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7 Great Virtual Reality Travel Experiences

Try VR travel to fulfill your bucket list without leaving the couch

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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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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.

virtual reality for tourism

(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

virtual reality for tourism

(Photo: Wooorld Inc.)

Blueplanet VR Explore

virtual reality for tourism

(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

virtual reality for tourism

(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

virtual reality for tourism

(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

virtual reality for tourism

(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),

virtual reality for tourism

(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.

virtual reality for tourism

(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

virtual reality for tourism

(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 

virtual reality for tourism

(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)

virtual reality for tourism

(Photo: Gala 360)

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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.

Francis Davidson

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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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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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.

COVID-19's Crushing Impact On International Tourism

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.

Pandemic Could Set Tourism Sector Back by $1 Trillion

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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The Rise of Virtual Reality Tourism/Digitization of Culture in the Time of COVID-19

Flights canceled, famous attractions closed to the public, once crowded streets now vacant— emptied of tourists snapping photos. In the age of the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional tourism has ground to a screeching halt in most places. Tourism has had to evolve to match the unprecedented and prolonged global travel restrictions, a situation that has made a profound impact on nations and industries around the globe. It has been indicated that the global tourism sector should expect to suffer a drop of about US$8.1 trillion in revenue due to the pandemic and will likely not recover until 2024. With many of their most popular landmarks, cities, and heritage sites closing or implementing restrictions, countries have had to radically rethink their tourism industries and cultural institutions have had to adapt to a time of reduced visitors and in-person engagement. The intersection of innovation with the need to digitize experiences and content in order to reduce human interaction have converged uniquely in 2020, marking a critical moment in the rise of virtual reality tourism and the digitization of culture.

Virtual reality tourism technologies have been evolving for the past few years, used primarily as an educational tool, allowing users to engage with the history, geography, and cultural aspects of location and serving as a substitute for physical visitation. It incorporates cutting edge technologies, such as high resolution 360- degree imaging and simulated movement capabilities to enable users to view, tour, and engage with landmarks and tourist destinations without leaving their homes. Museums, cultural sites, and locations of worldwide-renown can be explored on personal computers and tablets. One such site, the Seokguram Grotto hermitage and monastery complex in South Korea, utilized VR technology to construct a 3D stereopsis of the site and provide a digitized experience for visitors. The COVID-19 pandemic has created an additional opportunity for virtual tourism to provide travel-related content accessible around the world and explore the additional benefits of VR technology.

Many governments have been crafting virtual tours in hopes of attracting viewers who wish to visit cities around the world without the current risks of travel: exposure to the virus, or the logistical complications of widespread, pandemic-related bans and restrictions. Cities such as Paris, which attracted 38 million tourists in 2019 alone, have adopted virtual technology to continue to showcase iconic landmarks, by using the interactive features of Google Arts and Culture: users can select sites of interest and navigate the landscapes by clicking their way from one vantage point to another. The Paris Tourist Board website, for example, also allows users to view landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Palais Garnier. Because of the 2020 Olympics’ postponement, the Japan National Tourism Organization created a 360-degree virtual tour that can be viewed via smartphone or with VR goggles, Japan: Where Tradition Meets the Future , which virtually transports users to well-known landmarks including the Tokyo Tower and the Sagano Bamboo Forest, blending culture and technology in an innovative and engaging way. Smaller towns that are less tourist-dependent are also hoping to retain exposure and relevance by creating virtual representations of their architecture. This way people can continue to experience the landscapes and perhaps become inspired to travel to the destination post-pandemic. Germany’s Herrenberg is one such town; they created a “virtual twin” utilizing computerized technologies usually used for high-level aerospace tasks to replicate the town’s architecture on a digital platform, enabling visitors to immerse themselves in the sites of the town center via VR glasses.

Digitization of Culture

Outdoor landmarks and city streets are not the only places that can now be enjoyed virtually as people hunker down in their homes. Cultural institutions, particularly museums, which face  a severe reduction in the number of visitors strolling through galleries and perusing collections due to pandemic-related restrictions, have also started to adapt and modernize to continue to attract attention and virtual visitors. An empirical study of 100 of the largest state museums in Italy revealed that, throughout the most restrictive period of national lockdown, there was a sharp increase in online cultural initiatives conducted by museums via social media in order to continue stimulating viewer engagement through digital material. In this way, social media platforms—such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter—have been an invaluable tool in promoting cultural engagement during the COVID-19 crisis.

Besides simply engaging people in museum content, social media and digital platforms have also connected people during this time of limited social interaction. The Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, for example, organized unique, virtual community events including the ArtYouReady virtual flash mob, an initiative that encouraged online users to post pictures of their favorite Italian cultural sites. Such virtual opportunities and initiatives have continued throughout the pandemic, likely remaining a staple for cultural organizations’ public engagement strategies.

The evolution of digital engagement at museums in Europe was highlighted in a post written by Chiarra Zuanni, assistant professor in digital humanities at the Centre for Information Modelling at the University of Graz, for Europeana, a European organization that works to support and empower the digitization of cultural heritage. Zuanni compiled a map to visually depict the evolving digital activities of museums throughout Europe. The map identified various categories of digital offerings, such as contemporary collecting projects, social media initiatives (local hashtags, targeted projects, etc.), streaming content, virtual tours, online exhibitions, games, and educational content. The map enables users to select locations or activities of interest and access direct links to the respective museum’s interactive sites. The map shows a widespread rise in online activity from museums across the continent, providing a look into just a small fraction of museums that are adopting modernized and digitized tactics to maintain and foster relationships with a global audience in a time when in-person interactions and the usual flow of tourists have been severely curbed.

COVID-19 has caused museums’, galleries’, and historic residences’ usage of digital technology to transition from being a mere supplementary tool used to offer additional and secondary services and content to being the primary source of continued engagement with the arts. The pandemic has created the unique opportunity for museums to radically redefine their marketing and content strategies, forcing traditionally archaic institutions to adapt to the modern world at a rapid speed.

New Opportunities to Explore

Is this the future? Are the days strolling through cobblestone streets, snapping photos at iconic landmarks and wandering through bustling art galleries simply experiences of the past? Not necessarily. When the pandemic subsides and the world reawakens from lockdowns, restrictions, and travel bans, travel will likely resume. While it may take years for the industry to fully recover, tourism will eventually reemerge as a prominent economic sector. Cultural institutions will reopen, welcoming visitors from around the world to engage with history and art once more.

Yet, although the COVID-19 pandemic devastated numerous economic sectors and rendered several aspects of daily life and travel unrecognizable, it has also unlocked the enhanced opportunity for countries and organizations to harness the full potential of virtual reality tourism. Museum attendance across several countries, particularly attendance at art museums,  has been in decline in recent years. Virtual offerings however, seem to be driving significant user interest due to the increase in virtual engagement with cultural and artistic content on cultural websites. The increased adoption of technology could help prevent museums from buckling under the weight of low visitor rates if they can identify ways to accrue revenue through digital means.

In the same vein, the COVID-19 epidemic and subsequent lockdown have prompted countries to rethink their tourism strategies, opening the door for an already burgeoning virtual tourism industry to take root. Easily accessible for users around the world, providing access to landmarks and locations that are currently restricted, and free or low in cost for users, virtual tours allow for global experiences to be enjoyed by large, international audiences. While not a replacement for the thrill of physical travel, the virtual tourism sector offers intriguing opportunities for accessible global experiences.

The intersection of modern, cutting-edge innovation with a global pandemic has created a pivotal moment in how we access, view, and support tourism and cultural markets, both of which are critical to developing and sustaining national economies. The use of digital technologies in light of the COVID-19 epidemic highlights the benefits of rising technological innovations, offering viable and fascinating avenues for nations to adapt to a largely unprecedented world in the years ahead.

Abby LaBreck

Abby LaBreck

Abby LaBreck is an Executive Content Editor & Staff Writer for the HIR. She is interested in European affairs and transatlantic relations. She has previously written about French culture/politics.

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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 for travel with VR headset

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.

VR travel stats

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.

Virtual travel experience provided by First Airlines

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.

77% of people cited local food as being important - a problem for VR in travel

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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Tourism Teacher

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 reality for tourism

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.

What is virtual tourism?

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

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.

https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/travel-insurance/

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.

Virtual tourism

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.

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.

What is virtual tourism?

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.

virtual reality for tourism

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 .

Virtual tourism

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. 

Virtual tourism

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.

Virtual tourism

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.

Virtual tourism

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.

silk road china itinerary

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.

Virtual tourism

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.

Virtual tourism

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.

Virtual tourism

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.

Virtual tourism

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.

Virtual tourism

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.

Virtual tourism

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!

Virtual tourism

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.

Virtual tourism

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.

Virtual tourism

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.

Virtual tourism

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.

Virtual tourism

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.

