when travel is a luxury that many just can’t stretch to? We’ve picked out 10 of the best virtual reality travel experiences currently on the market.

So which VR headset should you go for? Our favourite is the Meta Quest 3, which launched onto the market in mid-2023 and is the successor to the Meta Quest 2. For immersive games and travel experiences, we believe the Meta Quest 3 is destined to become the leading VR headset over the coming years. It’s pretty affordable, too, and unlike other headsets, doesn’t require cords or a computer. You can purchase the Meta Quest 3 at Amazon.com.

Guided Meditation VR

Developed by Cubicle Ninjas, Guided Meditation VR is designed to bring peace, joy, and calm back into your daily life by teaching you ancient meditation practices in a cutting-edge way. It features over 40 lush environments to escape the everyday, 30-plus hours of guided meditations on anxiety, depression, maternity, resilience, sleep and zen, and hundreds of hours of calming musical audio tracks to help enhance your meditation experience. Users can also customise their sessions to their own specific preferences and needs, including the option to switch into Motion mode and gently float through beautiful vistas like you would on a lazy river, leaving the worries of your life behind before returning calmer and stronger.

PRICE £10.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

Be anywhere in the world with anyone, instantly, in this captivating game developed by Wooorld Inc. Visit hundreds of cities, architectural landmarks, natural wonders, and vacation spots in incredible 3D detail, and get tips about the best places to visit, the hidden gems, where to get the best food and all the tourist traps to avoid. You can also create your own 3D avatars with face and body tracking and test your worldly knowledge by guessing where you are after being teleported to 5 random locations, with only the landscape, flora, architecture, and road signs for clues. The game can played as collaboratively as you wish, with options to explore the world with friends and meet new people, or hop into a Solo World without any distractions.

PRICE Free HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: Wooorld Inc.)

Blueplanet VR Explore

(Photo: Blueplanet VR Explore)

Highlighting sacred and fragile locations of natural beauty and cultural heritage, Blueplanet VR Explore  is a collection of remarkable places across the world. With freedom to move around and explore, the virtual reality experiences are captured in volumetric 3D with great detail and accuracy. The scenes look and feel like these places do in real life, and enable you to freely move around to enjoy and explore these remarkable, fragile, and priceless environments. Concern for the environment often comes from direct experience, and being as close as we can get to experiencing a sense of actually being there, Blueplanet can help encourage people to appreciate and protect these treasures.

PRICE £18.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

BRINK Traveler

Travel to some of the world’s most amazing natural wonders in fully immersive 3D and feel like you’re really there in this awe-inspiring game by Brink XR. Step into a scene akin to a postcard as you visit a total of 28 (with more on their way) of the most breathtaking places on Earth. In-game highlights include room-scale walkable areas in each destination, a virtual guide and assistant to learn about where you’re visiting, and the chance to shoot photos to share with friends. You can either play the game solo or with friends and family in multiplayer mode.

PRICE £11.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: BRINK XR)

National Geographic Explore VR

Created in partnership with National Geographic, a world-leading society in the fields of geography, cartography and exploration, this magical VR experience invites you to discover two of the most iconic locations on Planet Earth. Don your explorer hat and head to Antarctica for an exhilarating expedition. Navigate around icebergs in a kayak, climb a vast ice shelf and survive a snowstorm as you hunt for a lost emperor penguin colony. Visit the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru and get immersed in amazing digital reconstructions of the legendary site. Witness mummy worships, raise a cup of sacred chicha and encounter cute and furry alpacas as you match Hiram Bingham’s photographs from when he rediscovered the citadel. Be sure to take a camera as your best snaps may even make it into the prestigious National Geographic magazine.

PRICE £7.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: Force Field Entertainment B.V)

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners

Fans of the hugely popular TV blockbuster The Walking Dead can now join the world of zombies in this new VR adventure. Travel through the ruins of New Orleans as you fight, scavenge, and survive, each day unravelling another mystery lurking within the city’s historic quarters. Encounter desperate factions and lone survivors who could be friend or foe. Whether you help others or take what you want by force, every choice you make has consequences. What kind of survivor will you be for the people of NOLA? Scavenge for anything that you can; weapons, food, tools, and clues. Be wary of the living and the dead, with spatial audio drawing attention to any loud noise. Craft makeshift gear out of scrapped material; blades, guns, medicine, and more. Test your morals and make difficult choices for yourself and others. It’s all here, bringing the small screen to life in a big way.

PRICE £29.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: Skydance Interactive)

Narrated by award-winning actress Anna Friel, this trail-blazing VR series opens the door to some of the planet’s wildest environments while redefining the limits of 3D-180 cameras. Meet the humans protecting our most precious wildlife, explore the great savannahs of Kenya, discover the ancient jungles of Borneo and dive into the rich coral reefs of Raja Ampat. Encounter elephants, orangutans, manta rays and some incredible humans, all in stunning cinematic footage filmed from the air and deep into the ocean. The series was produced in partnership with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF),

(Photo: PHORIA)

The world is your oyster with this interactive, immersive VR experience that’s designed to be played by the whole family. There’s global travel and adventure in which your friends and family can join city tours, hot air balloon rides, back-country road trips, and plenty more. Or you can simply kick back and relax, practice meditation and get back to nature – all in the company of a guide or going solo, if you prefer. Other features include photo sharing, soundtracks, a range of fun games and media customisation.

(Photo: AARP Innovation Labs)

Rome Reborn: The Pantheon

Created by Flyover Zone, an American company specialising in virtual travel applications that present the world’s most important cultural heritage sites and monuments, Rome Reborn is one of five applications that present different areas of ancient Rome. This particular one transports users over the entire ancient city, focussing on the Pantheon, perhaps the best-preserved building from antiquity. In the company of two virtual guides, you’ll get to explore the exterior forecourt and interior sanctuary of the reconstructed complex as you listen and learn about the Pantheon’s design and decoration, as well as the nature of the religious cult once housed within it.

PRICE £3.99 HEADSETS Currently only available on Oculus Rift

(Photo: Flyover Zone Productions)

Monte Fitzroy is Argentina’s most famous mountain landmark and is even used as the logo for outdoor retailer, Patagonia. It is a place that immediately evokes a sense of adventure. At the foot of the mountain is a beautiful and remote glacial lake known as Laguna Sucia. Most people who visit Monte Fitzroy view it from a location that is much easier to access. Laguna Sucia requires a much tougher hard-to-access trail that culminates in one of the most beautiful and remote glacial lakes in existence. You are rewarded with a sense of almost meditative stillness as you approach this untouched natural amphitheatre. This VR experience utilises Pterovision, a 3D technology that integrates computational photography, 360 Video, and gaming and allows you to take off like a bird, fly around the lake, visit the waterfalls along the edge, and fly over glacial formations beneath the mountain peaks. Numerous narrations will tell you about the challenges we faced when filming in this location, as well as educate you about the geology, culture, and history.

PRICE $2.99 HEADSETS Currently only available on Oculus Rift 

(Photo: Specterras Productions)

Gala360 – Travel & Relax

Taking you on awe-inspiring virtual adventures across the globe, Gala360 is the result of the magic touch of an array of exceptionally talented photographers who have captured their globe-trotting trips in all their glory before being rendered into VR form. In professional 6K resolution, more than 300 tours around the world are featured, with some also including narration which allows you to listen to the stories behind the trips. Most of the tours are free, but you can pay a small fee to unlock more.

PRICE Free HEADSETS Currently only available on Oculus Go (soon available on Quest 2)

(Photo: Gala 360)

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What is Virtual Tourism and is it the Future?

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Virtual tourism is a growing trend around the world, and this was not just a knee-jerk response to the COVID pandemic, it has actually been developing behind the scenes for some time. Traditionally used predominantly as a marketing tool, virtual tourism, also known as virtual reality tourism, has become increasingly popular amongst tourism industry stakeholders in recent times. Fuelled by technological developments and Internet usage worldwide and closely linked with the concept of smart tourism , we now see virtual tourism activities in many parts of the travel and tourism industry.

But what is virtual tourism and how is it used throughout the tourism industry?

In this article I will explain what is meant by the term virtual tourism, I will discuss how the virtual tourism industry has grown and developed in recent years and I will discuss the different types of virtual tourism currently in use. I will also outline the advantages and disadvantages of virtual tourism and provide some examples of virtual tourism in practice.

Don’t want to read it all? Use the contents tab below to scroll to the bit that interests you most.

What is virtual tourism?

Definitions of virtual tourism, phase 1- marketing and promotion, phase 2- enhancing the tourism experience, phase 3- the development of virtual tourism experiences, phase 4- physical holidays are replaced with virtual experiences, phase 5- impossible adventures through virtual means, 1- try before you buy, 2- visit real places without leaving your sofa, 3- visit places of the past, 4- visit areas that are inaccessible, 5- visit areas that do not exist, #1 admire some art at the louvre, #2 visit ann frank’s house, #3 enjoy the mountain scenery at yosemite national park, #4 take a flight over a volcano, #5 learn about the royal family at buckingham palace, #6 walk the great wall of china, #7 get up close and personal with the colosseum, #8 visit the statue of liberty, #9 visit the catacombes of paris, #10 visit the holy land, #12 go diving at the great barrier reef, #13 climb mount everest, #14 travel into space, #15 go to the amazon rainforest, #16 go on a safari, #17 watch the northern lights, #18 visit giant’s causeway, #19 explore argentinian patagonia, #20 fly over the skies of paris, #21 do the inca trail, #22 admire the marine life at georgia aquarium, #23 party in ibiza, #24 take an archeological tour of the grand canyon, #25 take to the clouds in a hot air balloon, 1- virtual tourism is good for the environment, 2- virtual tourism provides freedom and flexibility, 3- virtual tourism costs less, 4- virtual tourism can stimulate physical tourism, 1- virtual tourism is not accessible to all, 2- virtual tourism does not provide the economic advantages that traditional tourism does, 3- virtual tourism has limited social interaction, virtual tourism: to conclude, virtual tourism: further reading.

Virtual tourism is essentially a hybrid concept- it combines both the notions of virtual reality and tourism. In essence, virtual tourism facilitates a tourism experience, without actually having to travel anywhere.

Virtual tourism takes many different forms and comes in vary degrees of technological capability.

In its simplest form, virtual tourism may comprise of a video of a tourism destination. The ‘tourist’ watches the video, utilising their hearing and sight senses.

More sophisticated forms of virtual tourism include being immersed in an environment through use of a headset or simulator. It may involve use of various props, users may be required to wear gloves and there may be additional sensations such as movement (like in a rollercoaster simulator), feeling (for example if the user is sprayed with water ) and smell.

Virtual tourism covers a broad spectrum of digitally mediated reality, which includes virtual reality, as well as mixed reality and augmented reality.

In fact, the growth of virtual activities expands far beyond the reach of the tourism industry. People are now buying houses without actually seeing them in person, having felt that a virtual tour was sufficient. People are visiting museums via virtual tours and teachers are using virtual realities to enhance the educational experience of their students.

Virtual reality has very much become ingrained in everyday life.

In the tourism industry, virtual reality (VR) has been most commonly used as a marketing tool. Destination Management Organisations (DMOs), tour operators and tourist attractions have been using VR as a means of promoting for some time now; hoping that the VR experience will entice tourists and bring in new business.

We have also seen a growing popularity in the use of VR as an additionality to physical tourism experiences. At a theme park, for example, there may be a mix of actual rides and virtual rides. Museums will also often enhance their exhibitions with virtual presentations and activities.

However, we have also seen a growth in VR as an alternative to physical experiences.

The recent Coronavirus outbreak has resulted in the world largely coming to a halt, immobilising the tourism industry almost completely. With many people confined to their homes and travel and tourism businesses closed, people have turned to the next best alternative- virtual tourism.

A range of media can be used to facilitate a virtual experience, such as mobile devices or software programmes.

To begin, it is important to differentiate between the terms virtual experience (VE) and virtual reality (VR).

According to Steur (1992), a virtual experience is essentially a human experience, which makes use of technology, as opposed to being a technological hard-ware experience.

In contrast, virtual reality refers to a simulation or representation of a particular environment using media (Cho, 2002).

Cho et al. (2002) define a virtual experience as:

‘The experience in the virtual environment using a computer-mediated environment and is based upon the concept of telepresence’

Shih (1998) expanded on this, describing a virtual experience as:

‘The extent to which consumers feel their existence in the virtual space’ .

Others (e.g. Steuer, 1992; Kim and Biocca, 1997) use the term telepresence and virtual experience interchangeably.

Steuer (1992) describes telepresence as:

‘The experience of presence in an environment by means of a communication medium’

Whilst Shih (1998) describes it as:

‘An illusion of ‘being there’ in a mediated environment’

The nature of precisely what makes up a virtual experience is continuously evolving with technological advancements around the globe.

Whilst there are academic studies surrounding the notion of VR and VE in general, there are few that have honed in on the concept of virtual experiences within tourism. As such, there is no universally accepted definition of the term virtual tourism.

Rather, virtual tourism is a term that encapsulates the broad spectrum of virtual experiences available in the tourism sector ; from watching a promotional video through to an interactive museum experience to experiencing an entire holiday through virtual means in a style similar to the computer programme Second Life or the film Avatar .

For the purposes of definition, therefore, I will define the term virtual tourism as follows:

‘Virtual tourism is the use of technology to artificially enhance or create a tourism experience.’

The growth of virtual tourism

The tourism industry has seen a slow but steady growth in the use of virtual reality throughout recent years. A report by Research and Markets published in 2019 suggested that the tourism industry would see strong growth in virtual tourism in the coming years.

Nobody, however, could have predicted that the tourism industry would come almost to a complete halt the world over as a result of the Coronavirus. This has radically fuelled both the development of and demand for virtual tourism forms. Whether in periods of lockdown or due to fear of travelling post-epidemic, there is surely a demand for a tourism product that only a few months before was unknown to much of the population . This is demonstrated in the graph below which demonstrates the increase in search terms relevant to virtual tourism in 2020, when the COVID pandemic begun.

I wasn’t able to find a great deal online about the growth and development of the virtual tourism industry, so I took it upon myself to develop an infographic highlighting the main phases of development. I will explain this below.

To begin with, tourism industry stakeholders, namely destination management organisations (DMOs), tour operators and others operating in the marketing sphere, used virtual tourism as a marketing tool.

Virtual evidence of how wonderful the holiday or tourist experiences would be would lull in visitors much easier than the traditional methods of holiday brochures, guidebooks or even websites.