Virtual tourism

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 .

Virtual tourism

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

Virtual tourism

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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The Rise of Virtual Reality in Tourism: Benefits and Examples

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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A Complete Guide to Virtual Reality in Tourism & Travel

itechnolabs-A-Complete-Guide-to-Virtual-Reality-(VR)-in-Travel-&-Tourism

Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person using special electronic equipment, such as a headset with a screen or gloves fitted with sensors. VR technology has been gaining popularity in various industries, one of which is the travel and tourism industry.

The use of virtual reality in tourism has been on the rise as it offers a unique and immersive experience to travelers. Through VR, tourists can virtually visit various destinations, attractions, and experiences without actually being there physically. This is especially beneficial for those who are unable to travel due to financial or physical constraints.

How Virtual Reality Works?

Virtual Reality (VR) works by creating a simulated environment that immerses users in a different place, replicating real-life experiences. This technology relies on three main components: hardware, software, and content, each playing a crucial role in delivering a captivating VR experience.

The hardware encompasses a range of devices, including headsets, controllers, and sensors. These devices not only track the user’s movement but also provide sensory feedback, enhancing the sense of presence within the virtual world.

The software is responsible for generating and rendering the virtual environment, ensuring seamless interaction between the user and the virtual world. It employs advanced algorithms to create realistic visuals, realistic physics, and responsive interactions.

Lastly, the content is the heart of the VR experience. It comprises intricately designed 3D models, captivating images, immersive videos, and lifelike audio. These elements come together to transport users to a virtual realm that engages their senses and sparks their imagination.

Together, the hardware, software, and content form a cohesive ecosystem that enables users to explore and interact within a virtual space, offering endless possibilities and unlocking new frontiers of entertainment, education, and beyond.

Traveling before actually traveling

Virtual reality has revolutionized the way we experience travel. By using VR technology, users can visit any destination, try out different activities, and immerse themselves in new cultures without leaving their homes.

This has opened doors for people who are unable to travel due to various reasons such as financial constraints, physical limitations, or time restrictions. With virtual reality, they can explore the world from the comfort of their own homes.

Moreover, VR has also transformed the way we plan for our travels. Instead of relying on traditional brochures or online images, users can now virtually walk through hotel rooms, tour destinations, and even take virtual flights to get a realistic preview of their travel experience.

Exploring Hotels and Destinations in Virtual Reality

Virtual reality has also made it possible for users to fully experience hotels and destinations before actually booking their stay. By offering virtual tours, hotels can give potential guests a realistic view of their rooms, amenities, and facilities.

This not only helps users make informed decisions about their travel plans but also allows hotel owners to showcase their property in an innovative way, gaining a competitive edge in the market.

Virtual reality also allows users to explore destinations and attractions that may be difficult or inaccessible in real life. From exploring ancient ruins to diving with sharks, VR offers a safe and immersive way to experience these unique locations without any risks.

Meeting the needs of the modern customer

The rise of virtual reality in travel and tourism is also a response to the changing needs of modern customers. In today’s fast-paced world, people are looking for unique experiences that are convenient, affordable, and memorable.

Virtual reality offers just that – it allows users to explore new destinations and activities at their own pace, without breaking the bank. It also provides an opportunity for travelers to customize their experiences, making it truly personal and tailored to their preferences.

Moreover, with the rise of social media and influencers, virtual reality offers a new way for tourists to share their experiences with others. By using VR technology, users can capture and share immersive content that allows others to virtually experience their travels as well.

Innovations in Virtual Reality in Travel

Google street view.

One of the pioneers in virtual reality for tourism is Google Street View. This tool uses 360-degree images to create immersive experiences of various destinations around the world.

From famous landmarks to remote islands, users can explore and navigate these locations as if they were there in person. This not only allows tourists to plan their trips more effectively but also promotes the destinations and encourages more visitors.

Marriott’s Vroom Service

Marriott’s Vroom Service is another example of how virtual reality is being used in the travel and tourism industry. This service allows guests to order a Samsung Gear VR headset, along with specially curated virtual reality experiences, to their hotel rooms.

This not only adds an extra level of convenience for guests but also gives them a unique and memorable experience during their stay. Marriott has also used VR to showcase their different hotel locations, giving potential guests a taste of what they can expect before booking.

Booking Engine Integration

Many travel and booking websites have recognized the potential of virtual reality technology and have begun integrating it into their platforms. By leveraging this cutting-edge technology, users can go beyond just viewing static images and videos of their desired destinations. Instead, they can embark on a truly immersive experience, virtually exploring the sights and sounds of their dream locations. Whether it’s strolling through the bustling streets of a vibrant city or basking in the tranquility of a pristine beach, virtual reality adds a new dimension to travel planning, allowing users to get a taste of what awaits them and make more informed decisions.

Virtual Vacations

Virtual reality has also opened up opportunities for those who may not have the means to travel. Through virtual vacations, anyone with a VR headset can experience destinations and activities that would otherwise be out of reach. This includes extreme adventures like skydiving or scuba diving, cultural experiences in far-off countries, and even trips to outer space.

Furthermore, virtual vacations can also serve as a form of therapy for individuals who are unable to physically travel due to various limitations. By immersing themselves in virtual destinations, they can still experience the joy and relaxation of traveling without leaving their homes.

Enhancing Cultural Experiences

Virtual reality is also being utilized to enhance cultural experiences for travelers. By using VR technology, museums and historical sites can provide visitors with immersive and interactive tours, allowing them to virtually step back in time and explore exhibits in a more engaging manner. This not only adds a level of novelty to traditional sightseeing but also helps preserve and showcase cultural heritage.

Key Features of virtual reality in tourism

Virtual reality in tourism has several key features that make it a valuable tool for both travelers and the industry.

  • 360-degree views: With virtual reality, users can immerse themselves in a destination and explore it from every angle, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the location. Whether it’s turning their head to admire the scenic landscapes or looking down to examine intricate architectural details, virtual reality offers a level of immersion that goes beyond what traditional media can capture.
  • Realistic simulations: Virtual reality technology goes beyond just visuals. It can create highly realistic simulations of destinations and activities, allowing users to not only see but also feel as though they are actually there. From the gentle sway of a boat on the water to the rush of wind while paragliding, virtual reality can recreate the sensory experiences that make travel so captivating.
  • Accessibility: One of the remarkable aspects of virtual reality is its ability to make travel accessible to everyone. People with physical limitations or financial constraints can now experience travel destinations and activities that would otherwise be out of reach. Virtual reality breaks down barriers and opens up a world of possibilities, enabling individuals to explore far-off places and embark on thrilling adventures from the comfort of their own homes.
  • Enhancing safety: In the tourism industry, virtual reality can play a crucial role in enhancing safety. By simulating different scenarios, travelers can better prepare themselves for potential risks and emergencies while on their trip. Whether it’s practicing emergency evacuation procedures or learning how to navigate unfamiliar terrain, virtual reality equips travelers with the knowledge and confidence to handle unexpected situations, ultimately ensuring a safer and more enjoyable travel experience.
  • Increased engagement: Virtual reality provides a more engaging and interactive experience compared to traditional travel media. By immersing users in a virtual world, it sparks their curiosity and fuels their desire to explore. Whether it’s virtually walking through bustling markets, interacting with locals, or trying out thrilling activities, virtual reality captures attention and creates a deeper connection with travel destinations. This heightened engagement not only enriches the travel experience but also inspires travelers to seek out new adventures and broaden their horizons.

Benefits of tourism in the real sense

  • Economic growth: Tourism has long been recognized as a significant contributor to the global economy. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, in 2019, travel and tourism accounted for 10.4% of global GDP and supported over 330 million jobs worldwide. By attracting visitors, tourism generates income for local businesses, creates job opportunities, and boosts economic growth. In this sense, virtual reality can act as a powerful marketing tool for destinations, attracting more tourists and ultimately stimulating economic development.
  • Cultural preservation: Virtual reality also has the potential to aid in cultural preservation efforts. By creating immersive experiences of historical sites or traditional practices, virtual reality allows visitors to virtually step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of different cultures. This not only helps to preserve cultural heritage but also promotes cultural exchange and understanding among travelers. Virtual reality can also provide an opportunity for remote or endangered destinations to be virtually visited, promoting awareness and potentially encouraging responsible tourism practices.
  • Sustainable travel: With the increasing awareness of climate change and environmental issues, there has been a growing demand for sustainable travel options. Virtual reality offers a solution by reducing the need for physical travel and its associated carbon emissions. By providing a virtual experience, tourists can still explore and learn about different destinations without having to physically travel there. This not only reduces the environmental impact of tourism but also promotes responsible and sustainable practices.
  • Accessibility: For some individuals, traveling may be limited due to physical disabilities or health conditions. However, virtual reality allows everyone to experience new destinations and cultures, regardless of their physical limitations. By providing a virtual experience, individuals can still explore and learn about different destinations without having to physically travel there. This not only promotes inclusivity but also allows for more people to participate in the tourism industry.
  • Personalization: Virtual reality technology allows for a high level of personalization in travel experiences. With virtual reality, travelers can customize their own virtual itinerary and choose which destinations they want to visit. They can also interact with the environment and experience it in a more immersive way. This not only enhances the overall travel experience but also allows for more flexibility and control in planning trips.