Seeing and hearing an experience is a great way to convince and to tempt someone to a person to pull out their credit card as they eagerly anticipate the ‘real deal’.

Marketing and promotion was the start of the development of the virtual tourism industry.

Recent years have seen a growing number of tourism businesses adopt virtual technologies as a means of enhancing the tourism experience.

From the introduction of 5D rides at theme parks to sensory activities being implemented at museums, a range of tourist attractions have seen enhanced visitor satisfaction after introducing virtual tourism.

In recent years we have seen a range of virtual tourism experiences being developed. Whilst these do vary in theme and technological capabilities, they usually rely on the premise that they will provide the user with an artificial tourism experience.

Typically, these virtual tourism experiences will condense an experience to include only the highlights or the ‘best bits’. For example, a 5 hour safari may be shortened to a few minutes, cutting out all of the time that the tourist would usually spend searching for wildlife and including only the actual wildlife sightings.

Whilst these types of virtual tourism experiences have been on the cards for a while, they did not really begin to receive recognition until the 2020 Coronavirus outbreak; which introduced a period of time when many people were turning to virtual tourism as a result of lockdowns, quarantines and periods of isolation.

The virtual tourism industry really began to boom during the 2020 Coronavirus outbreak. Travel-lovers the world over desperate for an experience that might replicate the holiday that they were forced to cancel or the trip that they longed to take began to pursue alternative ways to take their holiday.

Despite the initial outlook being that virtual holidays would be unlikely to ever replace physical holidays, the tourism industry was radically transformed almost overnight.

During this time a large number of tech companies began to work alongside tourism industry stakeholders to develop innovative tourism approaches that could be utilised in the current climate.

Once the epidemic is over and the traditional tourism industry can function once more, it is anticipated that the demand for virtual tourism in this way will dramatically decline. However, there will likely be a new receptiveness and willingness to undertake virtual tourism in ways that cannot be physically achieved.

It is likely that the future of the virtual tourism industry will see people seeking impossible adventures through virtual means.

An ‘impossible adventure’ could be a person visiting a destination virtually because they do not have the funds to do so physically, or a person who cannot swim undertaking deep-sea diving, for example.

An impossible adventure could also include experiences that are currently available to the human race, such as flying above your favourite city or walking on the moon.

Throughout all of this, there is a significant reliance on technology, and indeed- there is a direct correlation between the growth of the virtual tourism industry and global technological capabilities.

I cover lots more on tourism and technology in my post- Smart Tourism Explained: What, Why and Where . Why not take a look?

Types of virtual tourism

Virtual tourism comes in many different shapes and sizes. Some forms of virtual tourism require little more than a computer or a smart device, whereas others have a complex setup of technologies. There are five main types of virtual tourism, outlined below.

As I mentioned previously, in its early form virtual tourism focussed around the concept of marketing. Virtual reality and virtual experience software allows potentially customers to ‘try before they buy’.

This form of marketing as been proven to be very successful, thus many tourism-based organisations have actively pursued and developed forms of VR marketing.

Using virtual tourism as a marketing tool is particularly useful when the cost of the product or service being sold is high. For example, British Airways developed a virtual tour of their business class only aircraft operating between London City Airport and New York. This allows potential customers to trail out the service and to explore the aircraft prior to committing to pay for the ticket.

You can read more about the A318 LCY-JFK virtual tour here.

Google earth has really been a game-changer in the realms of virtual tourism.

Google Earth allows you to explore areas throughout the world at the touch of a button. Whether you want to take a look at the street down the road of see the Pyramids of Giza, almost every part of the world is now documented by the Google camera.

Many organisations will adopt similar principles, whereby you can use software to virtually tour a specified area. This could be a house, a forest or a tourist attraction, for example.

One of the great technological feats of virtual tourism is the ability to recreate destinations or attractions from the past.

Using current images alongside computer generation projections, developers are able to design software which allows tourists to experience types of tourism that are no longer available. Some programmes allow users to toggle the time and transport themselves to any time or place that they wish.

It’s not only tourism operators who are developing such software either. The University of Reading has developed a course that is free for anyone to sign up to. The course is run by Dr Matthew Nicholls, using his detailed and award-winning 3D digital model of the city.

You can find more information and sign up here .

There are many parts of the world that are off-limits. This could be because we cannot afford to travel there, because they are in remote locations or because the area is closed off entirely to visitors.

However, with the advent of virtual tourism, there is no part of the world that is inaccessible any longer!

If there is a place that you have been dying to visit, but have been unable to- trying Googling it- because there may well be a virtual tour that you can take instead.

The final type of virtual tourism, and one that is yet to really take off- it is the ability to visit areas that do not actually exist.

Second Life  is the most well-known platform offering this type of virtual tourism. It is effectively an online world in which you are able to create a virtual representation of yourself, called an avatar, and connect with various places and people.

Virtual tourism examples: Inspiration for your next virtual trip

Now that you understand the concept of virtual tourism, you may well be tempted to take a virtual trip yourself!

Whether you are teaching a class full of children about the insects in the Amazon jungle, interested in learning about the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia or want to spot animals from a safari jeep in Tanzania at sunrise, there is a virtual tour out there for you. Here are some of my favourites.

This virtual museum tour allows you to explore the Egyptian Antiquities, the remains of the Louvre’s Moat, and the Galerie d’Apollon. Here you can see famous artworks such as the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Virgin of the Rocks, The Coronation of Napoleon, and many more.

During my visit to Amsterdam in 2012, visiting Ann Frank’s house was a highlight. These day though, there is no need to travel all the way to The Netherlands for this experience as they offer a comprehensive virtual tour .

On the Virtual Yosemite website you can experience the iconic natural features of the national park like Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, and Half Dome. You can also walk through the densely forested areas and visit at Yosemite Falls, which is the highest waterfall in North America. 

This unique virtual tour allows you to experience what it is like to fly over an active volcano in Hawaii. You can appreciate the volcanic scenery from above and see the after effects of the 1959 eruption. There is also a pretty cool lava tube that you can explore virtually too.

Buckingham Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United Kingdom, and for good reason. But if you can’t physically visit the palace that doesn’t mean that you have to miss out. This virtual tour allows you to experience the Grand Staircase, White Drawing Room, the Throne Room and the Blue Drawing Room.

Walking the Great Wall of China is on many people’s bucket list. Well now it can be done easier than ever before with this virtual tour which was developed during the Coronavirus crisis.

You can see the magnificent Roman ruins using a 360 degree tour provided by Google. Take your time to explore from the comfort of your sofa.

Whether you want to relive a previous visit to the Statue of Liberty, or you want to visit for the first time, this virtual tour is a great way to go. You can learn all about the Statue of Liberty through 360-degree tours, videos, and photographs.

If dark tourism is your thing, then a virtual tour of the Catacombes in Paris might take your interest. This tour takes you through the 11000m2 area whilst teaching you about the geology and the quarries, the architecture and the ossuary.

Having previously travelled to the most important religious spots in Christianity, I can assure you that this virtual tour really does do the area justice. Here you can explore Mount Nebo, the Wailing Wall , the Sea of Galilee , the Church of Flagellation, the Tomb of the Virgin and the Resurrection Tomb of Jesus amongst others.

The Great Barrier Reef has suffered at the hands of the tourism industry in recent years, with the environmental impacts of tourism causing the reef to reduce in size and adversely affect the marine life and ecosystems surrounding it. One solution to this is to swap a physical dive for a virtual one. This virtual tour of Wilson Island is both fascinating and enjoyable.

Ever since I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro , I have wanted to conquer Everest! With two very small children at home, it’s not on the cards just yet though. Fortunately, this interactive 3D map can provide me with my mountain climbing fix for now!

New virtual reality tours from NASA bring your space tourism dreams to life! Based on what limited data is available to scientists through their observations, these tours take you a range of planets including Kepler-16b and TRAPPIST-1e.

The Amazon Rainforest is home to a unique and diverse range of biodiversity. You can learn all about the flora and fauna of the area on this comprehensive virtual tourism platform . This is especially well-suited to classroom-based activities and children due to its design.

WildEarth’s safariLIVE is an award winning, expert hosted LIVE safari, broadcast directly from the African wilderness into your home. You might have to get up at 5am, but this is about as authentic as it gets without being out in the bush yourself!

I’ve visited Iceland twice on on both occasions I was disappointed not to see the Northern Lights. Fortunately, you are guaranteed a good show with this virtual reality software . Dim the lights and pour yourself a drink and enjoy the show.

Visit the remarkable landscape of Giant’s Causeway without the wet and windy weather conditions burins these series of virtual tours developed by the National Trust.

The Perito Moreno glacier covers 97 square miles of Los Glaciares national park and it is fed by the melting waters of the south Patagonian ice fields in the Andes . These interactive images allow you to explore this marvel of nature at your own pace from the comfort of your computer screen. There is also a great video tour, as shown below.

This brand new attraction enables tourists to experience a unique virtual reality attraction. Tourists visit Paris from the sky with a jetpack, taking in real-life 360° views of monuments and scenery as they go.

You Visit have developed this impressive virtual tour of Macchu Picchu which provides tourists with a 360-degree views of the ruins of Inca settlements and lush green landscapes. It also provides the opportunity to virtually visit the popular vantage points and learn more about the history of the Inca settlement.

Through the use of webcams and live streaming software, you can watch the marine life at Georgia Aquarium in real time . The aquarium has over 50 species ranging from sea lions to underwater puffins and is great for those interested in fish and for children.

Ushuaïa Ibiza is an open-air club on the party Island of Ibiza. During the Coronavirus lockdown period they have launched a number of #StayAtHomeSessions. These feature a stream of some of 2019’s best DJ sets, encouraging people to collectively party from home. For more information and to see other planned events visit their Facebook page .

Learn all about the formation of this remarkable natural attraction through this virtual reality tour developed by the National Park Service.

You can now fly over your favourite destination in a hot air balloon with this virtual hot air balloon ride. It even had a real basket!

Advantages of virtual tourism

Virtual tourism has its advantages both for the tourism industry and for the tourist. Here are the main advantages of virtual tourism that I have identified.

One of the great things about virtual tourism is that is has very little impact of the environment. The industry is known for its negative environmental impacts of tourism , however these are minimised tenfold if the tourist does not actually travel!

Virtual tourism means less CO2 emissions from transport, less litter, less damage to flora and fauna and less disruption to natural ecology and wildlife.

It also means there are less negative social impacts of tourism too.

When undertaking a virtual experience you often have more flexibility.

Going on safari in Africa? If it’s a virtual safari you don’t need to change out of your pyjamas. Sitting out at night to watch the Northern Lights in Norway? No need to worry about wrapping up warm, just put the heating on in your house.

Many virtual trips can be taken at your leisure according to your preferred time schedule too.

Whilst you do need access to a computer, smart device etc, the total cost of undertaking a virtual trip is far less than if you were to take a physical trip. In fact, many virtual tourism activities are actually free of charge!

Because virtual tourism is often used as a marketing tool, it has the potential to stimulate actual tourism. This means that a person may purchase a flight or book a hotel because they have experienced it virtually first.

Disadvantages of virtual tourism

Whilst virtual tourism is becoming quite a trend, it is not perfect. Here are some of the main disadvantages of virtual tourism.

Not everybody has access to the digital devices that are required to undertake virtual tourism.

Additionally, many parts of the world do not have adequate wifi connections to support this type of tourism. This isn’t limited to developing countries either- I often struggle with my Internet connection in the UK!

Whilst an advantage of virtual tourism is that it does not require much money to be spent, this is also a disadvantage.

Traditional types of tourism are hailed for brining money into the host destination. In fact, the economic benefits of tourism is the main reason that tourism is developed in many areas.

One of the most obvious disadvantages of virtual tourism is that is involves limited social interaction.

For some people, this might be what they are looking for, but others seek company and kinship during their leisure time.

Virtual tourism has been growing and developing as an industry in parallel to technological advancements and the use of smart tourism in recent years. However, the Coronavirus outbreak and subsequent social isolation has really fuelled the growth of this industry.

As we can see, there are now a wide range of virtual opportunities for those who are interested, from visiting a museum to climbing a mountain. With this comes some advantages and some disadvantages of virtual tourism.

All in all though, this is an industry that has experienced unexpected and unprecedented growth and it is worthy of additional academic research in order to allow us to thoroughly understanding this innovative tourism sector.

Here are some texts that are worth consulting if you are interested in doing some more research into virtual tourism.

• Niche Tourism – Addresses a range of tourism niches and the niche tourism industry as a macro and micro.
• Information and Communication Technologies for Sustainable Tourism – Looks at the use of ICT in the tourism industry with some focus on virtual tourism practices.
• Drive Tourism: Trends and Emerging Markets – A text addressing the concept of drive tourism with some focus on virtual drive tourism.
• From hype to value. Virtual Reality Tools in the Tourism Industry and their Influence on Booking Behaviour – A research paper examining the effect of VR exposure on the booking decision process, specifically on the purchasing probability, the speed of decision-making and turnover.

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Virtual reality tourism ready for takeoff as travellers remain grounded

Experts say pandemic could provide watershed moment for technology, potentially leading to more sustainable tourism

With globe-trotting banned in the pandemic, increasing numbers of people are turning to virtual reality to relieve pent-up demand for travel.

Escapism from the sofa through a growing range of VR travel experiences is whetting appetites for post-pandemic holidays and could be a watershed moment for the technology in tourism, say analysts.

“As long as the pandemic increases and we are spending more time indoors, we should see adoption keep on growing,” said Ralph Hollister, a tourism analyst at Global Data and the author of a recent report on VR in tourism.

Oculus launched its Quest 2 headset in October and the most popular experiences include National Geographic VR, which takes users to places such as Antarctica – where they can navigate icebergs in a kayak, climb an ice shelf and survive a raging snowstorm as they search for a lost emperor penguin colony.

Another app, Wander, can teleport VR travellers from the pyramids of Egypt to the gardens of the Taj Mahal, while Alcove offers immersive experiences from hot air balloon rides to city tours.

When We Stayed Home takes travellers to the heart of Paris, Venice, Jerusalem and Tokyo as they largely are today. Through the eyes of a local, you can witness the calm, the beauty and the emptiness of a places on pause during April 2020.

“In this time of social distancing, people are looking for different ways to stay entertained, connected and active, and VR offers that,” said an Oculus spokesperson. “Whether you want to transport yourself to different places in the world, play with friends, get fit or just hang out together and feel like you’re in the same room, people are realising they can with VR.”

One prominent adopter of pandemic VR is Germany’s national tourist board, which has unveiled a number of immersive projects. The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation is using VR to showcase experiences such as beach yoga and snorkelling.

Hollister said VR was still seen as a gimmick. “It remains to be seen if increased usage will last beyond when meaningful travel resumes.” But he believes it could.

“I think the increase will be sustained, especially with the Gen Z and millennials in coming years, as they move into higher-paid jobs, and marketers take them more seriously as a consumer group. They will not feel alienated by the technology,” he said.

Currently, VR is used in the pre-trip “dreamer” stage in tourism, with people looking at where they might want to go. Among the tourist operator Kuoni’s offerings, potential customers can take a 360-degree tour of the upmarket Sandy Lane luxury resort in Barbados.

Hollister predicts that in the future people could use VR to book trips directly, as well as choosing seats on planes and hotel rooms with a click of the controller.

“A lot of travellers and consumers want a seamless experience, to go from looking to booking with minimal clicks, instant gratification and saving as much time as possible,” he said.

It has its limitations. ‘Tourism is also about touch, taste, smell, all those other sensory experiences, which is something VR cannot do,” he said. The price of high-quality headsets restricts access too.

But as the world seeks more sustainable tourism, Hollister said VR also offered a solution. As historic sites are damaged through mass tourism, recreating them in VR could help conserve them.

So this could be a watershed moment for VR and travel. “Everyone will be analysing that and working out its real worth to the industry,” he said.

‘More immersive than I could have imagined’

Angel Ross hoped to be travelling this year – and he has. He’s been cage diving with white sharks, kayaked in Antarctica and played poker in China – all virtually.

Ross, who works for a London-based marketing firm, invested in an Oculus Quest 2 in January to satisfy his wanderlust after finding himself “stuck at home with the winter getting a bit depressing”.

He said: “I love travelling. I am 22 and these are the years when I have been wanting to do a lot of things, and obviously can’t do anything right now. I love the ocean and I love snorkelling. On the Oculus you can dive with all these different animals, and it’s super immersive and realistic.

“There’s a great white shark, you can get in a cage and it comes up to you. It was pretty terrifying but amazing. Then there’s more friendly animals like dolphins you can play with. I’ve done all of them, pretty much.”

To make it more inclusive, he can cast what he is seeing on to his computer or TV to share with friends. “You feel quite disorientated when you come out, because you are really tricking your brain to think you are there,” he said.

On the National Geographic VR app, he went on an Antarctic adventure. “I saw whales, I was in a kayak and you can climb an ice shelf. You really feel like you are walking and moving and going somewhere. All your senses – obviously not smell and touch – feel they are being completely absorbed.

“I am a big poker player, with friends and not for money. And the poker on there is incredible. You can go to all these different locations. And one is this Chinese rooftop garden pool. Really cool.”

He has also been rock climbing in the Alps, “which is super realistic – you chalk your hands and you can look around and see the drop. Pretty insane.”

On YouTube VR he went in a drone up to 40,000ft to see the curvature of the Earth. “It’s even more immersive than I could have imagined. One hundred per cent,” he said .

“Because it’s so immersive and intense, you can’t sit on it for hours on end. You need breaks. So you can have an intense, fun experience and do so many different things, invigorate your senses. And then you just stop, have a break. And you don’t need that constant fix.”

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How virtual tourism can rebuild travel for a post-pandemic world

The Faroe Islands is just one destination using new technologies to create a virtual tourism experience Image:  Knud Erik Vinding/Pixabay

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Stay up to date:, travel and tourism.

• The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the travel and tourism industries;
• Businesses in this sector must build infrastructure and practices that allow people to travel safely in a post-pandemic world and support local communities that benefit from tourism;
• Augmented, virtual and mixed reality technologies can offer alternative ways to travel the world and an exciting new model for the industry.

The tourism industry has hit a nadir owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will continue to feel the effects for at least the first three quarters of 2021 – according to a recent UN report , tourist arrivals globally in January 2021 were down 87% when compared to January 2020.

Travel will prevail over post-pandemic anxiety, making it incumbent on the aviation and tourism industry to build safer infrastructure and practices that take care of travellers’ well being.

Have you read?

International tourism is set to plunge by 80% this year – but some regions could recover more quickly, how global tourism can become more sustainable, inclusive and resilient, virtual reality adds to tourism through touch, smell and real people’s experiences.

After a year thwarted by the pandemic and with the future not looking too upbeat for the industry at this juncture, tourism business owners should look at alternative modes of interaction for holidaymakers that can also aid the people and economies who depend on tourism.

The COVID-19 pandemic has noticeably hastened the testing and rollout of forward-looking technologies. Technology has not only enabled citizens globally to interact with loved ones, but also helped industries such as healthcare, information technology, education and many more to work remotely.

In the last few decades, technology has helped travel and tourism industries increase their reach through travel booking websites, videos, blogs and travel photography. Digital tools and content are a vital source of information for vacationists organizing their next holiday or creating a destination wish list. Whilst remote or virtual tourism has been a futuristic theme within industry forums for some time, the world today, shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, might now be ready to accept it.

A human-centric design that draws insights from cognitive behaviour, social psychology, neuroscience and behavioural economics applied with cutting edge technologies such as augmented, virtual or mixed reality (AR, VR, MR) could be a game-changer. AR, VR and MR can enable a seamless, uninterrupted interactive experience for viewers from their own private space. The design principles will create a frictionless digital user experience and construct a positive perception of a tourist destination.

There have been previous attempts to achieve this feat: if you are an aqua sightseer, you might be aware of a documentary exploring the Great Barrier Reef . Through an interactive website, one can view the clear, tranquil currents of the Pacific Ocean and the biodiversity of the reef, and experience the sounds of a healthy coral reef. Another much-discussed VR experience is Mission 828 which allows you to take a virtual parachute jump from the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The Official Tourist Board of the Faroe Islands has also crafted a virtual experience to entice post-pandemic visitors from across the world.

Imagine a human-centric designed, interactive space online that makes a destination accessible and so real for a sightseer with sound captured by electro-acoustics researchers. You could view holiday sites in a video or through self-navigation using voice or joystick controls, interact with people using video-calling platforms, travel through the streets of said location, eavesdrop on local music and much more. This could be stitched together in a single platform individually or in silos on the internet and further enhanced by setting up physical experience tourism centres locally. Such a setup would allow tourist guides, artisans, craftspeople, hoteliers and transport business to create their own digital and virtual offerings and interact with possible customers.

Here’s how it might look: a vacationer starts their experience from the time their flight commences. The plane descends to the destination runway and pictures of the vicinity from the aircraft window pane are captured. The airport signage welcomes passengers and directs them to a pre-booked taxi. The vacationer gets to choose their first destination and travels through the streets in a chauffeur-driven car whose interactions en route become part of their cherished memories. On arrival, a tourist guide walks you through the destination all controlled with just a tap on your gadget. During the sightseeing, you hear random people speaking, posing for photographs and more. You take a photo to post on social media, go shopping and negotiate with a local vendor to purchase an artwork and get it delivered to your door. You learn how a local dish is prepared and get familiar with local customs.

A virtual platform could even provide an opportunity for people to explore areas that are affected by or fighting terrorism. For example, imagine seeing the diverse wildlife and snow leopard of the Gurez Valley, in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It doesn’t stop there: if thought through, one could experience travelling to the South Pole, space and beyond. It could also serve as a learning portal for students to understand geographies, culture, art and history.

With technology improving lives globally, virtual tourism could reignite the tourism industry and its people and help build a more sustainable economic model. As a human-centric platform, it can establish local tourist guides, artisans and others as global citizens in the tourism industry.

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Tourism in the metaverse: Can travel go virtual?

Imagine a future where your travel choices have no geographic constraints. Where you can join your friends in the front row of a concert by your favorite star—but the crowd is 300 million strong, your friends are on the other side of the world, and it’s all happening at the Great Pyramid of Giza. Later you’ll do some shopping at the virtual souk and take a digital Nile cruise, before teleporting back home in an instant.

Impossible? Or a tempting package trip that might soon be available from the comfort of your home? With the internet’s rapid evolution, many see this vision of transformed travel on the horizon—in the metaverse. Others caution that this future might take a little longer to arrive, and that travelers resist “metaversification” of key parts of the tourism journey.

The metaverse is seen as the next evolution of the internet—a collective space where physical and digital worlds converge to deliver more immersive, interactive virtual- or augmented-reality (VR/AR) user experiences, often referred to together as extended reality (XR). The underlying technology for this exists and is proving relatively cheap and fast to implement. Driven largely by inspirational advertising and virtual events, the potential rewards for the travel industry are already substantial: more than $20 billion by 2030, by McKinsey estimates.

This has potential to revolutionize the way we explore new worlds: already, you can attend concerts, shop, test products, visit attractions, and take workshops, all without physically traveling anywhere. Currently, the user demographic trends very young, but it’s crucial for the tourism sector to appeal to this segment. 1 Hristina Nikolovska, “Metaverse Statistics to Prepare You for the Future,” February 16, 2023. After all, these are the travelers of the future—and players not keeping pace with their interests will lose out.

But does XR live up to all the hype—with appeal beyond a gamer demographic? A virtual trip can never replace the thrill of certain tangible, real-word experiences, and some traveler touchpoints have proved more ripe for disruption than others.

Despite these hesitations, the XR ecosystem is maturing at pace. Immersive VR/AR devices may well follow the steep adoption curves of laptops and smartphones. Widespread use could lead to a radical extension of the global economy from physical into virtual life, not least in tourism.

So how does a tourism player go about monetizing this virtual paradigm, which is still taking shape and many struggle to define? It’s time for the sector to take a serious look at these complex opportunities—and figure out what best drives traction in the new XR universe.

Touring the metaverse: early trends

The metaverse could enrich the tourism experience in countless unprecedented, innovative ways—but which use cases have the most potential, and which are still deemed risky? Early adopters have already started experimenting, and several trends have emerged. Virtual elements can be layered onto an established business:

• In the wake of the fire that damaged the famous cathedral in 2019, French start-up Histovery produced an augmented exhibition on the history of Notre-Dame de Paris—motivated in part by an increased awareness of the fragility of physical landmarks. To navigate the exhibition, each visitor uses a “HistoPad” touch screen to take an immersive tour that allows interaction with physical elements: giant photographs, 3-D models of statues, replica flooring and stained glass, and audio of Notre-Dame’s organs and bells. Effects include animation and a virtual scavenger hunt for younger visitors. 2 “Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition,” National Building Museum, April 2022.
• In December 2021, faced with record staff turnover, MGM Resorts International decided to apply a virtual solution. In partnership with immersive platform provider Strivr, MGM developed VR headsets that give aspirant front-of-house staff a realistic sense of what working at MGM casinos and hotels entails. The training package was rolled out at the company’s properties in 2022. It’s designed to speed up onboarding and upskilling, increase employee confidence, and familiarize potential hires with MGM procedures and culture. 3 Grace Dean, “MGM Resorts is letting job seekers try out roles using virtual reality as it looks to reduce employee churn,” Business Insider, December 12, 2021; Phil Albinus, “Rising Star goes all in on VR talent marketplace for MGM Resorts,” Human Resource Executive, June 14, 2022; “4 Examples of Strivr Virtual Reality Training,” Strivr.com.

Other virtual platforms allow visitors to explore major global landmarks, incorporating rich edutainment and retail opportunities. Several such initiatives have been launched:

• Responding to pandemic travel restrictions, ZEPETO World is a smartphone app that allows users to create personal avatars and travel around Korea. For example, the tour includes a highly detailed interactive map of Han River Park; this feature gets almost 257,000 visitors a day. Users are also able to communicate with each other, shop, and watch performances. ZEPETO World has approximately 190 million members. 4 Majid Mushtaq, “Korea Virtual Travel with ZEPETO World,” KoreabyMe, September 6, 2021.
• The BCB Group—a leading crypto banking group—has created a metaverse city that includes representations of some of the most visited destinations in the world, such as the Great Wall of China and the Statue of Liberty. According to BCB, the total cost of flights, transfers, and entry for all these landmarks would come to $7,600—while a virtual trip would cost just over $2. 5 “What impact can the Metaverse have on the travel industry?” Middle East Economy , July 29, 2022.
• Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) recently announced that the ancient city of Hegra had entered the metaverse, in line with a national program to drive technological transformation and innovation. It is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site to be placed in the metaverse, allowing digital tourists to explore the surroundings as well as Hegra’s Tomb of Lihyan son of Kuza. 6 Divsha Bhat, “Saudi’s Royal Commission for AlUla enters the metaverse,” Gulf Business , November 15, 2022; “Vision 2030,” The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; “Saudi Arabia’s AlUla enters the metaverse,” Arabian Business , November 14, 2022; One Carlo Diaz, “Hegra’s Tomb of Lihyan in AlUla is recreated in the metaverse,” NTravel, November 7, 2022.

Instead of attempting to replicate real-world experiences, entirely novel environments can also be created, convening people in a single immersive space—as in multiplayer online games. (Indeed, many people currently associate the metaverse largely with games.) The travel industry can harness this utility too.

This is particularly relevant to the meeting, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector, with virtual gatherings, exhibitions, and trade fairs looking to become mainstream. These allow people to gather and take part in activities in the same immersive space, while connecting from anywhere. This dramatically reduces travel, venue, catering, and other costs, while avoiding setbacks like adverse weather conditions or disease scares. For example, one Japanese start-up recently held a virtual market that attracted a wide response, with around 60 well-known companies participating. 7 “Metaverse x MICE; 3D virtual world that will transform MICE industry in the future,” Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau.

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What areas of tourism show promise.

As innovative formats become more mainstream, new economic models are emerging. The travel experience of the future will not be exclusively online or offline. Instead, we’ll most likely see a proliferation of hybrid offerings, with virtual events, edutainment, and inspiration combined with physical destinations.

One way to grapple with this complexity is to adopt a traveler-first mindset. By putting themselves in the shoes (or bedroom slippers) of their target tourist, travel companies can identify opportunities to embed relevant virtual elements.

Individual touchpoints, not end-to-end offerings

Virtual experiences that show promise are focused on a few specific, discrete steps in the end-to-end traveler journey (exhibit). Which touchpoints can be most effectively disrupted? Which hold the greatest possibilities for integration? Which steps can be elevated by an immersive element, allowing for exhilarating, fantastical or deluxe experiences not available in the physical world? Three touchpoints show great potential: travel inspiration, virtual events and visitor support.