Determine the cost procedure of virtual reality in tourism

The cost of implementing virtual reality technology in the tourism industry may vary depending on several factors. Some of these factors include the type of VR experience being offered, the level of customization and quality, and the equipment needed to provide the virtual experience.

For businesses looking to incorporate virtual reality into their travel offerings, there are typically three main costs involved: content creation, hardware and software, and maintenance. Content creation refers to the development of virtual experiences, which can range from basic 360-degree videos to fully immersive VR simulations. The cost of content creation will depend on the complexity and scope of the project.

1. Content Creation : This is often the most significant part of the cost structure. It involves creating virtual experiences, which could range from simple 360-degree videos to comprehensive, interactive simulations. The cost varies greatly depending on the complexity and scope of the project. It’s important to meticulously plan the content to ensure it meets your business objectives while captivating the users.

2. Hardware and Software : The type and quality of VR equipment can significantly impact the cost. High-end VR headsets and robust software platforms offer superior experiences but come with higher price tags. The business must weigh the benefits against the costs to decide what level of technology is appropriate.

3. Maintenance : Once the VR system is set up and running, there will be ongoing costs associated with maintaining and updating the hardware and software. These can include costs for software updates, hardware repair or replacement, and technical support.

4. Marketing and Distribution : Once the VR experience is created, it needs to be effectively marketed and made accessible to potential users. This can involve marketing campaigns, partnerships with travel agencies, or the creation of a bespoke platform for distribution. The costs here can vary depending on the scale and type of marketing campaign, and the distribution avenues chosen.

5. Legal and Compliance : There may also be legal and compliance-related costs, especially if the VR experiences include copyrighted material or sensitive content. These costs may include legal consultation, licensing, and potential fees for non-compliance.

How can iTechnolabs help you build a virtual reality application?

iTechnolabs is a reputable and innovative mobile app development company that excels in crafting cutting-edge virtual reality applications tailored to diverse industries. One of their key areas of expertise lies in the realm of travel and tourism, where they have successfully created immersive and captivating experiences. These experiences allow businesses to showcase various destinations and activities, captivating potential travelers and igniting their wanderlust. Through their mastery of VR technology, iTechnolabs empowers businesses to transport their audience to new horizons, enabling them to explore and discover the world like never before.

Here’s how iTechnolabs can assist you in building a VR app for tourism:

  • Customized VR Solutions : iTechnolabs can provide customized VR solutions tailored to your specific business needs. They have a team of experienced developers who can create unique and engaging experiences that align with your brand and target audience.
  • Cutting-edge Technology : With their in-depth knowledge of the latest VR technology, iTechnolabs can ensure that your app is built using the most advanced tools and techniques. This will result in a high-quality and seamless VR experience for your users.
  • 360-Degree Content Creation : iTechnolabs can also assist with creating 360-degree content, which is essential for any VR app. They have expertise in capturing high-quality images and videos of different destinations or activities, ensuring that your virtual tours are as realistic as possible.
  • User-friendly Interface : The team at iTechnolabs understands the importance of a user-friendly interface in VR apps. They can design an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface that will enhance the overall user experience.
  • Cost-effective Solutions : iTechnolabs offers cost-effective solutions for building VR apps, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. They also provide continuous support and maintenance services to ensure that your app remains up-to-date and functional.

Are you planning to build a Virtual reality tourism application ?

itechnolabs-.Are-you-planning-to-build-a-Virtual-reality-tourism-application

There are substantial benefits to embracing virtual reality in tourism, particularly through platforms developed by iTechnolabs. Firstly, VR offers an unprecedented level of immersion. Potential travelers can get a realistic preview of their intended destination, exploring accommodations, local attractions, and cultural experiences. This not only arouses excitement but also aids in informed decision-making.

Secondly, it mitigates the risks associated with travel. Users can virtually visit a place before physically traveling there, providing an understanding of the locale, and thereby enhancing safety and preparedness.

Thirdly, it offers accessibility. People with physical limitations, budget constraints, or time restrictions can virtually explore distant locations they might not otherwise get to experience.

Fourthly, it provides an educational perspective. VR in tourism can be a potent educational tool, providing historical, cultural, and geographical context to various locations, making the travel experience more enriching.

Finally, VR can contribute significantly to sustainability in tourism. By offering virtual experiences, it can help reduce excessive tourist footfall in fragile ecosystems and maintain the integrity of historical sites. These benefits underscore the potential of iTechnolabs’ offerings in revolutionizing the tourism industry through VR technology. While the prospects of virtual reality in tourism are exciting, iTechnolabs must also navigate several challenges and limitations in its implementation.

1. Technical Constraints: High-quality VR experiences require robust hardware and software, which may not be accessible to all. The users’ ability to access and enjoy VR tourism is contingent on their technological resources and skills. For example, individuals with limited access to high-speed internet or outdated devices may face difficulties in fully experiencing VR content. Additionally, the learning curve associated with operating VR equipment might pose challenges for some users, especially those who are less tech-savvy.

2. Costs: Developing, maintaining, and updating VR platforms can be expensive. The price may also be a barrier for users, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. The cost of VR headsets, controllers, and other accessories adds up, making it less affordable for individuals who are on a tight budget. Furthermore, the expenses involved in creating immersive VR content, such as 360-degree videos or virtual tours, can be significant, limiting the availability and accessibility of diverse VR experiences.

3. Physical Discomfort: Prolonged use of VR headsets can cause physical discomfort, such as dizziness or nausea, which can discourage usage. The immersive nature of VR can sometimes lead to motion sickness, especially when there is a discrepancy between the user’s actual movement and the virtual environment they perceive. This discomfort can hinder the adoption of VR technology, as users may be reluctant to engage in activities that trigger such symptoms.

4. Limited Sensory Experience: While VR can visually replicate a destination, it cannot recreate the full sensory experiences of being there, such as smells, tastes, or tactile sensations. Despite offering immersive visuals, VR falls short in delivering a complete sensory experience. The absence of scents, flavors, and physical interactions with the environment can diminish the overall realism and may leave users longing for the multi-sensory aspects of real-world travel.

5. Cultural Representation: Capturing and portraying local cultures authentically and respectfully is a complex task. Misrepresentation can lead to cultural insensitivity and backlash. Ensuring accurate cultural representation in VR tourism requires meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the traditions, customs, and nuances of different communities. Failure to accurately represent cultures can perpetuate stereotypes or offend individuals, underscoring the importance of approaching cultural representation in VR content with sensitivity and inclusivity.

Conclusion :

Virtual reality has enormous potential to transform the travel and tourism industry. From offering immersive experiences that transcend physical limitations to providing a glimpse into destinations before booking a trip, VR can enhance and enrich the way we travel. However, VR also comes with its challenges, such as technical limitations, potential discomfort, and cultural representation concerns. By addressing these issues and continuously evolving the technology, VR has the power to revolutionize how we explore and experience the world, making it more accessible, engaging, and inclusive for all.

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virtual reality for tourism

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Tourism Review

ISSN : 1660-5373

Article publication date: 2 May 2019

Issue publication date: 19 June 2019

Emerging technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), have been influencing both the tourism supply side and tourists alike. The purpose of this study is to analyse VR research in tourism and to provide a comprehensive state-of-the-art review. As the technological connotation of the term VR has been changing and encompasses various VR systems with different capabilities, this paper aims to provide a systematic and structured overview. The overall objective of this paper is to contribute to a thorough understanding of VR research in tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper comprehensively reviews and analyses existing literature on VR in tourism, published from 1994 to February 2018. Using a wide variety of sources, these papers were examined so as to give a state-of-the-art literature review and to deepen one’s understanding of the diverse applications of VR in a tourism context. This paper also presents a novel classification of different VR systems according to the level of immersion and depicts their respective technological capabilities.

The advent of new VR hardware necessitates a distinction for different VR systems applied in the tourism sector. Research conducted during the past three years has been focussing on the application of head-mounted displays, which reflects the temporal development of VR technology. Regardless of the VR system, most studies examine VR as a marketing tool for promotion and communication purposes during the pre-travel phase, focussing on behavioural aspects. Advances in technology will yield new opportunities and application possibilities for the tourism industry.

Originality/value

The key contribution of this paper lies in its structural approach, which differentiates between non-, semi- and fully immersive VR systems in tourism, as well as the proposition of respective definitions. The concluding part of the paper proposes practical implications for tourism businesses together with directions for future studies.

  • Virtual environment
  • Virtual reality

Beck, J. , Rainoldi, M. and Egger, R. (2019), "Virtual reality in tourism: a state-of-the-art review", Tourism Review , Vol. 74 No. 3, pp. 586-612. https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-03-2017-0049

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited

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The Agony and Ecstasy (and Nausea) of VR Tourism

Is virtual reality the future of travel? I strapped on a headset to find out.

The sheer icy cliff face looms high above me. I’m tired from lifting my ice picks above my head and sinking them over and over again into the Antarctic glacier. I look up. A long ways to go. I wish I was home. Luckily, I am home — I lift up my VR goggles and have a sip of tea before plunging back into the icy abyss.

Welcome to the confusing, impressive, and nauseating world of virtual-reality tourism , the stage for a big debate only likely to become even bigger in the years to come: Do we need to travel anywhere? Or can we do it all with a Wi-Fi connection and an open mind?

I’m one of the lucky ones. Meta (formerly known as Facebook) sent me its latest Quest 3 mixed reality headset , comprising the head-mounted face computer part and two controllers with buttons and triggers like you’d find on an Xbox or PlayStation gamepad, so I can try out the various VR tourism apps currently available. This means getting to grips with an entire language and landscape wholly unfamiliar to me as someone who tried VR once and nearly vomited all over himself from motion sickness.

National Geographic Explore VR app screenshot

In Antarctica, I am able to kayak through water, ricocheting off blocks of ice and seeing whales swimming beneath me.

As I’m sure you are, I’m someone who loves to travel; to hear a foreign conversation in a village café; to stand on top of a mountain and deeply inhale one’s achievement; to stand in awe of a local custom as it dances past you. As clinical neuropsychologist Paul Nussbaum tells Inverse , travel is fantastic for our minds “because it gets the brain firing: It has to problem-solve; it has to execute; it has to organize.” We receive delicious dopamine and oxytocin hits from travel, making it good for us on almost every conceivable metric.

What travel is not good for, of course, is the environment. One of the various silver linings of the pandemic was that the termination of almost all travel temporarily but enormously improved air quality. Because travel is so convenient today, we go through with it with little consideration of the environmental consequences — it’s a purchase of only several clicks, which isn’t dissimilar to buying some socks or ordering a burger. And, in part because of a growing middle class in places like India and China, the predictions for the amount of long-haul travel taking place in the coming years are “sky-high,” says Elke Dens, director of global programs at The Travel Foundation.

“ I spend what feels like 32 years in the app’s introductory living room.”

Here’s where VR travel could step in, according to its advocates. Might VR be able to keep people at home, “experiencing” a plethora of exotic destinations without contributing to carbon emissions? “It’s a story the airline industry does not want to hear, of course,” says Dens. But if the technology is up to the challenge, perhaps it might radically overhaul the tourism industry — hey, maybe the world — as we know it.

So how is the technology? Well…

The first thing you must never forget about crossing over into the magical world of VR is that you have to wear massive goggles on your head. The Quest 3 headset was painfully apparent throughout all of my experiences, and it never allowed me to fully relax. It weighs 515 grams (or a little more than 1 pound), and it’s fantastically irritating. National Geographic’s Explore VR ($9.99) is the first VR tourism app I try. I don’t know it at the time, but I’m about to enter a world of pain.

Meta Quest 3

The author experiencing the wonders of VR tourism.

In theory, it should be easy to use the National Geographic app, which promises excursions to either Machu Picchu or Antarctica. Like all of these VR tourism apps, however, so great is the desire to streamline and to make the environment all-encompassing that it can be impossible to work out how to do anything. I spend what feels like 32 years in the app’s introductory living room. For some reason, the app wants me to take photos. I spend about two months trying to pick up the camera (with absolutely no help from my cheerful guide) and am filled with a kind of fiery loathing. Eventually, I work out how to take photos… and they’re all of the floor. As I continue on my various trips around the world, this will remain a mystery: Why would anyone want to take photos of a digital holiday? Who would ever look at them?

Finally, I get to Machu Picchu, where a guide called Jose talks me through some of the history. While the technology rendering the landscape is extraordinarily impressive, the experience is not. You can do nothing but plod aimlessly around, bumping into walls. Crucial to a traveler’s experience of a real location are a multitude of senses, says Dens. “The disadvantage [of VR] is that it’s not as good as the travel experience yet because it’s very visual, and it needs to tap into all these senses.” Michael Bennett, co-founder of bespoke travel agency Explorer X, points out that the two most crucial senses when it comes to memory are smell and taste. Boasting neither of these, the tourism apps on the Quest 3 are always likely to pale in comparison with the real thing.

virtual reality for tourism

National Geographic’s VR app really wants you to take photos of your virtual travels.

Before I can go from Machu Picchu to Antarctica, I’m stuck in a kind of purgatory back in the original living room, where not only am I forced to stare at the awful floor photos I took earlier, unable to move away from the spot I’m in, but I become aware of a mysterious vibration that sounds like a phone. To this day, I do not understand what it was or what I was supposed to do about it. The colossal downside of the apps is their inability to simply and clearly tell you how you’re supposed to use them. Much as this whole hellish experience might simulate the rage of being stuck in a traffic jam in a far-flung land, I don’t suspect it was what National Geographic’s designers had in mind.

The gulf in quality between the Machu Picchu experience and the Antarctica experience is inexplicable. In Antarctica, I am able to kayak through water, ricocheting off blocks of ice and seeing whales swimming beneath me; I get out of the kayak and use ice picks to climb up a frozen cliff. This is what VR is able to achieve , I think. It is the interactivity that defines this entire experience.

“I can walk to the very edge of a crevasse and feel actual vertigo.”

“Why is it so powerful for people to be able to travel?” says Dens. “It is because of the interaction. And interaction could mean interacting with the environment there or interaction with other people — with local people. They need to build in all sorts of interactive possibilities.” And while the technology lets me down again — the ice picks become impossible to extricate from the ice, and I feel like I might have another breakdown — Antarctica is a glimpse of what could be. It feels like it was made by a different team, one that understands what tourists might want.

Not everyone comes to VR with the same background, of course. One group of people for whom the technology may be a godsend is the elderly. “I think about my mom, for example,” says Bennett. “She’s 70 years old; she’s got mobility issues; she would love to go and spend weeks walking about little villages in Italy, but she can’t.” While I see no evidence that VR could provide this exact experience — using Google Street View or tours like DiscoverLive would be more effective — it can help people with accessibility problems disappear into an immersive other world. And for the emotionally isolated, says Nussbaum, “This provides a therapeutic intervention. Even if you get a smaller dose of all the positivity that you get from physically traveling, that’s better than no dose.”

Brink Traveler VR app

Brink Traveler offers a multiplayer mode that let’s you “travel” with friends.

I have two apps left to try. The first is Brink Traveler ($14.99), which offers more locations than National Geographic but is more limited in interactivity. With a narrator who sounds like Jodie Foster, Brink Traveler plops you into a destination — locations include Landmannalaugar in Iceland and Horseshoe Bend in Colorado — and lets you look around panoramic views that wrap all around you. I can walk to the very edge of a crevasse and feel actual vertigo; on Lone Pine Peak, I can hear the mountain wind rushing past me. The problem is that’s the extent of what you can do in the app. In all of the locations, I can’t actually engage with the surroundings, speak to locals, or — of course — smell or taste anything. As ever, there is exasperatingly little aid. The designers seem to subscribe to the idea that helping people use the app would mean unnecessary confusion. If one of the promises of VR tourism is that it might give users a sense of a place before visiting it — or, better for the environment, negate the need to go there at all — Brink Traveler doesn’t deliver. You see a beautiful landscape but feel no connection to the location.

virtual reality for tourism

Horseshoe Bend, Lone Pine Peak, and other destinations in Brink Traveler.

It is left to an app called Othersight ($17.99), then, to remind us of some of the potential for VR to allow the user to experience real destinations. Among the several locations are the backstreets of Tokyo, in which a Japanese guide — translated by a voiceover — tells you about the area. There is also Havana, where a Cuban mechanic talks to me, for some reason in great detail, about a car he’s fixing. The benefit is that the app deliberately gives you an unsanitized version of the area. The downside is that, despite not moving from my sofa, I feel nauseated because my walking through the city didn’t match the movement of my real body. This isn’t uncommon for VR users, but I am particularly VR-sick and consider it a huge hindrance. If you don’t feel sick walking through the real streets of Tokyo, why use a technology where you do?

The other curiosity is the way the locations were designed. In Havana, the street is completely empty. Why? The designers also seem to think that what you really want to do in a VR foreign country is pick up a shirt hanging up on the side of the road and waggle it about. When I pick up a hammer and try to hit the car with it — a natural human impulse — it slides through like water. While I hate to encourage vandalism, this is the opposite of an interactive experience and makes the destinations feel more like museums.

virtual reality for tourism

OtherSight lets you visit Tokyo an Havana with a tour guide, but interaction is limited.