Inspiration and planning: The metaverse creates a $13 billion opportunity for tourism inspiration, mostly driven by digital travel advertising. Virtual spaces—which can be used to showcase hotel amenities, airline classes, or an entire landmark—spark the desire to travel, give a holistic idea of a destination, help in traveler decision-making, showcase broader offerings, and raise awareness of unfamiliar locations. The case studies of AlUla and ZEPETO demonstrate how this can work. Qatar Airways offers another example: a recently launched VR experience called QVerse allows travelers to view cabin interiors, the business-class QSuite, and the VIP check-in area at Hamad International Airport. 8 Rose Dykins, “Qatar Airways creates virtual reality ‘QVerse’ experience,” Globetrender, June 13, 2022.

Leisure and entertainment: Live streaming soared during the pandemic, followed by a wave of interest in virtual concerts—with significant increases in consumer demand, spend, and audience numbers. 9 John Koetsier, “Virtual Events Up 1000% Since COVID-19, With 52,000 On Just One Platform,” May 27, 2020. In 2020, the metaverse accounted for 0.1 percent of live-music revenues—a figure which rose more than tenfold by 2021. By 2030, we estimate that virtual events could account for up to 20 percent of revenues, driven in part by their capacity to accommodate huge audience numbers at reduced cost.

Ariana Grande leads the way into the music future

In August 2021, Epic Games launched its latest Fortnite event, the Rift Tour, starring Grammy-winning artist Ariana Grande. 1 Isamu Nishijima, “Ariana Grande x Fortnite Rift Tour: The Apogee of Pop Culture or Just the Beginning?”, Headline Asia Publication , Aug 30, 2021. It was a match made in heaven: Fortnite, a wildly popular battle-royale game with then around 350 million registered users, and Ariana Grande, a universally adored pop artist. 2 Emi La Capra, “The Metaverse Concerts: Where Online Games and Music Performances Meet,” Alexandria , 2022. One of the first of such Fortnite collaborations, this was particularly significant: the first time Ariana Grande had performed in nearly two years, and the first concert to allow attendees to participate in minigames.

The concert was an acclaimed success. The Rift Tour was viewed by as many as 78 million players (compared to average conventional concert attendance of under 15,000); the number of streams of Grande’s songs rose by up to 123 percent during the concert, and other featured artists also saw a streaming boost. 3 Maggie Klaers, “PCP: Concert attendance,” SLP Echo, April 29, 2022. While a traditional concert by a top North American performer might rake in less than $1 million, it’s estimated that Grande made more than $20 million from her headline performance—which may be remembered as a critical inflection point for the live-entertainment industry. 4 Bob Allen, “Concert Industry Roars Back! Pollstar 2022 Mid-Year Report,” Pollstar, June 24, 2022.

With top artists generating around $20 million per metaverse concert, this industry has an anticipated income potential of upwards of $800 million by 2025, according to McKinsey estimates (see sidebar, “Ariana Grande leads the way into the music future”). Taken together with XR MICE, this sector is a rich opportunity: an expected $7 billion by 2030.

Visitor support: Some destinations have been exploring the idea of virtual concierges to support travelers at every stage of the journey with real-time itineraries, information, troubleshooting, visa issues, and more. Qatar Airways, for example, provides a MetaHuman cabin crew for an interactive customer experience. Immersive use cases already account for over 1 percent of chatbot investment, and this is expected to increase. Still, it may be several years before this touchpoint gains real traction.

Then there are touchpoints where the disruption potential of the metaverse is still debatable, or where opportunities may take longer to mature:

• Shopping: Multiple stores could be built in virtual destinations, adding a revenue stream with the sale of accessories, souvenirs and other items. These might be digital, or goods to be shipped in the real world. Iconic real-life stores might also operate as digital recreations.
• Booking: Customers are already comfortable with online booking, so a shift to XR interactions with virtual travel agents could be seamless. However, this is a relatively small business opportunity, with uncertain added value: the new technology is not expected to change or boost the functionality of current booking processes in any fundamental way.

There is currently limited interest in adding virtual elements to aspects of travel that are necessarily physical, such as mobility, accommodation, the logistics of arrival and departure, and food and drink (F&B).

Mobility is currently expected to have very limited XR use cases: tourists may access a metaverse experience while in a taxi, but are unlikely to replace physical with virtual mobility. The “stay” category is similarly sized. While people may wish to explore virtual stays in hotels or on cruise ships, these will not yet replace actual stays. Hotel developer CitizenM, for example, has announced plans to build a hotel in gaming world The Sandbox, allowing virtual visitors to explore the digital property and raise awareness of its brand. 10 Cajsa Carlson, “CitizenM to become ‘first hospitality company to build in the metaverse’,” dezeen, April 7, 2022.

Similarly, arrival-and-departure use cases are largely limited to customers seeking XR versions of modes of transport, such as business-class flights or special railway routes, without intending to visit. (Such experiences may serve as “portals” to expanded immersive worlds, however.) The F&B industry will likely be among the last to enter the metaverse.

Post trip, the real potential lies in the capacity to inspire further travel. However, actual follow up, currently often achieved via surveys, is unlikely to be deeply impacted.

Travel Disruptors: Sonder’s Francis Davidson on the future of hospitality

“no-regret” metaverse moves.

Taking the above factors into account, there are certain no-regret functions that tourism-industry players can pursue to be at the forefront of disruption. These promising use cases have already gained traction, with fast-moving industry players stepping in early to bet on their viability.

They fall into two categories: virtual event centers, and recreations of memorable landmarks that inspire visits. As we’ve seen, event centers are already showing substantial revenue potential for organizers and destinations through business gatherings and entertainment, with ticket sales, attendance fees, and ancillary retail opportunities.

At XR landmarks, visitors can explore, socialize, shop, and learn—all while gaining awareness of lesser-known destinations. Young people and tourists may flock to these social spaces for immersive fun. There may be edutainment opportunities, including specialized archaeology, geology or architecture classes. These spaces can be built on established or upcoming platforms (such as Metapolis) and operate in collaboration with third-party vendors to increase retail opportunities.

Themed gaming, too, can drive engagement with a location, and caters to a core XR demographic. This includes game developers: Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) is a newly released PC application for designing and publishing games and experiences directly into the online video game Fortnite. 11 The Fortnite Team, “Unreal Editor for Fortnite and Creator Economy 2.0 are here. New worlds await,” Fortnite, March 22, 2023.

There appears to be public appetite for recreations of individual landmarks rather than entire destinations: a metaverse Eiffel Tower rather than a complete metaverse Paris. An example is Dubai’s Burj Khalifa virtual experience, launched by event-management platform Eventcombo, which offers users a focused tour of the world’s tallest building. 12 “Dubai: Take an immersive tour of Burj Khalifa in metaverse,” Khaleej Times, October 8, 2022. For now, there seem to be fewer opportunities to create whole customer journeys (although this may work well for certain cases like theme parks). When it comes to end-to-end tourism experiences, travelers still seem prefer the “real thing.”

Preparing for the future of travel

How can travel companies leverage the metaverse to create more compelling experiences for their customers? Certain challenges must be overcome: these include enabling interoperability between decentralized worlds, protecting data security, and making immersive devices more readily available.

However, it’s prudent for travel players to think proactively about engaging with the metaverse—and perhaps seize a first-mover’s advantage. Early control will help to sidestep thorny issues like third parties claiming virtual rights to a location.

Once travel players have plotted out potential traveler journeys (whether hybrid or fully digital), they can find the right collaborators to bring these experiences to life—such as virtual-universe and retail platforms, communications channels, and designers. As many tech players are still only starting to come to grips with immersive experiences, companies may be able to secure favorable partnership agreements and experiment with different executions.

Four steps for travel players contemplating the metaverse

Step 1: Create a strategy based on individual traveler touchpoints to be disrupted. Develop offers targeted at travelers of the future, considering demographic groups, travel purpose and likely journeys. Imagining specific future touchpoint needs and desires and how these can be satisfied or enhanced in a virtual world will ensure a targeted strategy.

Step 2: Identify the platform you want to play on. There are several options here, depending on factors like the strength of your brand and how much independence you require. With a very strong brand, you might be in a position to create your own platform. If your brand is less widely recognized—as with most tourism destinations—or the advantages of a dedicated platform are not clear, then it might be unwise to go it alone. It may be possible to integrate your experience with another organization’s platform, with the added benefit that their established users can stumble across your product. Or partner with an existing platform, as Saudi Arabia’s RCU have done with browser-based platform Decentraland and Korean tourism with the ZEPETO app.

Step 3: Choose the right talent. Developing any offer will likely require new skills—not just to make your immersive world look good, but to ensure that it’s smooth and exhilarating to use. Excellent “game mechanics” motivate users to come back repeatedly for new experiences. In turn, this requires constant maintenance, operation and innovation, as with any great tourist attraction. Talent for these tasks can be either recruited or outsourced. Hiring a new, dedicated workforce might make sense for a large service that requires intensive modification and security monitoring. For simpler or once-off offerings developed to test the waters, outsourcing will ensure a smoother, faster process.

Step 4: Understand the agreement you have with your partner. Be sure to clarify safeguards related to IP and other potential challenges. Also ensure that virtual experiences cohere with your existing brand identity, as well as the values and cultural context of heritage assets.

The metaverse promises to shake up many sectors of the global economy. Virtual experiences have huge potential for the tourism and travel industries, with the prospect of hybrid and fully immersive digital destinations. But our research indicates that opportunities may, for now, be limited to a few key touchpoints—most prominently, travel inspiration, events, and edutainment. It may take longer for the metaverse to reveal its utility for end-to-end travel experiences, if it ever does.

Nonetheless, there are undeniably travel touchpoints where metaverse integration feels inevitable, profitable and “no regret.” Players in the sector would do well to start planning their metaverse strategy now, focusing on specific touchpoints and destinations, while this rapidly developing arena matures.

Margaux Constantin is a partner in McKinsey’s Dubai office, where Kashiff Munawar is an expert associate partner; Giuseppe Genovese is a consultant in the Dallas office; and Rebecca Stone is a consultant in New York City.

The authors wish to thank Samvit Kanoria, Hamza Khan, and Kevin Neher for their contributions to this article.

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Benefits of Virtual Reality in the Tourism and Travel industry

• VR for Tourism

Virtual Reality is transforming the travel and tourism industry in an unstoppable way! VR can create amazing experiences limited only by your imagination. It is an excellent tool for marketing hotel rooms, flights, and travel products. As a hotel or travel company, you can provide unique customer experiences with VR elements on your website or as app downloads.  

Support customer buying decisions and give insights before booking a hotel

The primary benefit of Virtual Reality in the tourism and travel industry is to initially provide a kind of ‘try before you buy’ option. The immersive nature of VR enables everyone to experience a virtual version of a hotel room, attraction, or unique selling point. VR can cause strong emotions more convincingly than just viewing images or reading customer reviews can achieve. Because customers usually require lots of information before they book a hotel room, you can significantly shorten the process of researching and seeking information by using VR. VR experiences offer an effective way to show customers how their stay could look like, and give them confidence that they are dealing with a honest vendor with nothing to hide, before arriving at a purchase decision.

Create a VR experience from your  local attractions to increase publicity

The big-hitting tourist destinations dominate the tourism market, leaving marketers of smaller or less famous attractions a hard time in competing.

VR helps to attract a large audience of visitors to see a destination’s potential and to show how worthy it is to visit. An attention-grabbing, immersive VR experience has exponentially greater impact on increasing visitor intention than traditional media, and at relatively small cost.

Alternatively, you might not want hordes of visitors descending on a place that is literally crumbling under the mass of tourists. Or some environmentally sensitive destinations will have unique ecosystems in danger from human intrusion. Or a destination might just be too expensive for most people to reach. In these cases, VR can provide a satisfying substitute for the real experience. 

Become an innovation leader  in the tourism industry 

Make VR valuable in your area of tourism and travel and be amongst the first to emotionally empower your customers with the help of VR. Typically, tourist customers seek to purchase experiences rather than products, and Virtual Reality offers a great way to provide a completely new customer journey that takes in all the senses. thereby creating maximum customer value. You can diversify your services, meet the demands of the market – and be an innovative leader of your industry. Be aware also that Millennials and upcoming Generation Z customers already spend a lot of time in digital environments and are therefore the perfect target group for digital technologies. 

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„Virtual Reality for Tourism – it is very obvious that the medium offers great possibilities. Buying decisions are often emotional ones and VR again is perfect to support this. At the same time, we always want to offer our clients marketing ideas that are reasonable within a more complex strategy and a step ahead of the competitors. With VRdirect as a proven platform, we can quickly implement our creative ideas in this area and provide our clients with very professional, stable and cost efficient Virtual Reality projects (VR apps and Web Player solutions).”

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Virtual reality tourism is accessible, inclusive and takes the risk out of a COVID-disrupted getaway

As COVID-19 continues to disrupt many Australians' travel plans, some of those looking for a risk-free escape are turning to virtual reality tourism.

And while it may sound like a downgrade from the real thing, tour guides and designers of these experiences say it's becoming increasingly sophisticated.

But what is virtual reality tourism?  Dr Ryan Yung, a travel and tourism researcher, defines it as the ability to "be physically in one location but your mind is in a different location."

It can now be accessed by anyone who has a PC, laptop or mobile phone through YouTube or via virtual tours online.

And the experience can be enhanced by using a fold-out Google Cardboard viewer or, for those willing to spend more money, technologically advanced virtual reality headsets.

Unique experiences

So is virtual tourism any substitute for the real thing? 

It's hard to compare the two but virtual tourism does have some unique benefits, Dr Yung tells ABC RN Breakfast.

"Some of the more popular attractions in virtual tourism [eventually] will be … places which would be physically impossible to visit," he says.

"If we wanted to visit Rome, for example, in the medieval times, it's possible to do so via virtual tourism."

Some virtual experiences are also trying to integrate sensory elements, although Dr Yung says there's still much more work to be done in this area.

"With smells, they use pods, which emit synthetic smells ... similar to what you'd find in a shopping mall, when you walk past a cookie stand or something with artificial smells ." 

"With taste at the moment, there is no real substitute, but I believe some researchers in Singapore have come up with a technology where they can trick your mind through smell.

"This is where you're drinking mineral water but, through the trick of colour and smell, you can basically fool the mind into thinking [the person is] tasting something."

New opportunities

Virtual tourism could open up destinations for those who couldn't access them otherwise. 

"A lot of the technology that's behind it [came in] years before COVID hit, and it was to overcome a lot of issues with barriers with accessibility and inclusivity," Dr Yung says.

"So people who were not mobile were able to still get some experience of the outside world."

It offers other opportunities too.

For example, for those who are risk adverse, virtual tourism could be a way to take part in extreme sports safely, he says.

"[People] I've spoken to said something like … 'I would love to do something like bungee jumping but my natural fear would never let me do something like that'."

"But [with] the comfort of VR, knowing that you physically will not be doing the bungee jump but you're able to experience something like that, that could be a substitute for the real experience.

"I've heard people say they want to see the Great Barrier Reef, but they are so afraid of water … so that could be [an opportunity] in the near term."

Virtual reality can also be used to travel freely without any risk of social or cultural stigmas, he adds.

"There are certain behaviours [that] certain cultures expect of us when we travel overseas, or when we're out in public. And when we are hidden deep behind this virtual lens, then [virtual tourists] are able to explore different mannerisms or cultures that you normally wouldn't be able to," he says.

So for those looking to scratch their travel itch, virtual tourism is opening up the world once again, says Dr Yung.

"This is one small positive that has come up with COVID in alerting research and development [and encouraging the] acceptance of the technology by everyone else."

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VR Tourism; Top Virtual Reality Examples in the Tourism Industry

VR tourism has been a trend among the tech-savvy for some time now. But what was once a niche interest has become a new standard among various companies. Travel agencies, hotel chains, and destinations have incorporated virtual reality into their services. As you’ll soon see, the result is a breathtaking worldview.

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What is virtual reality, how is the tourism industry defined, why is vr tourism gaining popularity, virtual reality gear for vr tourism, virtual booking interfaces, vr travel experiences, vr hotel tours, first airlines, visit wales, from vr tourism to tourism in the metaverse, vr tourism as a metaverse trend.

Defining and examining virtual reality before looking at VR tourism is essential. Virtual reality might seem like a fairly self-evident subject at first glance. You put on a headset and then find yourself in a digital world. But metaverse companies have created a rich ecosystem that gives you a lot of options for virtual experiences. When you think about VR, you probably imagine its fully immersive form. You experience this when using a VR headset and appropriate accessories like gloves or treadmills.

There are also non-immersive forms of VR that are experienced through traditional interfaces like computer monitors. And semi-immersive forms give you an immersive visual experience but limit your autonomy within the digital space. You can delve into a larger examination of the nature of virtual reality and the metaverse in the article “Virtual Reality; Discover VR, Its Components, Technology, and Players” .

Now that you’ve seen the VR part of VR tourism, it’s time to look at tourism as a whole. The tourism industry can be defined as the primary and tertiary economic entities surrounding and facilitating recreational travel. That description might make you think about travel agents or hotels. But you should broaden your view of it and consider how money flows into travel destinations. The tourism industry is often a subset of many other business concerns.

For example, conferences often have ties to the tourism industry. And the same holds for paid travel options in tourist destinations, restaurants frequented by travelers, etc. But not all travel falls under the label of tourism. The length of your stay essentially defines it. If you’re sticking around for more than a year, it’s not considered tourism anymore. And the same generally holds true for international students who are studying abroad.

The combination of tourism and virtual reality has taken the world by storm. And there’s good reason for that fact. The larger metaverse meaning has always focused on experiential factors. People certainly buy equipment to access the metaverse. But the real product is the experience of being in a magical new environment. And the same is true of the travel industry. When customers book flights or hotels, it’s a means to an end.

Just as with the metaverse, travelers are really buying an experience. But until recently, people couldn’t really get a taste of those experiences beforehand. Pictures and videos helped people get some ideas about what their vacation might be like. But VR provides a far more immersive experience. For the first time, people can look around and get an idea of what it’d be like to stand on distant shores or watch another land’s sunsets.

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While VR tourism is mainly focused on an experience, that doesn’t mean you can neglect your gear. Just as traditional tourism requires you to pack for the journey, so will VR tourism. This essentially means matching virtual reality gear to your particular needs. A VR headset is a given. But you should also consider whether your headset needs augmented reality or mixed reality support. VR interface controllers are also an important consideration. You can find the most important aspects of VR gear in the article “VR Headsets; Your Complete Guide to the Top Virtual Reality Gear” .

3 Examples of VR Tourism

Now that you have a good idea of the theory, it’s time to look at the practice. Technically, VR tourism can encompass almost anything. Part of what makes virtual reality so exciting is the fact that it’s only limited by imagination. But with that in mind, VR tourism techniques and technologies can largely fit into three different categories.

Virtual booking interfaces are what you experience when working on the logistics of your vacation. You can think of it as a “hub world” of sorts within the larger VR tourism experience. The virtual booking interface lets you choose hotels, consider different destinations, and even make payments. These interfaces are still in a relatively early stage of development. But if metaverse events are any indication, virtual booking interfaces will continue to grow in overall functionality. Metaverse hubs let you move from world to world. And booking interfaces will one day let you explore individual hotel facilities or compare rooms.

Video: The world’s first Virtual Reality travel search and booking experience

Most people think of VR travel experiences when they hear about VR tourism. It’s an experience that begins when people boot up VR gear from their favorite metaverse brands . From that point, they can sample some of the local flavors from around the world. It’s a chance to get a VR-based version of real-world locations. For example, you could instantly jump into a recreation of some famous landmarks to get an idea of their true size and majesty. Many companies also let you take a look at everything from hotels to their facilities before booking a trip.

Video: Ancient city of Petra, Jordan. Aerial 360 video in 8K

Hotels are often included in the larger VR travel experiences. But some hotels take VR tourism to the next level by opening up their services’ breadth. Hotels are able to take incredible high-quality photographs of their grounds since they have total control over them. This allows them to recreate areas in perfect detail essentially. The resulting model is often integrated into monoscopic views that can be used outside of virtual reality setups. For example, you can load a hotel’s monoscopic model on your phone while still having the option to use virtual reality headsets.

Video: Shangri-La Hotels Virtual Reality Tour

3 brands already investing in vr tourism.

Now that you’ve seen the tools used within VR tourism, it’s time to look at some of the best options. While many companies use VR tourism, the following are some of the most innovative and popular.

Marriott has taken on the challenge of VR tourism from two different angles. People on-site can borrow a Samsung Gear VR headset to explore the company’s Milk VR platform. Meanwhile, people can also take a look at what Marriott offers from the outside as well. This is accomplished in part through “VR Postcards” . The postcards system allows people to link their experiences to form a visual storytelling experience. Marriott’s VR isn’t just about putting yourself into an exotic environment. The platform also helps you share those experiences with loved ones back home and for posterity.

Video: VR Postcards | Behind the Scenes

First Airlines is often described as the first virtual airline. It takes VR tourism to the next level by mixing real-world and digital simulations to create a fully immersive experience. People board a perfect recreation of an A310’s cabin. The recreation even uses authentic seats from decommissioned planes. Once they board, a passenger can enjoy authentic meals based on the culinary tradition of their destination. And when that moment of arrival comes, the passenger dons a VR headset to enjoy the sights. Flight attendants are even on hand to help with meals and offer various beverage options.

Video: Japanese company First Airlines launched world’s first virtual airline

Visit Wales aims to do exactly what its name describes – help people visit Wales. Visit Wales uses VR tourism to bring the experience of visiting Wales to people worldwide. The system leverages 360° photography to capture the sights of Wales in pristine clarity. And a variety of parties have added their own resources and expertise. This allows users to sample experiences as varied as museums, countryside, castles, and courtyards. On top of the visual element Visit Wales also opens up the full scope of the region’s history through learning experiences and art collections.

Video: Zip World Velocity 360º VR Adventure – Visit Wales

VR tourism is a fantastic way to see the world. But virtual reality is itself a metaverse-related technology. Virtual reality is tied to the metaverse, so your digital travel isn’t limited to earth. You can explore an entire universe of digital sights and sounds within the metaverse. Every metaverse instance is a new world or even galaxy unto itself. Metaverse explorations provide rich experiences, fascinating people, and even opportunities to earn or win real money. You can learn more about the metaverse in the article “Metaverse Guide; Understanding The Basics Will Open Up a New World” .

VR tourism might seem like it came out of nowhere. One minute it’s just an idea, the next, there’s an entire industry built up around it. But that’s fairly common with extended reality and the metaverse in general. Metaverse companies tend to grow alongside the technologies they’re using. And make no mistake, these technologies are growing at an amazing pace. That’s why trends like NFT support in applications or metaverse games have rapidly grown. Tech development often grows exponentially. You can get a broader view of metaverse-related trends in the article “Metaverse Trends; Upcoming Milestones for the Digital Frontier” .

You might have thought of VR tourism as a futuristic concept. But as you’ve seen, you can now explore and enjoy virtual reality tourism. The call to a new adventure has begun, and you can be part of it.

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More From Forbes

The Amazing Ways VR And AR Are Transforming The Travel Industry

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Many of us are desperate to travel freely again – but with the help of AR and VR technology, we can explore the world from the comfort of our couches while we’re stuck at home.

Companies are working hard to transform travel experiences, so we can expect things to look quite different when we are able to get back on the road.

Self-Guided Tours and More with AR

The possibilities for augmented reality in the travel industry are vast. AR alters travelers’ perceptions of their physical surroundings and provides supplemental tourism experiences and opportunities for interaction.

For example, AR mobile apps like City Guide Tour use object recognition to offer on-screen information about places of interest, museums, galleries, landmarks, parks, and other sights as a tourist strolls through a city or town. The mobile app Street Life offers a library of crowdsourced guided tours that you can watch from home, or use to navigate through your in-person travel adventures while uploading your own photos and images.

AR-powered glasses provide a more immersive experience that adds an element of fun and eliminates the need for a tour guide. Our high-powered, fast smartphones with AR capabilities open up a whole world of interesting possibilities.

There is a huge range of potential use cases for AR in the travel industry, including improving local transit, augmented reality gamification, and AR for museums. Check out this useful blog post for a deep dive into some of the possibilities .

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Best covid-19 travel insurance plans, explore from your couch with virtual reality.

Right now, traveling to far-flung places to experience the full functionality of these kinds of AR apps probably isn’t possible for most of us – but in the meantime, we can still feed our wanderlust with virtual reality travel experiences.

Companies like First Airlines are offering immersive virtual reality travel “trips” to places like Hawaii, Rome, and Paris. Their VR experiences include first-class airline tickets with four-course meals, followed by VR tours of the destination’s main sights. You can also explore virtual travel experiences through Google Earth VR , Oculus , and Immerse from The Hydrous.

Other potential uses for VR in the travel industry include:

●     Trial runs of attractions, hotels, and places of interest. Travelers can check out accommodations and locations before they book their trips, to see if destinations are worth the investment.

●     In-flight entertainment. Immersive 360-degree VR experiences on long-haul flights may be on the horizon, expanding travelers’ entertainment options beyond watching movies or surfing the web with the plane’s Wi-Fi. Virtual reality could even help some passengers ease their fear of flying.

●     Travel agents and booking services . Travel World VR uses VR technology to help travel agents promote destinations using 360-degree videos of major destinations, cruises, resorts, and tours.

National Geographic points out the limitations of immersive virtual travel tours, saying:

“The headsets are expensive, heavy, can cause nausea, and aren’t comfortable to wear for more than 30 minutes...Limited sensations are another hurdle. The videos focus on sounds and sights but can’t do much with smell, touch, or taste, and VR experiences tend to only be a few minutes long—hardly the equivalent of a two-week vacation in Spain.”

Few people believe that VR will ever fully replace travel, but it’s likely virtual reality tech will contribute to the recovery of the travel industry post-pandemic.

Making Travel a Reality Again

In these strange times, immersive virtual travel provides a welcome escape from the loneliness and boredom of the pandemic – so put on a headset and get ready to “travel” to anywhere in the world, right from your living room.

Once restrictions have been lifted, travel lovers who have been stuck at home will also get to experience the wonders of augmented reality travel tools, so they can get on-the-spot information during the next adventures.

VR and AR tech will also help the travel and tourism industry recover by whetting tourists’ appetites for new locations, helping travel agents book flights and hotels, and making travel more pleasant.

If you're longing for adventure, gear up to explore the world with a boost from virtual and augmented reality technology. For more on the topic, check out my new book ‘ Extended Reality In Practice: 100+ Amazing Ways Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality Are Changing Business and Society

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Virtual reality and modern tourism

Journal of Tourism Futures

ISSN : 2055-5911

Article publication date: 29 April 2020

Issue publication date: 2 June 2021

The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight as to how recent trends in virtual reality (VR) have changed the way tourism and hospitality industry communicates their offerings and meets the tourists’ needs.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on systematic literature review, where the relations between focal concepts are given to analyze potential future developments concerning VR.

The paper identifies and analyzes how VR technology affected tourism and hospitality industry through three main touch points – future tourism planning and management, technology-based marketing of tourism destinations and VR potential in changing consumer requirements. These concepts were analyzed to identify changing forces and suggest potential paradigm shifts that tourism and hospitality suppliers and marketers need to consider. These included realistic virtual travel replacements, the importance of interactive experiences and innovation in future tourism systems.

Originality/value

While there has been increasingly larger number of discussions on how tourists and tourism and hospitality industry have been using information and communication technology recently, there is little evidence of scholars and practitioners applying such methods. This paper used systematic literature review to illustrate means in which VR could be ingrained into tourism and hospitality services to meet the needs of tourists. It suggests that VR can and probably will fundamentally change the way in which tourists’ experiences and requirements are managed entirely.

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Pestek, A. and Sarvan, M. (2021), "Virtual reality and modern tourism", Journal of Tourism Futures , Vol. 7 No. 2, pp. 245-250. https://doi.org/10.1108/JTF-01-2020-0004

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Almir Pestek and Maida Sarvan.

Published in Journal of Tourism Futures . Published by Emerald Publishing Limited. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this license may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode

Introduction

One of the most significant developments in the field of information and communication technology (ICT) expected to greatly impact the tourism industry today is virtual reality (VR). Many of the recent innovations such as VR platforms, devices and content production tools enable the evolution of VR. As such, VR technologies nowadays offer unbounded potentials for mass virtual visitations to actual tourism destinations. Moreover, the roles of such technologies in tourism and hospitality industries, its management and marketing have been described in literature as capable of showing their intricate abilities to simulate real-life situations and contexts, occasionally being touted as a substitute to actual travel, making it a very powerful tool for meeting the needs of tourists.