Neurologically, Nussbaum says, there won’t be a huge difference between a holiday in VR and a holiday in real life. “The brain’s not going to say, ‘This is virtual reality; this is not virtual reality.’ It’s going to say, ‘This is what my body’s experiencing because I’m processing this.’” But the brain is aware that your body hasn’t left the room, and part of the psychological benefit of vacations, says Nussbaum, is the knowledge that you are leaving behind the baggage that is with you at home.

For this reason and more, it is impossible to see VR travel being a remote threat to the tourism industry any time soon. When Bennett says “I don’t want people to think about those virtual reality experiences as a replacement for actually being there,” he has nothing to worry about — as things currently stand, there is zero risk of this. The TripVision app in the much-publicized Apple Vision Pro may up the stakes a little, but its promise of “a unique and immersive experience of popular destinations worldwide” sounds like the promises of the underwhelming apps I tried with the Meta Quest 3.

So, until there is the demand for VR tourism that there is for VR gaming, it’s hard to see exactly why you’d put on a heavy headset to hear a Cuban mechanic talking to you about the logistics of getting an old car part. There are opportunities galore here, but at the moment, the reality leaves you wanting less virtual reality and more actual reality.

virtual reality for tourism

Book cover

Handbook of Tourism and Quality-of-Life Research II pp 545–557 Cite as

Virtual Tourism and Consumer Wellbeing: A Critical Review, Practices, and New Perspectives

  • Tingting (Christina) Zhang 11 &
  • Ahmet Hacikara 11  
  • First Online: 24 September 2023

226 Accesses

Part of the International Handbooks of Quality-of-Life book series (IHQL)

Virtual tourism aided by revolutionary technologies—including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and livestreaming (LS)—has been the topic of increased discussion among practitioners and academics as an innovative yet sustainable means of achieving tourism recovery. The emergence of virtual tourism provides a means of traveling and explorations of new places and has opened the possibilities for people to experience places and activities they may not have had the opportunity to have before. With these cutting-edge technologies, consumers’ wellbeing is creatively achieved and enhanced. Given the scarcity of literature on this topic, this chapter elaborates on the scope of virtual tourism, provides exemplary cases of its applications, synthesizes existing knowledge on this topic, and postulates new perspectives and priorities for future research endeavors. Furthermore, this chapter thoroughly examines the intricate connections between virtual tourism and consumer wellbeing, which has attracted considerable attention both in practice and in academia.

  • Virtual tourism
  • Consumer wellbeing
  • Cultural heritage tourism
  • Augmented reality

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Zhang, T.(., Hacikara, A. (2023). Virtual Tourism and Consumer Wellbeing: A Critical Review, Practices, and New Perspectives. In: Uysal, M., Sirgy, M.J. (eds) Handbook of Tourism and Quality-of-Life Research II. International Handbooks of Quality-of-Life. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-31513-8_37

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Passports in Our Eyes and Trips to Mars: The Real Future of Travel?

Posted: January 31, 2024 | Last updated: January 31, 2024

Jet pack paramedics, sojourns on the Moon and Mars, hotels in the sky and virtual reality time travel experiences – tourism is changing, and fast. Join us as we peer into our crystal ball and reveal what vacations might look like in 2050.

Out-of-this-world travel

Jet pack paramedics, sojourns on the Moon and Mars, hotels in the sky and virtual reality time travel experiences – tourism is changing, and fast. Join us as we peer into our crystal ball and reveal what vacations might look like in 2050.

<p>Cabin layout aboard airplanes has always been about maximizing space and one of the winning innovations at this year's <a href="https://www.crystal-cabin-award.com/cca-news-realeases/article/award-winning-8-ideas-for-flying-in-the-future-1.html">Crystal Cabin Awards</a> suggests replacing the middle aisle with a series of desks in a coffee shop-style setting, offering more space for passengers to work or study while aboard. The Coffee House Cabin concept from the University of Cincinnati sits four passengers at each table and all seats rotate towards the front during take-off and landing, while the table wings fold down for safety.</p>

Airplane cabin layout will change

Cabin layout aboard airplanes has always been about maximising space and one of the winning innovations at the Crystal Cabin Awards 2021 suggested replacing the middle aisle with a series of desks in a coffee shop-style setting, offering more space for passengers to work or study while aboard. The Coffee House Cabin concept from the University of Cincinnati sits four passengers at each table and all seats rotate towards the front during take-off and landing, while the table wings fold down for safety.

<p>Another award-winning concept comes from Airbus, whose <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loWML-pIsaU&ab_channel=Airbus">Airspace Cabin Vision 2030</a> offers passengers greater flexibility and a personalized flight experience. The AI-controlled cabin concept offers swivel seats for business travelers, private compartments for families and even bunk beds. Customers will be able to select a variety of options at the time of booking, from interactive windows and workstations to comfortable seats and even a sports area.</p>

Flying experience will be tailored to every passenger

Another award-winning concept comes from Airbus, whose  Airspace Cabin Vision 2030  offers passengers greater flexibility and a personalised flight experience. The AI-controlled cabin concept offers swivel seats for business travelers, private compartments for families and even bunk beds. Customers will be able to select a variety of options at the time of booking, from interactive windows and workstations to comfortable seats and even a sports area.

Zero-emission all-electric aircraft are likely to become commonplace by 2050, particularly for shorter haul flights. Right now, a number of companies and organizations are developing e-planes, including major players like Airbus and NASA, as well as smaller-scale firms and startups such as Eviation, magniX, Wright Electric, Electric Air and Ampaire, and even Elon Musk has hinted at plans to create one.

All-electric planes will fill the skies

Zero-emission all-electric aircraft are likely to become commonplace by 2050, particularly for shorter-haul flights. Right now, a number of companies and organisations are developing e-planes, including major players like Airbus and NASA, as well as smaller-scale firms and startups such as Eviation, magniX, Wright Electric, Electric Air and Ampaire, and even Elon Musk has hinted at plans to create one.

<p>Together with seaplane airline Harbour Air, magniX completed the <a href="https://www.harbourair.com/harbour-air-and-magnix-announce-successful-flight-of-worlds-first-commercial-electric-airplane/">first successful test flight</a> of an all-electric plane in December 2019, while Eviation's nine-passenger Alice aircraft has already secured orders from regional operators. New Zealand's Electric Air recently unveiled its take on the technology, Californian startup Wright Electric is partnering with easyJet on a zero-emission flying machine and Rolls-Royce has teamed up with Tecnam to produce an all-electric private jet.</p>

Together with seaplane airline Harbour Air, magniX completed the  first successful test flight  of an all-electric plane in December 2019, while Eviation's nine-passenger Alice aircraft has already secured orders from regional operators. New Zealand's Electric Air recently unveiled its take on the technology, Californian startup Wright Electric is partnering with Swiss airline easyJet on a zero-emission flying machine and Rolls-Royce has teamed up with Tecnam to produce an all-electric private jet.

<p>According to Airbus, <a href="https://luxurylaunches.com/travel/future-of-air-travel-by-airbus.php">the passenger planes of 2050</a> will boast upper-level viewing decks with panoramic windows providing awesome 360-degree views that can transform into opaque screens in an instant. The European aerospace corporation also predicts the aircraft of the future will be kitted out with ergonomic memory foam massage seats serving drinks and vitamins, and collect body heat to power in-cabin features.</p>

Planes will boast panoramic windows, massage seats, sound showers, and more

According to Airbus,  the passenger planes of 2050  will boast upper-level viewing decks with panoramic windows providing awesome 360-degree views that can transform into opaque screens in an instant. The European aerospace corporation also predicts the aircraft of the future will be kitted out with ergonomic memory foam massage seats serving drinks and vitamins, and collect body heat to power in-cabin features.

<p>These automated seats will waft calming scents as well, from sea breezes to fresh pine. Sound showers, sleep hormones and special shades to block out light will coax passengers into blissful slumber and minimize jet lag, while cabins will feature state-of-the-art entertainment zones dedicated to relaxing and playing games. <a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/gallerylist/82971/groundbreaking-planes-that-changed-the-world">These are the groundbreaking planes that changed air travel forever</a>.</p>

These automated seats will waft calming scents as well, from sea breezes to fresh pine. Sound showers, sleep hormones and special shades to block out light will coax passengers into blissful slumber and minimise jet lag, while cabins will feature state-of-the-art entertainment zones dedicated to relaxing and playing games.

<p>The brainchild of Elon Musk and his Boring Company, Hyperloop is a “fifth mode of transportation” that consists of sealed near-vacuum tubes through which levitating pods can travel at hypersonic speeds. Seemingly the stuff of science fiction, the technology, which will <a href="https://www.bbva.com/en/hyperloop-fifth-mode-transportation-capable-travelling-speed-sound/">slash journey times significantly</a>, is closer than ever to becoming a reality. Musk has made the technology open-source, enabling other companies to develop it, and Richard Branson's Virgin has stepped up to the challenge with aplomb.</p>

Hyperloop transport systems will slash journey times

The brainchild of Elon Musk and his Boring Company, Hyperloop is a “fifth mode of transportation” that consists of sealed near-vacuum tubes through which levitating pods can travel at hypersonic speeds. Seemingly the stuff of science fiction, the technology, which could  slash journey times significantly . Musk has made the technology open-source, enabling other companies to develop it, and Richard Branson's Virgin has stepped up to the challenge with aplomb.

<p>Earlier in November 2020, the firm completed the first successful passenger journey at the Hyperloop test site in the Nevada desert. The company's CTO Josh Giegel and Director of Passenger Experience Sara Luchian traveled the length of the 1,640-foot (500m) test track <a href="https://globetrender.com/2020/11/17/virgin-hyperloop-first-passenger-journey-nevada-desert/">in 15 seconds</a>, at a speed of 107mph. In the future, the pods are projected to attain speeds in excess of 1,000mph.</p>

In November 2020 the firm completed the first successful passenger journey at the Hyperloop test site in the Nevada desert. The company's CTO Josh Giegel and Director of Passenger Experience Sara Luchian traveled the length of the 1,640-foot (500m) test track  in 15 seconds , at a speed of 107 miles per hour (172 km/h). In the future, the pods are projected to attain speeds around 620 miles per hour (1,000 km/h).

<p>Whereas Hyperloop will connect cities by 2050, SkyTran could be the transport system of choice within them. With its two-person pods whizzing above the traffic at 155mph, the computer-controlled monorail could squeeze a two-hour journey down to 10 minutes. The track runs 20 feet in the air and can even be designed to go through buildings.</p>

A pod transport system that will zip around our cities

Whereas Hyperloop will connect cities by 2050, SkyTran could be the transport system of choice within them. With its two-person pods, the computer-controlled monorail will whizz above the traffic at 150 miles per hour (240 km/h). The track runs 20 or 30 feet (6m or 9m) in the air and can even be designed to go through buildings.

The coolest bit? Passengers will be able to summon a pod via their smartphones, making this like an extreme version of Uber. SkyTran, which is backed by a whole host of bigwig investors including former Google chairman Eric Schmidt and India's Reliance Industries, is hoping to build tracks in Abu Dhabi, Israel, France, India and the US state of Florida.

The coolest bit? Passengers will be able to summon a pod on-demand to nearby stations, making this like an extreme version of Uber. SkyTran, which is backed by a whole host of bigwig investors including former Google chairman Eric Schmidt and India's Reliance Industries, is hoping to build tracks in the United Arab Emirates, Israel, France, India, Germany, Indonesia, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Right now, a slew of startups and more established firms are scrambling to launch the world's first air taxi service, and by 2050 Jetsons-esque flying taxis, as well as buses, are likely to be everywhere. Safer, cheaper, cleaner and better-all-round than conventional helicopters, these electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, to give them their proper name, are set to transform travel.

Driverless flying taxis and buses will be everywhere

Right now, a slew of startups and more established firms are scrambling to launch the world's first air taxi service, and by 2050 Jetsons-esque flying taxis, as well as buses, are likely to be everywhere. Safer, cheaper, cleaner and better-all-round than conventional helicopters, these electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, to give them their proper name, are set to transform travel. 

<p>Numerous firms including German startup Lilium and China's Ehang have already completed successful test flights. Dubai is vying to offer the world's first air taxi service, which is expected to launch in 2022, the Spanish cities of Barcelona and Santiago de Compostela will trial flying taxis that same year, while Orlando is set to be <a href="https://thehill.com/changing-america/resilience/smart-cities/525902-orlando-to-be-americas-first-flying-taxi-airport">America's first flying taxi airport</a>, with services poised to go nationwide by 2025.</p>

Numerous firms including German startup Lilium and China's Ehang have already completed successful test flights. Dubai is vying to offer the world's first air taxi service, which is expected to launch in 2026, with similar plans in Spanish cities such as Barcelona and Valencia. While Orlando is set to be  America's first flying taxi airport , with services to launch by 2025.

<p>Meanwhile, passengers flying into Italy's capital will be able to skip the traffic and arrive into Rome city center from the air, as early as 2024. German startup company <a href="https://www.atlantia.com/en/w/atlantia-and-aeroporti-di-roma-to-bring-volocopter-s-electric-air-taxis-to-italy?fbclid=IwAR2QpHLG8bdI189yo4_njVgAVyeo2d4HPFD4hzRZ9BnNIEY12V3VUkpxxKM">Volocopter</a> hopes to partner up with Fiumicino Airport to enable a rotor-bladed, battery-powered two-seater air taxi to take off. The 15-minute VeloCity flight will cost around $175 initially, boasting zero emissions, as it allows travelers to arrive at their destination in style.</p>

Meanwhile, passengers flying into Italy's capital will be able to skip the traffic and arrive into Rome city centre from the air, as early as 2024. German startup company  Volocopter  hopes to partner up with Fiumicino Airport to enable a rotor-bladed, battery-powered two-seater air taxi to take off. The innovative company also plans to launch the same service at the Paris Olympics in 2024. 

<p>Along with having flying taxis and buses at their disposal, tourists in 2050 will also likely be able to hire out airborne motorbikes to convey them from place to place. This may seem far-fetched but the technology is already out there. French aviation company Lazareth has developed a flying motorcycle called the LMV 496, which can <a href="https://www.inceptivemind.com/lazareth-lmv-496-true-flying-motorcycle-fly-travel-road/11080/">take to the air for a maximum of 10 minutes</a>.</p>

Flying motorbikes will be available to hire

Along with having flying taxis and buses at their disposal, tourists in 2050 will also likely be able to hire out airborne motorbikes to convey them from place to place. This may seem far-fetched but the technology is already out there. French aviation company Lazareth has developed a flying motorcycle called the LMV 496, which has a range of around 60 miles (100km). The futuristic motorbike uses four horizontal jet engines, one for each wing.

<p>Lazareth's main competitor, Russian firm Hoversurf's flying electric motorbike is called the Scorpion 3. The vehicle is already in production and has been embraced by the Dubai Police Force, which has signed a deal to test and demonstrate the contraptions, though the trials haven't been without their setbacks as a video of one crashing, which went viral earlier in 2020, has shown.</p>

Lazareth's main competitor, Russian firm Hoversurf's flying electric motorbike is called the Scorpion 3. The vehicle is already in production and has been embraced by the Dubai Police Force, which has signed a deal to test and demonstrate the contraptions, though the trials haven't been without their setbacks as a video of one crashing, which went viral, has shown.

<p>If flying taxis, buses and motorbikes don't take the fancy of the 2050 tourist, then a personal jet pack no doubt will. That most elusive of futuristic transportation technologies will probably be ubiquitous by 2050, delighting science fiction and action movie fans the world over. Plenty of proposals have however fallen by the wayside in recent years, including Martin Aircraft's headline-grabbing version, while French jet pack pilot Vince Reffet was killed in a training accident in Dubai earlier in November 2020.</p>

Jet packs will be ubiquitous

If flying taxis, buses and motorbikes don't take the fancy of the 2050 tourist, then a jet pack no doubt will. That most elusive of futuristic transportation technologies will probably be ubiquitous by 2050, delighting science fiction and action movie fans the world over. Plenty of proposals have however fallen by the wayside in recent years, including Martin Aircraft's headline-grabbing version, while French jet pack pilot Vince Reffet was killed in a training accident in Dubai earlier in November 2020.

<p>Clearly, companies in the field will have to overcome a plethora of technological and safety issues before the jet pack goes mainstream, but the future does actually look pretty bright with several firms such as America's <a href="http://jetpackaviation.com/">JetPack Aviation</a>, which incidentally is developing a flying motorbike to boot, and the UK's <a href="https://gravity.co/">Gravity Industries</a> making great strides. </p>

Clearly, companies in the field will have to overcome a plethora of technological and safety issues before the jet pack goes mainstream, but the future does actually look pretty bright with several firms such as America's  JetPack Aviation  and the UK's  Gravity Industries  making great strides. 