The changes that are supposed to occur in the next few years are always underestimated and come even sooner. Tourism and hospitality organizations should be urged to be more future-oriented and prepared fully for the planning of technology adaptations. The paper aims at establishing relations between concepts of VR and tourism and hospitality industry and presenting opportunities for the tourism sector taking in consideration the values expressed in the concept of VR marketing in efforts of meeting the needs of tourists in the future. The paper explores the potential of valuable tool such as VR with regard to tourism planning and management, technology-based marketing of tourism destinations and effects of VR on consumer requirements.

The paper is based on the literature review. The following digital bases were used in the process of research: Emerald Database, IOPscience, SCOPUS, EBSCO, ABI/INFORM Complete – ProQuest. The items in the search string were connected with OR statements, to make sure that all relevant papers were retrieved - “virtual reality,” “virtual reality marketing,” “virtual reality experience,” “augmented reality experience,” and “ICT in tourism”. Only 49 articles were yielded because of their relevance after applying the exclusion/inclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria include: published articles between 2010 and 2019; articles written in English, scientific and peer-reviewed articles; studies published in electronic digital libraries from newspapers or journals; and educational conferences. Exclusion criteria are as follows: duplicated papers and studies returned by different search engines, papers and works that focus on low-level comparison, editorials and non-reviewed articles. Based on these studies the conclusions are drawn throughout the paper.

Technology-based marketing of tourism destinations

VR is often defined as the technology using the computer-generated 3D environment often referred to as “virtual environment.” The real-time simulation of one or more of the five senses of the user is often a result of navigation through this virtual environment and interaction with it ( Gutierrez et al. , 2008 ). Physical immersion and psychological presence are provided in VR experience as well.

The marketing and promotion segments of the tourism sector have most often been used with the assistance of visual imagery ( Aziz and Zainol, 2011 ). The intangible properties of tourism, as a service, constantly reminds the marketers that there is a need to continuously innovate the forms of visual imagery with the objective to promote a positive destination image ( Griffin et al. , 2017 ). As a useful tool used by marketers in establishing the communication of emotions and experiences influencing the consumers and tourists, VR is often used because of its ability to induce the emphasized sensory and emotional experience.

The opportunities of VR in regard to destination marketing organizations are found in the way in which marketing messages are targeted to specific markets, whilst capturing the attention of potential visitors and giving assistance in relevant factors identification that essentially create motivations for those that engage in any form of VR and awareness development in reference to future travel decision-making processes ( Huang et al. , 2013 ). Research indicates that virtual tourists can have their travelling needs easily fulfilled under the following conditions: taking into consideration the hedonistic and emotional experiences, virtual tourism destinations can give visitors the chance to enhance their perceptions and virtual world is displayed as a source of useful information.

To conclude, VR in marketing of tourism destinations can be associated with attachment ( Wu et al. , 2016 ), stimulation ( Neuburger et al. , 2018 ), evaluation (Gao et al. , 2012), decision-making ( Guo and Barnes, 2011 ) and experience ( Jung et al. , 2017 ).

Virtual reality changes tourism planning, management and consumer requirements

VR is considered a very valuable tool in tourism policy creation as well as in the planning processes ( Cheong, 1995 ). The tourism planner’s consideration of possible developments in the sector is often aided by VR’s ability to create realistic and navigable virtual environments.

The tourism planning and management can be benefited by VR technology, as it possesses the unique testing capabilities ( Sussmann and Vanhegan, 2000 ). The understanding of visitors’ patterns of space, time and place is a very important element in developing management plans, which include shifting the burden from areas with heavy use to those with limited use. 3D visualizations are excellent tools in doing so ( Lew and McKercher, 2005 ). Furthermore, as VR technology continues to evolve, the entertainment industry has found a way to make these evolutions very useful in regards to marketing the entertaining tourist attractions ( Gutierrez et al. , 2008 ).

A set of concepts which are interrelated identify the current trends in tourism and its references to marketing, consumer behavior and tourist needs and the ways in which these affect the end users’ attachment, stimulation and decision-making process ( Epple, 2018 ). Research that explores the consumer behavior in VR tourism through the example of using the stimulus – organism – response model identifies that the brands and tourism organizations are able to affect the users’ opinions and decisions directly and effectively through this interactivity, experience and immersion ( Kim et al. , 2018 ).

The roles of hedonic experience and emotional arousal are found to be large in regards to determining the potential tourists’ behavioral intentions to visit a given destination and also in motivating them to become the potential tourists ( Jung et al. , 2017 ). On a similar note, the navigation of 3D environment is found to induce positive emotions, flow and emotional involvement, which results in positive effects on behavioral intentions, further extending the engagement and immersive experience that enhances the tourist’ needs.

As a subsequent consequence of advancement in virtual technologies, the impression of investors and consumers continues to grow and VR is being envisioned and implemented largely to meet the future needs of tourists. The potential of VR technologies in meeting the future tourists’ needs is large and the research identifies the major trends in tourism sector in regards to this in the further text ( Nayyar et al. , 2018 ).

Identified trends in tourism industry are found in effective planning and suitable management. As the almost-realistic, easy and detailed navigations created through the VR are readily available for tourists to help in their trip- and activity-planning processes, its potential is further widened. Furthermore, the trend is identified through creation of various types of simulators which allow for the virtual experience, where potential tourists are able to experience a destination in advance, such as in the case of some destination marketing organizations ( Tussyadiah et al. , 2018 ).

The VR technologies are already used in provision of tourists with experience previews of sites, destinations and attractions, such as hotels, cruise ships and similar, as a part of the marketing strategy ( Samuely, 2016 ). Virtual conative image that most often results in potential purchase intention is yielded through Web-mediated virtual information ( Hyun and O’Keefe, 2012 ).

The applications of VR are largely found in the initial phases of customer buying cycle in the area of tourism, because it enables the extensive information about important factors that play a significant part in the search stage of the process of decision-making ( Kim et al. , 2018 ). Furthermore, the perfect digital environment enables for the creation of virtual attractions at an effective cost, which are identified in simulators and marketable tourist attractions. Examples of these include the “Sensorama Simulator” that, through the 3D images, aromas, sounds, wind, set vibrations and similar, offers entertaining, simulated motorcycle rides through New York City ( Gutierrez et al. , 2008 ). Also, an example of such application of VR in entertainment industry is found in theme parks, such as the Dreamworld theme park, with simulated car rides ( Dreamworld, 2009 ) and also Cyber Speedway in the city of Las Vegas ( Sahara Hotel and Casino, 2009 ).

A large trend in the sector is identified in provisions of virtual tours as well, including the handling of virtual objects, interactive and immersive experience and a realistic picture of the site. This is most commonly used in heritage areas, hotels and museums, including the zoo exhibits ( Bowman et al. , 1999 ), VR exhibits in cultural centers globally ( Roussou, 2004 ), viewing of heritage sites ( Thomasson, 2006 ), production of interactive tours ( Tholos, 2009 ), selection of tourist attractions within an area ( Linaza et al. , 2008 ) and so on.

Many hotels have demonstrated that the VR trend is very useful in the destination marketing area as well and as such the room booking process has been entirely transformed ( Neuburger et al. , 2018 ). Technology provides for prospective guests to virtually visit rooms and consider their offers, like in the case of Marriott Hotels, including the previews of the local attractions, giving potential tourists insights in destinations.

Another example of VR trend is identified by Telexistence, a company that has been working with a real-life avatar, where the user is enabled to see what the avatar sees and to also receive haptic feedback (Telexistence Inc., 2020). Such example is very important in identification of possibilities in meeting the tourists’ needs in the future, such as a travel decision that will immediately satisfy their need after a particular interest and desire is awaken, whilst also enabling for VR travel to be possible, allowing the tourists which might possibly be intimidated by certain destinations and as such, would only visit them virtually, as in the case of possible existence of potential geographical barriers, fears, dangerous locations and similar.

The identified trends indicate that VR technology will most likely become an invaluable tool in the next few years ( Barnes, 2016 ), which consequently will dictate the marketers to custom make the VR experiences for the varying users and offer the best possible VR services to meet the consumers’ future needs most optimally.

Certain conclusions can be drawn implying that the VR is changing tourism planning and consumer requirements can be associated with 3D visualizations ( Brent Ritchie et al. , 2011 ), simulators ( Tom Dieck et al. , 2016 ), virtual tours ( Tung and Law, 2017 ), previews ( Epple, 2018 ) and effective planning ( Kask, 2019 ).

Conclusions

VR is being developed as a part of smart tourism to provide information about destinations and attractions while showing its potential to become a new tourism service. Nonetheless, the trend has proven to be very useful, however slow, because of the difficulties of tourists to keep up with new technologies. Thanks to VR, tourists are able to experience a destination in advance and to preview local attractions. Interactive, realistic, easy and detailed VR navigations help tourists in the trip-planning processes and activity planning.

VR technologies will surely continue to advance, and as such, the opportunities in the tourism sector will grow exponentially. Regardless of the direction in which these advancements and developments take place, immediate applications and trends are identified and used within the tourism industry already.

Whilst many limitations do exist, the future will show the technologies to be much better understood. VR can and probably will fundamentally change the way in which tourists’ experiences and requirements are managed entirely.

Aziz , A. and Zainol , N.A. ( 2011 ), “ Destination image: an overview and summary of selected research (1974-2008) ”, International Journal of Leisure and Tourism Marketing , Vol. 2 No. 1 , pp. 39 - 55 .

Barnes , S. ( 2016 ), “ Understanding virtual reality in marketing: nature, implications and potential ”, SSRN Electronic Journal .

Bowman , D.A. , Hodges , L.F. , Allison , D. and Wineman , J. ( 1999 ), “ The educational value of an information-rich virtual environment ”, Presence: Teleoperators and Virtual Environments , Vol. 8 No. 3 , pp. 317 - 331 .

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Further reading

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Corresponding author

About the authors.

Almir Pestek is based at the School of Economics and Business, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina.

Maida Sarvan is based at NLB Bank d.d. Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina.

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The Rise of Virtual Reality in Tourism: Benefits and Examples

Introduction to Virtual Reality in Tourism

Virtual reality in tourism provides viewers with an immersive tourism experience. There are many different types of virtual tourism services available. They use a combination of virtual reality, still images, video, audio, narration, and other multimedia formats.

It gives users an experience of a destination that they wouldn't get from looking at pictures or visiting a website.

Virtual tourism content can be accessed using a virtual reality headset for the most immersive experience. It can also be viewed on a regular computer or even a mobile device.

Virtual Reality in Tourism

Viewers can take part in activities, travel to different locations, and visit different destinations. They can do all this from the comfort of their own homes. Virtual tourism has many distinct advantages. The most obvious advantage is that viewers can see and experience a destination without having to travel there.

This means they are not restricted by available flights, travel logistics, safety concerns, or whether destinations are open. They aren't even concerned with time zones or weather conditions.

Another advantage for viewers is the cost

Millions of people who otherwise would not be able to afford to travel to these destinations can now do so. Viewers are embracing the rise of virtual tourism destinations to see and experience things they never imagined were possible.

The ability to read the minds of potential customers and highlight a location, amenities, and offerings is a clear benefit for hotels and destinations. Viewers who have been to a hotel or visited a location through virtual tourism are more likely to book a future stay. They also look forward to experiencing the activity in the “real world.”

Virtual tourism technology also provides excellent marketing opportunities. Instead of flat images on a brochure or website, potential guests can see a 360-degree view of a property and its amenities. Viewers who experience a property in this way are more likely to want to return in the future. They can also share the virtual offerings with their friends and family.

How is it used: Virtual Reality in Tourism?

There are many ways for hotels and destinations to enjoy this technology and the growing popularity of virtual tourism.

Virtual tourism has been in use for years to highlight the unique aspects of a location. These aspects can be history and culture to exciting activities, local attractions, and fun trivia.

360-degree VR video is used by hotels and local governments to capture everything about a destination in an immersive way. With the press of a button, viewers can travel to a remote mountaintop, a beautiful beach, a network of hiking trails, or a bustling city.

VR photography combines still images with specialized software

It creates an immersive image that allows the user to look in any direction. This technology is ideal for displaying hotel interiors, artwork, museum exhibits, and anything else that can be fully appreciated without the use of sound or motion.

Users can get in on the action with immersive VR experiences. They can interact with the environment and learn more through their actions. A curated experience focusing on one aspect of the location, such as the food scene, music, history, or art, is common. Virtual reality yoga classes, nature walks, stargazing, and bird watching are all popular ways to promote a location.

Before landing, passengers can take a 3D tour

Virtual reality can aid in the planning of tourist attractions, when there are delays in the travel schedule, travelers can use vr tech, take a virtual reality tour of the plane, travel planners can use virtual reality to create engaging presentations, virtual reality is a fantastic way to advertise on social media, virtual reality can assist travelers in locating locations on a map, the faroe islands, bristol from home, dubai 360 is a virtual tour of dubai, the great barrier reef, benefits of virtual reality in tourism.

There's nothing quite like knowing where you're going before you arrive at your destination. One of the benefits of virtual reality in tourism is that visitors can take a 3D tour of their destination before arriving. Virtual reality is distinct from traditional photography.

It allows users to immerse themselves in the experience. Tourists can thus sense a city's culture before ever setting foot in the city. It makes them feel less like outsiders when they arrive.

Vacations always seem to be too short because visitors never get to see everything they want while on vacation. A lack of good planning is one of the reasons why key sights go unnoticed by tourists. Virtual reality allows visitors to learn the names and locations of all the town's major attractions ahead of time.

Tourists can also look inside famous landmarks to see if they want to take a virtual tour of them in real-time. Because virtual reality allows visitors to only entertain the locations that intrigue them the most in real-time, they get the most out of their sightseeing experience.

There's nothing worse than getting stranded at the airport for an unknown amount of time. During these times, boredom has a way of creeping in and clouding the vision of the excitement. When unexpected delays occur, the best way to re-establish excitement for the trip ahead is to take a virtual reality tour of the vacation destination.

Some passengers feel more at ease after seeing the plane and knowing where all the emergency exits are located. Virtual reality allows passengers to take a 3D tour of the plane before boarding.

The future of virtual reality in tourism does not completely end the need for actual tours. When it comes to presentations, travel planners should think about the advantages of virtual reality in tourism. Consider the coordinator who can do more than hand out a brochure listing possible locations.

How many more customers could a planner get if he could take them on a virtual tour of the streets of Venice before charging them for a trip they might or might not enjoy?