<p>And speaking of jet packs, the clever people at the Great North Air Ambulance in northwest England have come up with a quirky – and quick – way of rescuing any ramblers in trouble on the Lake District fells. The helicopter emergency service has teamed up with renewable energy leader Ørsted and Gravity Industries to trial the viability of jet suit paramedics. The flying suit could reach speeds of up to 85 miles per hour (137km/h) with a total flight time of up to 10 minutes. Testing will continue this summer, so watch this space.</p>

Jet pack paramedics

And speaking of jet packs, the clever people at the Great North Air Ambulance in northwest England have come up with a quirky – and quick – way of rescuing any ramblers in trouble on the Lake District fells. The helicopter emergency service has teamed up with renewable energy leader Ørsted and Gravity Industries to trial the viability of jet suit paramedics. Currently, the organisation plans to develop paramedic's flight skills to a level where they can participate in real life assistance. Find out more about this potential lifesaving invention  here .

<p>Physical passports, which were first issued in 1920, will likely be a distant memory in 2050 and the sole preserve of collectors of antique ephemera. They have long been supplanted by virtual cloud-based technology whereby travelers are identified using biometrics such as retina and fingerprint scans alone. Their days are already numbered in fact.</p>

Physical passports will be a distant memory

Physical passports, which were first issued in 1920, will likely be a distant memory in 2050 and the sole preserve of collectors of antique ephemera. They have long been supplanted by virtual cloud-based technology whereby travelers are identified using biometrics such as retina and fingerprint scans alone. Their days are already numbered in fact.

<p>The Australian and New Zealand governments are working on a cloud-based system that will <a href="https://www.executivetraveller.com/australia-nz-move-towards-cloud-passports-document-free-travel">permit their citizens</a> to travel between the two countries sans physical passport, and other nations are likely to follow suit. This means travelers need never worry about forgetting to pack their travel document or renewing it, or stress about it being lost or stolen while on their travels.</p>

The Australian and New Zealand governments are working on a cloud-based system that will  permit their citizens  to travel between the two countries without a physical passport, and other nations are likely to follow suit. This means travelers need never worry about forgetting to pack their travel document or renewing it, or stress about it being lost or stolen while on their travels.

<p>Just about everything that can be automated in the future will, and that includes flight attendants, airport and hotel staff, and tour guides. A multilingual inflight service bot called Pepper has already been developed and even <a href="https://www.traveldailymedia.com/robots-take-over-airports-by-2030/">as soon as 2030</a>, robots will have taken over our airports according to a study by Aira and Vero Solutions. The rise of the airport automatons has actually begun in earnest.</p>

AI-powered robots will replace humans in the industry

Just about everything that can be automated in the future will, and that includes flight attendants, airport and hotel staff, and tour guides. A multilingual inflight service bot called Pepper has already been developed and even  as soon as 2030 , robots will have taken over our airports according to a study by Aira and Vero Solutions. The rise of the airport automatons has actually begun in earnest.

<p>Kansai Airport in Japan has an intelligent check-in robot called KATE, Geneva Airport has launched Leo, a bag drop bot, LG automatons clean South Korea's Incheon Airport and assist passengers, while New York's La Guardia has a security robot that patrols Terminal B. Futurologist James Canton foresees automated hotel butlers and concierges, and researchers are currently experimenting with robot tour guides.</p>

Kansai Airport in Japan has an intelligent check-in robot called KATE, Geneva Airport has launched Leo, a bag drop bot, LG automatons clean South Korea's Incheon Airport and assist passengers, while New York's La Guardia has a security robot that patrols Terminal B. Futurologist James Canton foresees automated hotel butlers and concierges, and researchers are currently experimenting with robot tour guides.

<p>Like the physical passport, the travel phrase book and even standard translation apps will be rendered obsolete as real-time interpreting technology becomes ever more sophisticated. Schools may even opt to cease teaching foreign languages. Instead, travelers of the future will speak into devices or wear gadgets in their ears that translate words in an instant, much like <em>The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy's</em> Babel fish.</p>

Real-time interpreting will ease communication

Like the physical passport, the travel phrase book and even standard translation apps will be rendered obsolete as real-time interpreting technology becomes ever more sophisticated. Instead, travelers of the future will speak into devices or wear gadgets in their ears that translate words in an instant, much like  The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy's  Babel fish.

AI is already making this possible and Google is on the vanguard. Its real-time translation feature, which the search engine calls interpreter mode, was rolled out in December 2019 on Assistant-enabled Android and iOS devices worldwide, enabling travelers to have a back and forth conversation with someone speaking a foreign language.

AI is already making this possible and Google is on the vanguard. Its real-time translation feature, which the search engine calls interpreter mode, was rolled out in December 2019 on Assistant-enabled Android and iOS devices worldwide, enabling travelers to have a back and forth conversation with someone speaking a foreign language.

<p>Sub-orbital flights, during which paying passengers can experience weightlessness and marvel at the Earth's curvature and the mind-blowing expanse of space for several minutes, have been in the pipeline for years now. Although scheduled flights haven't happened yet, they most certainly should be widely available by 2050 when they are likely to be relatively affordable and mainstream, but will cost in the hundreds of thousands of dollars in the early days.</p>

Sub-orbital flights will be mainstream

Sub-orbital flights, during which paying passengers can experience weightlessness and marvel at the Earth's curvature and the mind-blowing expanse of space for several minutes, have been in the pipeline for years now. Although scheduled flights haven't happened yet, they most certainly should be widely available by 2050 when they are likely to be relatively affordable and mainstream, but will cost in the hundreds of thousands of dollars in the early days.

<p>Virgin Galactic and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin are the two main contenders in the sub-orbital tourism race. Virgin Galactic, which has just completed its third test flight and hopes to launch the <a href="https://www.somagnews.com/virgin-galactic-announces-its-third-suborbital-test-flight/">first trips in 2021</a>, uses a spacecraft deployed at altitude from a carrier plane, while Blue Origin is taking a more traditional approach with its rocket that ascends straight up from the ground. </p>

Virgin Galactic and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin are the two main contenders in the sub-orbital tourism race. Virgin Galactic  completed a test flight  from Spaceport America in New Mexico during May 2021 using a spacecraft deployed at altitude from a carrier plane, while Blue Origin is taking a more traditional approach with its rocket that ascends straight up from the ground.

<p>While many experts are sceptical, Elon Musk is adamant that humans will have colonized Mars by 2050 and recently announced that SpaceX is planning to launch its <a href="https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-first-mars-trip-2024">first crewed mission to the Red Planet in 2024</a>. If all goes to plan, Musk anticipates that a self-sustaining domed city will be built on the planet within 30 years.</p>

Trips to Mars will be on offer for the mega-wealthy

While many experts are sceptical, Elon Musk is adamant that humans will have colonised Mars by 2050 and recently announced that SpaceX is planning to launch its  first crewed mission to the Red Planet within this decade . If all goes to plan, Musk anticipates that a self-sustaining domed city will be built on the planet within 30 years.

SpaceX is hoping to do this by developing a fleet of enormous Starship rockets that will be 100% reusable and have the capacity to transport 100 people or 100 tons of cargo at a time. Whether this will be achievable or not remains to be seen, but what is certain is a ticket to Mars won't come cheap and will probably be restricted to the mega-wealthy.

SpaceX is hoping to do this by developing a fleet of enormous Starship rockets that will be 100% reusable and have the capacity to transport up to 100 tonnes of cargo at a time. Whether this will be achievable or not remains to be seen, but what is certain is a ticket to Mars won't come cheap and will probably be restricted to the mega-wealthy.

Many tour operators these days focus on families, but that's unlikely to be the case in the future. Demographic and societal changes will mean that single travelers, particularly those in the over-60s age group, but also younger professionals to a lesser extent, will take precedence. Travel companies will have to adapt to this shift in order to thrive.

Vacations for singles will really take off

Many tour operators these days focus on families, but that's unlikely to be the case in the future. Demographic and societal changes will mean that single travelers, particularly those in the over-60s age group, but also younger professionals to a lesser extent, will take precedence. Travel companies will have to adapt to this shift in order to thrive.

<p>Gone are the days when there was a stigma attached to vacationing solo, and a growing proportion of the travel industry is already gearing up for the explosion in solitary travelers by waiving or getting rid entirely of single supplement surcharges, not to mention pivoting their packages towards those who prefer to go it alone. <a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/gallerylist/95707/heres-what-the-future-of-travel-looks-like">Here's more on what the future of travel will look like post COVD-19</a>.</p>

Gone are the days when there was a stigma attached to holidaying solo, and a growing proportion of the travel industry is already gearing up for the explosion in solitary travelers by waiving or getting rid entirely of single supplement surcharges, not to mention pivoting their packages towards those who prefer to go it alone. 

'Collapse tourism' is likely to be all the rage in 2050. This is a grim, dystopian prediction but reflects the challenges the world is facing in the coming 30 years as climate change and dwindling resources ravage the environment, trigger conflicts and lead to increased poverty around the globe, particularly in developing countries.