Virtual reality in tourism removes the element of surprise from travel. Thus ensuring that customers have a good time in their chosen destination.

A vacation planning company that uses social media does more than just post pictures of popular destinations. Virtual reality can help businesses stand out from the competition. It allows coordinators to post 3D tours of cities to entice customers to contact them.

There's nothing more frustrating than getting lost on vacation and wasting time. In tourism, virtual reality can assist travelers in locating simple items. These can be a nearby coffee shop, reducing the time it takes to find something that would otherwise take 30 minutes to find to only 10 minutes.

Some Examples of Virtual Reality in Tourism

The Faroe Islands are a group of islands off the coast of Iceland. Once COVID-19 began, the Faroe Islands launched a virtual tourism campaign. This provides people with an alternative to traveling to the location. This was a blessing for everyone who had been isolated all over the world. It allows visitors from all over the world to virtually tour the islands through the eyes of a local. It also allows virtual tourists to track the locals' movements in real-time.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Visit Bristol created an immersive experience like the Faroe Islands. Bristol From Home is a collection of travelers' favorite ideas, inspirations, and resources. These ideas allow you to continue to enjoy Bristol from the comfort of your own home during social distancing measures.

The website offers a variety of virtual experiences. It provides tours of a luxury Victorian ship, hot-air balloon rides, gin tastings, and more, all in one convenient location.

Tour Dubai's awe-inspiring architecture with Dubai 360. It is an immersive virtual tourism experience that allows users to travel the city from a bird's-eye view. It helps you learn everything there is to know about the various locations.

Virtual tourism is available on the Great Barrier Reef. Legendary broadcaster and historian David Attenborough hosts the interactive journey. The journey takes viewers on a tour of the world's largest coral reef system. This is more than just a substitute for Great Barrier Reef tours. It's an experience in and of itself, demonstrating the versatility of virtual tourism.

Virtual tours can serve as a starting point for alternative tourism during the Corona pandemic and even after it is over. Furthermore, there are those who lack the necessary resources, financial capacity, free time, or access.

People with disabilities and limited mobility will be able to experience the sensation of recreation through a virtual tour.

Virtual tours, besides being cost-effective, can be used to promote tourist attractions to central and local governments. It does, in fact, need technological advancements such as 360-degree software, virtual reality (VR), and panoramic images.

With this advancement in technology, virtual tours can now be visualized in 3D, making them more realistic and futuristic. A virtual tour can act as an entrance to entice people to visit these tourist attractions in person.

You may also like to read: VR And AR In Food Business: Their Impact and Benefits

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VR In Tourism: Benefits And Use Cases

• By Gaurav Patil

Virtual reality in tourism provides viewers with an immersive tourism experience. There are many different types of virtual tourism services available. They use a combination of virtual reality, still images, video, audio, narration, and other multimedia formats.

Virtual tourism content can be accessed using a virtual reality headset for the most immersive experience. It can also be viewed on a regular computer or even a mobile device.

By using the power of VR technology, businesses can create immersive and accessible experiences that inspire curiosity, foster cultural understanding, and drive economic growth within the global tourism landscape.

In this article, we’ll explore into the world of VR applications in tourism, covering essential aspects such as key features, development processes, and cost estimation factors to understand how to effectively integrate VR into the tourism sector.

Market Stats For VR In Tourism

What is virtual reality in travel, benefits of virtual reality in tourism, vr trends for the virtual travel industry, use cases of virtual reality in tourism, examples of virtual reality in tourism, how to develop a vr app for travel industry, cost affecting factors to consider to develop a vr based travel app, tech stack to consider to develop a vr based travel app, how can we help in developing a vr based virtual travel app.

Virtual Reality (VR) technology is transforming the tourist business, providing immersive experiences that transport consumers to destinations across the world from the comfort of their own homes. 

With advances in VR hardware and software, tourism businesses are using this technology to increase customer interaction and promote interest in tourist destinations like never before.

As per a report from Statista, the market size for global virtual tourism is expected to reach  24 billion U.S. dollars by 2027 .

Source: Statista

The expanding global tourism market presents a lucrative opportunity for VR development in tourism. 

As more travellers seek immersive experiences, VR offers a compelling solution to showcase destinations remotely. Capitalizing on this trend can lead to increased demand for VR content, driving growth and profitability in the tourism industry.

Virtual reality (VR) in travel entails the creation of interactive images or videos that allow viewers to explore a scene in full 360 degrees. Unlike traditional media captured from fixed viewpoints, VR technology captures every aspect of a location, providing a more immersive experience.

In the travel industry, VR is used to showcase tourism destinations in a unique and engaging manner. Specialized cameras, rigs, and software are employed to capture the content, which can then be experienced through VR headsets or on standard devices such as computers or mobile phones.

While some may believe that VR content is exclusive to dedicated VR headsets, it can actually be accessed on any device, offering varying levels of immersion. For instance, at Immersion VR, we produce tourism VR content that can be explored by clicking or swiping across the video to view the entire 360-degree environment.

Virtual reality (VR) has revolutionized the tourism industry by offering immersive experiences that transcend physical limitations. From virtual tours of destinations to interactive cultural explorations, VR enhances travel planning and fosters global connectivity.

1. Immersive Destination Experience

Virtual reality (VR) offers a unique and immersive way for users to experience travel destinations without physically being there. By transporting users to different locations, VR allows them to vividly imagine themselves at a travel destination, fostering a sense of connection and anticipation.

2. Detailed Destination Showcase

One of the key advantages of VR in tourism is its ability to showcase destinations in stunning detail. Through high-resolution, 360-degree views, users can explore every angle of a destination, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of what it has to offer.

3. Flexible Exploration

Moreover, VR empowers users to navigate and explore scenes at their own pace and according to their preferences. This flexibility enhances the user experience, allowing individuals to tailor their virtual journey to their interests and desires.

4. Memorable Interactions

In addition to offering immersive experiences, VR in tourism creates memorable and unique interactions for users. By simulating real-world environments and activities, VR can evoke strong emotions and leave a lasting impression on users, making their virtual travel experiences truly unforgettable.

5. Innovative Brand Engagement

From a marketing perspective, VR enables travel companies to differentiate themselves and engage with consumers in innovative ways. By leveraging VR technology, companies can create distinctive brand experiences that capture the attention of potential travelers and set themselves apart from competitors.

6. Accessibility Enhancement

Furthermore, VR has the potential to make travel accessible to individuals who may face limitations or barriers to traditional forms of tourism. Whether due to physical disabilities, financial constraints, or other reasons, VR can provide these individuals with the opportunity to explore destinations and cultures from the comfort of their own surroundings.

7. Sustainability Contribution

Importantly, VR in tourism can also contribute to sustainable travel practices by reducing the environmental impact of traditional tourism activities. By offering virtual alternatives to physical travel, VR can help minimize overcrowding and mitigate the negative effects of tourism on vulnerable destinations and ecosystems.

Virtual reality (VR) travel trends have surged in popularity, with travel companies actively offering immersive VR experiences to their customers. These experiences often include simulated journeys to various destinations, allowing users to explore different places from the comfort of their own homes.

1. VR Travel Experiences by Travel Companies

2. virtual hotel tours by travel companies and hotels.

Both travel companies and hotels are increasingly providing virtual tours of their accommodations, giving potential guests a detailed preview of their facilities and amenities before making a booking decision.

3. Technologies to Make VR Travel More Realistic

To enhance the realism of VR travel, ongoing advancements in technology are being implemented. These innovations aim to replicate the sights, sounds, and even sensations of being in a particular location, thus providing users with a more authentic and immersive experience.

4. VR Travel Experiences for the Elderly

Recognizing the potential of VR technology to cater to diverse demographics, there is a growing focus on creating VR travel experiences specifically tailored to the elderly population. These experiences are designed to cater to the unique needs and preferences of older individuals, offering them opportunities to virtually explore destinations they may not have been able to visit physically.

5. VR Flight Experiences

VR flight experiences have gained traction as a novel way for users to virtually experience air travel. These simulations allow users to immerse themselves in the entire flight process, from boarding to landing, providing a realistic portrayal of the flying experience without leaving the ground.

6. Virtual Experiences of Landmark Destinations

Another popular trend in VR travel is the creation of virtual experiences of landmark destinations. Users can virtually visit iconic landmarks and tourist attractions worldwide, gaining insights into their history, significance, and architectural marvels through immersive VR environments.

7. Virtual Booking Interface

Moreover, the development of virtual booking interfaces simplifies the process of planning and booking travel experiences within the VR environment. These interfaces enable users to browse destinations, view accommodations, and make bookings seamlessly, all within the immersive VR environment, enhancing the overall convenience and accessibility of VR travel.

Virtual reality (VR) is revolutionizing tourism by offering immersive experiences that allow travelers to explore destinations, engage in cultural activities, and preview accommodations, enhancing trip planning and the overall tourist experience. Here are some of the use cases

1. Virtual Destination Exploration

Through virtual reality (VR), prospective tourists can engage in comprehensive exploration of various destinations. This technology offers detailed virtual tours of landmarks, museums, or natural wonders, presenting a 360-degree immersive experience. By virtually visiting these locations, travelers can gather information, assess the appeal of destinations, and plan their trips more effectively.

2. Virtual Travel Experiences

VR technology transports users into diverse travel experiences, from iconic activities like riding a gondola in Venice to adventurous endeavors like hiking through a rainforest or even encountering wildlife like swimming with dolphins. These simulated adventures provide travelers with a taste of different cultures and environments, sparking their interest in exploring new destinations and embarking on unique experiences.

3. Virtual Hotel and Accommodation Tours

Hotels and resorts leverage VR to offer detailed virtual tours of their accommodations. Prospective guests can virtually explore various room types, amenities, and facilities, gaining a realistic sense of the lodging options available. This immersive experience empowers travelers to make well-informed decisions about their accommodations, leading to increased bookings for hospitality businesses.

4. Virtual Historical Reconstructions

VR technology enables the recreation of historical sites and events, providing tourists with immersive experiences of significant moments in history. By virtually stepping into the past, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of historical contexts, civilizations, and cultures. These immersive reconstructions enrich educational tourism, offering insights into diverse historical periods and fostering cultural appreciation.

5. Virtual Cultural Immersion

Cultural institutions and tourism organizations utilize VR to offer immersive cultural experiences to audiences worldwide. Through virtual platforms, users can participate in virtual festivals, ceremonies, or cultural performances, immersing themselves in the traditions and customs of different societies. This virtual cultural immersion fosters cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, promoting cultural exchange and dialogue.

6. Virtual Reality Travel Agencies

Modern travel agencies integrate VR technology into their services, offering virtual consultations and immersive presentations to clients. Through VR platforms, travelers can preview destinations, activities, and accommodations in a highly immersive manner. These virtual experiences enhance the booking process, enabling travelers to make informed decisions and tailor their travel experiences according to their preferences.

7. Virtual Tour Guide Services

VR-based tour guide services provide personalized, immersive tours led by virtual guides. Travelers can interact with these virtual guides, who offer informative commentary, historical facts, and navigation assistance throughout the virtual tour. This interactive experience enhances the overall tourist experience, providing travelers with insightful guidance and enriching their exploration of destinations.

Discover the world from the comfort of your home with virtual reality tourism. Explore stunning destinations like the Faroe Islands, Bristol, Dubai, and the Great Barrier Reef in immersive experiences

1. The Faroe Islands

Situated off the coast of Iceland, the Faroe Islands are a picturesque group of islands. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Faroe Islands introduced a virtual tourism campaign as an alternative to physical travel. This initiative proved to be a boon for individuals worldwide who were confined due to isolation measures. It allows virtual visitors to explore the islands through the perspective of a local, offering real-time tracking of local activities.

2. Bristol From Home

In response to the pandemic, Visit Bristol developed an immersive virtual experience called Bristol From Home, mirroring the Faroe Islands’ approach. This platform compiles various attractions, activities, and resources that travelers can enjoy from the comfort of their homes during social distancing. The website offers an array of virtual tours, including visits to a luxury Victorian ship, virtual hot-air balloon rides, gin tastings, and more, providing a comprehensive virtual exploration of Bristol’s offerings.

3. Dubai 360: A Virtual Tour of Dubai

Dubai 360 offers an immersive virtual tourism experience showcasing the awe-inspiring architecture of Dubai. This platform allows users to navigate the city from a bird’s-eye view, providing comprehensive information about its diverse attractions and landmarks.

4. The Great Barrier Reef

Virtual tourism is also available for the Great Barrier Reef, offering an interactive journey hosted by renowned broadcaster and historian David Attenborough. This virtual experience provides viewers with a comprehensive tour of the world’s largest coral reef system. It serves as more than just a substitute for physical tours of the Great Barrier Reef, offering a unique and versatile exploration of this natural wonder.

Developing a VR app for the virtual travel industry involves a blend of technical expertise, creative design, and a deep understanding of user experience. Below are non-generic steps to guide you through the process:

1. Market Research and Conceptualization

Identify your target audience within the virtual travel industry, such as adventure seekers, travel enthusiasts, or those with limited mobility. Understand the current market trends by analyzing existing VR travel apps and identifying potential gaps or opportunities for innovation.  

2. Define User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI):

Develop user personas based on thorough research to understand your target audience’s demographics, behaviors, and preferences. Tailor the UX/UI design accordingly to ensure a seamless and immersive experience for users navigating the virtual travel app. Create wireframes and mockups to visualize the app’s layout, navigation flow, and overall look, prioritizing intuitive controls and seamless transitions to enhance user immersion and comfort within the virtual environment.

3. Choose VR Development Tools and Platforms

Select appropriate VR development platforms based on your target VR devices, considering factors such as Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, PlayStation VR, or mobile VR platforms like Oculus Quest. Utilize game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine known for their VR capabilities, along with VR-specific SDKs and frameworks. Consider compatibility with additional peripherals like motion controllers or haptic feedback devices to enhance user interaction and immersion within the virtual travel experiences.

4. Content Creation and Integration

Curate high-quality 360-degree videos or immersive VR environments showcasing various travel destinations. Utilize photogrammetry techniques to create realistic 3D models of landmarks, cities, or natural landscapes. Integrate interactive elements such as informational hotspots, guided tours, or mini-games to engage users during their virtual travel experiences, ensuring that the content is both captivating and informative for users exploring different destinations within the app.

5. Implement Social and Sharing Features

Enable multiplayer functionality to allow users to explore virtual destinations together or share experiences in real-time, fostering social interactions within the virtual travel app. Integrate social media sharing options to enable users to share snapshots or videos of their virtual travels with friends and family, expanding the app’s reach and user engagement.  

6. Optimize Performance and Accessibility

Optimize graphics rendering and resource management to ensure smooth performance across different VR hardware specifications, providing users with a seamless and immersive experience regardless of their device. Implement accessibility features such as adjustable text sizes, voice commands, or alternative control schemes to accommodate users with disabilities, ensuring that the app is inclusive and accessible to all users.  

7. Monetization and Business Model

Explore various monetization strategies such as premium app purchases, subscription models, in-app purchases for virtual souvenirs or upgrades, or sponsored content partnerships with travel brands. Consider offering a freemium model with basic features accessible for free and premium content or experiences available through in-app purchases or subscription tiers, providing users with flexibility and choice in how they access and enjoy the virtual travel app’s offerings.

8. Launch, Marketing, and User Feedback

Plan a strategic launch campaign targeting VR enthusiasts, travel communities, and tech media outlets to generate buzz and excitement around the virtual travel app. Gather user feedback through beta testing phases, user surveys, and app analytics to iteratively improve the app’s features and performance post-launch, ensuring that it meets the evolving needs and expectations of its users.  

Developing a VR-based travel app involves several cost-affecting factors that need careful consideration. Each of these elements contributes to the overall expense of creating the app, and it’s essential to allocate resources accordingly to ensure a high-quality product.

1. Development Cost

The development of a VR-based travel app involves several cost factors, including software development, UI/UX design, and testing. Allocating resources effectively in this phase ensures the creation of a high-quality product that meets user expectations.

2. Content Creation Cost

A crucial aspect of VR travel apps is content creation, which includes producing 360-degree videos and virtual tours. Quality and quantity of content directly impact user engagement, necessitating thorough budgeting to ensure immersive experiences.

3. Integration with VR Hardware

Ensuring compatibility with various VR devices and platforms adds complexity to development and may incur additional expenses. Seamless integration and optimal performance across hardware configurations are essential for a consistent user experience which can be easily done by hiring VR developers .

4. Marketing and Promotion

Effective marketing campaigns, advertising, and promotional activities are vital for garnering visibility and attracting users. Strategic budget allocation in this area significantly impacts user acquisition and retention, contributing to the app’s success.

5. Maintenance and Updates

Regular maintenance, bug fixes, feature enhancements, and software updates are essential for sustaining the app’s functionality and relevance. Budgeting for ongoing maintenance tasks ensures the app remains secure and up-to-date with evolving technologies and user preferences.

Know more about the cost of VR app development in detail with this ultimate guide.

Here is detailed breakdown of estimated cost to develop a VR powered travel app:

Developing a virtual reality (VR) based virtual travel app requires careful consideration of various technologies to ensure a seamless and immersive user experience. Here’s a suggested tech stack you can consider:

1. Unity or Unreal Engine

These are popular game engines commonly used for developing VR applications. Both engines support VR development and offer robust tools and features for creating immersive environments.

2. VR Headsets

Determine which VR platforms you want to target and choose the appropriate headsets. Common options include Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Oculus Quest, and Valve Index. Each has its SDK and development requirements.

3. 3D Modeling and Animation Software

Tools like Blender, Autodesk Maya, or Cinema 4D are essential for creating 3D models, environments, and animations for your VR travel app.

4. Programming Languages

Depending on the game engine chosen, you’ll need to be familiar with programming languages such as C# for Unity or C++ for Unreal Engine.

Utilize VR software development kits (SDKs) provided by headset manufacturers like Oculus SDK, SteamVR SDK, or OpenVR for integrating VR-specific features into your app.

6. Spatial Audio Libraries

Implement spatial audio to enhance the immersive experience. Libraries like Google Resonance Audio or Oculus Spatializer can help achieve realistic audio effects.

7. Networking

If you want to include multiplayer or social features in your app, you’ll need networking capabilities. Libraries like Photon Unity Networking (PUN) or Mirror can facilitate multiplayer functionality.

8. Backend Development

For user authentication, data storage, and content management, you may need a backend server. Technologies like Node.js, Django, or Firebase can be used for backend development.

9. Cloud Services

Consider cloud services like AWS or Azure for hosting your backend infrastructure and managing scalability and performance.

10. UI/UX Design Tools

Design intuitive user interfaces and user experiences using tools like Adobe XD, Sketch, or Figma. VR-specific considerations such as user comfort and interaction design are crucial.

11. Analytics and Monitoring

Integrate analytics tools like Google Analytics or Firebase Analytics to track user behavior, engagement, and performance metrics within your VR app.

12. Testing Tools

Ensure the quality of your VR app with testing tools like Unity Test Framework, Oculus Performance Profiler, or SteamVR Performance Test to optimize performance and identify bugs.

13. Security

Implement security measures to protect user data and ensure a secure VR experience. Consider encryption, secure authentication methods, and compliance with data protection regulations.

14. Deployment Platforms

Decide where you want to distribute your VR app. Options include app stores like Oculus Store, SteamVR, or standalone distribution platforms if you’re targeting enterprise users.

Virtual tours offer a promising avenue for diversifying tourism, they provide an accessible option for individuals who may lack the resources, finances, or time to engage in traditional travel experiences.  

Moreover, virtual tours present a cost-effective way to showcase tourist destinations to both local and central governments, requiring advancements in technology such as 360-degree software, virtual reality (VR), and panoramic imaging. 

The evolution of these technologies has enabled the creation of immersive 3D virtual tours, enhancing their realism and appeal.

By leveraging these technological advancements, virtual tours can serve as compelling previews that encourage physical visits to tourist attractions, bridging the gap between virtual and in-person experiences.

We specialize in creating advanced AI solutions and are skilled in developing VR-based virtual travel applications. 

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Q. How can VR technology benefit tourism business?

A. Virtual Reality offers immersive experiences that can showcase your destinations, accommodations, and activities in a way that traditional media cannot. It allows potential customers to virtually explore your offerings, increasing engagement and driving bookings.

Q. What are the key use cases of VR in the tourism industry?

A. VR can be used for virtual tours of hotels, resorts, and attractions, providing potential guests with a realistic preview of their experience. It’s also valuable for destination marketing, allowing travelers to virtually explore destinations before making travel decisions. Additionally, VR experiences can enhance travel agency presentations and trade show exhibits, offering a unique and memorable way to showcase destinations.

Q. How difficult is it to integrate VR into existing business operations?

A. Integrating VR into your business can vary in complexity depending on your specific needs and resources. There are off-the-shelf VR solutions available for creating virtual tours and experiences, which can be relatively easy to implement with the right guidance. However, for more customized VR experiences, you may need to work with VR developers or agencies to create content tailored to your business.

Q. Will investing in VR technology provide a good return on investment (ROI) for my tourism business?

A. While the initial investment in VR technology may seem significant, it can lead to long-term benefits such as increased bookings, improved customer engagement, and enhanced brand reputation. By offering immersive experiences that differentiate your business from competitors, VR has the potential to attract more customers and generate higher revenue over time.

Q. How can VR experiences enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty?

A. VR experiences can provide customers with a realistic preview of their travel experiences, helping to manage their expectations and reduce the likelihood of disappointment upon arrival. By offering immersive and interactive content, you can also create memorable experiences that increase customer satisfaction and encourage repeat visits or referrals.

Q. Are there any limitations or challenges associated with implementing VR in the tourism industry?

A. While VR technology offers many benefits, there are some challenges to consider, such as the initial cost of equipment and content creation, technical requirements for hosting VR experiences, and ensuring accessibility for all users. Additionally, VR experiences may not fully replicate the sensory richness of real-world travel, so it’s important to manage customer expectations and supplement VR with other marketing efforts.

Related posts:

• How to Create a 360 VR App for Tourism in 2023
• AR Apps in Travel and Tourism: Everything You Need to Know
• Top 10 Metaverse Use Cases and Benefits
• VR in Real Estate – Benefits and Use Cases
• Exploring the Impact of AI on the Future of Tourism
• TOP USE CASES OF METAVERSE IN 2023

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Gaurav Patil

Loves to explore the latest tech trends in the market. I feel motivated to write topics on Mobile Apps, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchains, especially Cryptos. You can find my words engaging and easier to understand, which makes content more entertaining and informative at the same time.

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• EARTH DAY ISSUE

Is virtual travel here to stay, even after the pandemic subsides?

The coronavirus is changing how we travel. But will virtual reality—a welcome escape from the pandemic—ever be a substitute for the real thing?

Through virtual reality, travelers can “experience” far-flung destinations, such as coastal Tanzania, with minimal environmental impact.

This Earth Day, people who usually celebrate by heading outdoors might need to rely on virtual tours instead. It will be a fitting opportunity to experience a technology that some experts have advanced as an eco-friendly solution to the problem of overtourism .

With about 90 percent of the world under a travel restriction , many would-be adventurers are turning to virtual reality (VR) to bring them to Machu Picchu or the Galápagos Islands . The potential for this technology to ease tourism’s carbon footprint is clear, underscored by some of the unexpected ecological benefits the coronavirus lockdown has surfaced—including cleaner air and water .

Even as it has eased pollution, the pandemic has been devastating for the tourism industry . But will interest in traveling virtually last beyond the pandemic? And will VR technology sustain growing interest?

More than a gimmick

For years, airlines, travel agencies, and tourism boards have used VR technology to market destinations to potential customers. Now, “the impact of COVID-19 may allow [virtual reality] to shake off its image of being a gimmick,” says Ralph Hollister, a tourism analyst at Global Data and author of a report on the VR travel industry .

Virtual travel experiences are seeing a surge in popularity. Valeriy Kondruk, CEO of VR travel company Ascape , has seen app downloads grow 60 percent from December (traditionally the busiest month) and double since January. The company has fielded increasing interest from educators and those working in nursing homes, Kondruk says, even as the airlines and travel agencies that usually license Ascape’s VR content have paused their accounts.

For overcrowded destinations including Machu Picchu, virtual reality experiences could help divert some tourists, easing the burden on the location’s infrastructure.

Related: Had to cancel your vacation? Here’s what to do next.

Still, there’s a big gap between using virtual reality to “try before you buy” and treating virtual reality like the destination itself. To start with, the technology isn’t ready yet. 360-degree virtual reality videos are usually experienced through a headset (like Oculus Rift) or an app (like Google Cardboard). The headsets are expensive, heavy, can cause nausea, and aren’t comfortable to wear for more than 30 minutes. The apps have none of these problems, but simply aren’t as impressive, says Hollister.

Limited sensations are another hurdle. The videos focus on sounds and sights but can’t do much with smell, touch, or taste , and VR experiences tend to only be a few minutes long—hardly the equivalent of a two-week vacation in Spain . Of course, some researchers are working on ever-more-immersive VR features, including haptic suits, says Samuel Greengard, author of Virtual Reality . But while creating a full-body suit with enhanced sensory experiences might make a video of the Amazon or Antarctica more realistic, it still doesn’t fulfill the deeper needs that compel us to travel.

Roaming instinct

Tourists aren’t locals, and they aren’t business travelers. Tourists tend to be less directed in their explorations and more focused on new experiences and discoveries. “This simply can’t be recreated in virtual reality,” says Erick Ramirez , a philosopher at Santa Clara University who studies VR.

He compares the future of virtual travel to a classic thought experiment: Imagine that you could hook yourself up to an “experience machine” and simply feel happy forever. Philosopher Robert Nozick, who developed the experiment, “thinks nobody would want to be hooked up to such a thing,” Ramirez says. “I do think that there are some kinds of tourist experiences where the value in them is in the doing , not just in the seeing and hearing, and it’ll be tough for VR to replicate.”

We not only want to do things, we want to be the ones deciding what to do. On a fundamental level, virtual travel is constructed and fed to us; we see a world only to the extent that someone was able to film and engineer it. It is, as Ramirez puts it, “the most authoritarian of guided tours.”

Virtual reality extends only as far as it’s engineered. In a virtual experience, you can’t choose to wander down a side street and discover a charming café—unless those options have already been programmed.

Someone going to India for real can decide where to go and what to see. They can be surprised by themselves and by what they learn. Someone going to India via video might never see aspects that a VR production company obscures in order to create a more pleasant experience. “A tour that Elon Musk—just to pick on somebody—might design would look very different from what a working-class Indian living in India might design,” Ramirez says. “It’s important to keep that in mind as we go into these touristy VR experiences.”

Related: Meet the Indian women taking on a male-dominated travel industry.

For my part, I experienced VR travel in 2015, using Oculus to demo a short tour of the north coast of Vancouver , British Columbia. The demo was beautiful and looked similar to the real place, which I visited four years later. In other ways, though, there was little comparison. Part of the difference was sensual: the air was cold on my skin and I could touch the water. But much of the difference was the specificity of my own actual visit. In person, the experience was happening only to me, I had full control over what I was able to hear and see—and if I wanted, I could see and choose something else.

A green lining

Chauvet-Pont-d’Arc, a Paleolithic cave painting site in southern France, is too vulnerable to be visited in person. A nearby replica allows tourists to see copies of the paintings in a way that presages the potential of virtual reality travel experiences.

Virtual reality may never replace traditional travel, but it still offers intriguing possibilities. If the technology becomes sophisticated enough, the more environmentally conscious among us—especially those aiming to reduce our carbon footprint (or people sensitive to flight-shaming )—might prefer this form of escape. VR travel does bring parts of the world to people who are physically unable to visit certain landmarks. Most of all, it could help bring people to places that are otherwise inaccessible .

Southern France is the site of some of the world’s earliest cave paintings, which are closed to the public because the Palaeolithic works are so delicate. Yet only four miles from the original a complete replica is on view. Ramirez suggests that virtual reality could be applied in a similar way—and even more accessible way—to sites around the world. Hollister, from Global Data, agrees that VR can play a unique role in recreating historic attractions. And Kondruk, the CEO of Ascape, says that the company has been working with Vietravel, a major Vietnamese travel agency, on recreating areas of the country where the government has limited tourist travel.

Related: See mesmerizing photos of Vietnam from above.

Ultimately, the impact of virtual reality on travel will be determined by the evolution and application of new technologies. So far, advances have been incremental—and not at a scale that is likely to disrupt the travel industry or support a drop in travel-related carbon emissions after the pandemic has ended. But just as travel platforms, from print to social media, offer some of the discoveries of actual exploration, virtual reality might bring faraway places closer—and in so doing encourage travelers to embrace sustainable practices wherever they choose to go (or not go) in the future.

Related Topics

• OVERTOURISM

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