Collapse tourism will be all the rage

'Collapse tourism' is likely to be all the rage in 2050. This is a grim, dystopian prediction but reflects the challenges the world is facing in the coming 30 years as climate change and dwindling resources ravage the environment, trigger conflicts and lead to increased poverty around the globe, particularly in developing countries.

<p>Voyeuristic tourists will flock to locations plagued by wars and poverty. These sorts of vacations already exist, from extreme tours of conflict-hit countries to day trips to slums. And as climate change alters environments and sparks an ever-increasing number of extinctions, intrepid travelers will want to visit endangered habitats to experience them and any threatened species before they vanish for good. <a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/galleries/92886/incredible-images-that-show-the-true-impact-of-climate-change?page=1">These incredible images show the true impact of climate change</a>.</p>

Voyeuristic tourists will flock to locations plagued by wars and poverty. These sorts of vacations already exist, from extreme tours of conflict-hit countries to day trips to deprived urban areas. And as climate change alters environments and sparks an ever-increasing number of extinctions, intrepid travelers will want to visit endangered habitats to experience them and any threatened species before they vanish for good.

A study by the European Union's Joint Research Centre depressingly predicts that a third of the world's beaches could disappear by 2050 due to climate change, which is leading to a rise in sea levels, rampant coastal erosion and fiercer storms. Beach vacations are therefore likely to become less common and more expensive.

Summer beach vacations will be transplanted by mountain vacations

A study by the European Union's Joint Research Centre depressingly predicts that a third of the world's beaches could disappear by 2050 due to climate change, which is leading to a rise in sea levels, rampant coastal erosion and fiercer storms. Beach vacations are therefore likely to become less common and more expensive.

<p>Conversely, summer mountain vacations will probably surge in popularity. In a recent report, the World Tourism Organization describes this as one of the upsides of climate change. Mountain summers will be warmer and last longer, and high-altitude resorts will be able to recreate a beach-like atmosphere with palm trees planted along mountain lakes. <a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/gallerylist/91927/incredible-places-that-will-be-underwater-by-2050">These are the incredible places that will be under water by 2050</a>.</p>

Conversely, summer mountain vacations will probably surge in popularity. In a recent report, the World Tourism Organization describes this as one of the upsides of climate change. Mountain summers will be warmer and last longer, and high-altitude resorts will be able to recreate a beach-like atmosphere with palm trees planted along mountain lakes.

With sea levels rising, it's no wonder underwater hotels are increasing in number. By 2050, staying in a hotel beneath the waves will likely be a common occurrence rather than the rare and extraordinary experience it is currently, though even today, travelers have plenty of options to choose from if they want to sleep or dine with the fishes.

Underwater hotels will proliferate

With sea levels rising, it's no wonder underwater hotels are increasing in number. By 2050, staying in a hotel beneath the waves will likely be a common occurrence rather than the rare and extraordinary experience it is currently, though even today, travelers have plenty of options to choose from if they want to sleep or dine with the fishes.

<p>They include the Underwater Suite at Dubai's Atlantis, The Palm, the Jules' Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, Florida, Mexico's Lovers Deep submarine hotel, and a whole lot more besides, including The Manta Resort in Zanzibar, Sweden's Utter Inn and a couple of underwater restaurants in the Maldives. <a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/gallerylist/84483/the-worlds-coolest-underwater-hotel-rooms">Here are more of the world's coolest underwater hotel rooms</a>.</p>

They include the Underwater Suite at Dubai's Atlantis, The Palm, the Jules' Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, Florida, Mexico's Lovers Deep submarine hotel, and a whole lot more besides, including The Manta Resort in Zanzibar, Sweden's Utter Inn and a couple of underwater restaurants in the Maldives.

<p>One thing’s for sure – by 2050, advances in transport and building will mean travel will have become more sustainable. Eco-friendly pop-up hotels are likely to be a crucial part of this push towards lower-impact tourism, a shining example of which is Living the Till, a portable treetop hotel imagined by Florida architecture firm EoA.</p>

Eco-friendly pop-up hotels will offer ultra-sustainable vacation experiences

One thing’s for sure – by 2050, advances in transport and building will mean travel will have become more sustainable. Eco-friendly pop-up hotels are likely to be a crucial part of this push towards lower-impact tourism, a shining example of which is Living the Till, a portable treetop hotel imagined by Florida architecture firm EoA.

The concept involves tented pods, suspended 30 feet (9m) above the ground and connected by a series of wires. The design means they can be hung seasonally in remote areas, with far less environmental impact than a traditional resort. They’ll encourage sustainability by composting and using natural ventilation instead of air conditioning.

The concept involves tented pods, suspended 30 feet (9m) above the ground and connected by a series of wires. The design means they can be hung seasonally in remote areas, with far less environmental impact than a traditional resort. They’ll encourage sustainability by composting and using natural ventilation instead of air conditioning. 

Futurologists Ian Pearson and James Canton envisage the hotels of the future will wow with cutting-edge amenities straight out of science fiction novels and movies. As well as the aforementioned robotic staff, guests will be able to pamper themselves with spa treatments tailored to their specific DNA make-up in dedicated longevity spas designed to help them live longer.

Hotels will wow with longevity spas, dream-selecting beds, 3D makers, and more

Futurologists Ian Pearson and James Canton envisage the hotels of the future will wow with cutting-edge amenities straight out of science fiction novels and movies. As well as the aforementioned robotic staff, guests will be able to pamper themselves with spa treatments tailored to their specific DNA make-up in dedicated longevity spas designed to help them live longer.

<p>Thanks to advances in neuroscience, guests will sleep in beds that will enable them to choose their dreams with hotels offering special <a href="https://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4079867.html">dream menus</a>, plus these beds will likely monitor their health and even help them learn a new skill while they slumber. Rooms might well be kitted out with 3D makers too that guests can use to print pretty much anything they desire, negating the need for luggage.</p>

Thanks to advances in neuroscience, guests will sleep in beds that will enable them to choose their dreams with hotels offering special  dream menus , plus these beds will likely monitor their health and even help them learn a new skill while they slumber. Rooms might well be kitted out with 3D makers too that guests can use to print pretty much anything they desire, negating the need for luggage.

<p>In 2050, many people may decide to eschew physical travel entirely and opt for a virtual vacation <em>Black Mirror</em>-style. By this time, computing power should be powerful enough to create hyper-realistic virtual worlds that uncannily mimic the real thing. Already, virtual tourists can 'visit' tourist hot spots around the world, from the Eiffel Tower and Taj Mahal to Manhattan and the Rocky Mountains. <a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/galleries/95228/the-top-virtual-attraction-to-visit-in-every-state?page=1">These are the top virtual attractions in every US state</a>.</p>

Virtual reality vacations will be just like the real thing

In 2050, many people may decide to eschew physical travel entirely and opt for a virtual holiday  Black Mirror -style. By this time, computing power should be powerful enough to create hyper-realistic virtual worlds that uncannily mimic the real thing. Already, virtual tourists can 'visit' tourist hot spots around the world, from the Eiffel Tower and Taj Mahal to Manhattan and the Rocky Mountains.

<p>To make the VR vacation as realistic as possible, the whole shebang will have to be multi-sensory with the user experiencing the sounds, smells and feelings of the location, as well as the sights. Feelreal, the world's first <a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/feelreal-the-world-s-first-multisensory-vr-mask--2#/">multi-sensory mask</a>, which replicates smells, hot and cold winds, water mist and vibrations, is already available to order, while researchers at the University of Chicago have created a VR system that uses chemicals which trigger nerves in the nose to deliver temperature sensations, whether that's the heat of the tropics or the chill of the polar regions.</p>

To make the VR holiday as realistic as possible, the whole shebang will have to be multi-sensory with the user experiencing the sounds, smells and feelings of the location, as well as the sights. Feelreal, the world's first  multi-sensory mask , which replicates smells, hot and cold winds, water mist and vibrations, is already available to order, while researchers at the University of Chicago have created a VR system that uses chemicals that trigger nerves in the nose to deliver temperature sensations, whether that's the heat of the tropics or the chill of the polar regions.

<p>VR vacations may even have the edge over the real deal given they will be able to simulate time travel experiences. Think a city tour of ancient Rome, a luxe stay in Versailles pre-French Revolution or even an Arctic or Amazon expedition before climate change and pollution had ravaged the pristine environment. <a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/galleries/88794/what-the-seven-wonders-of-the-ancient-world-would-look-like-today?page=1">Take a look at what the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World would look like today</a>.</p>

Simulated time travel experiences will be de rigueur

VR vacations may even have the edge over the real deal given they will be able to simulate time travel experiences. Think a city tour of ancient Rome, a luxe stay in Versailles pre-French Revolution or even an Arctic or Amazon expedition before climate change and pollution had ravaged the pristine environment.

<p>These simulated time travel experiences will likely be the last word in cultural and educational vacations, along with school and university trips as they will allow the traveler to fully immerse his or herself in the sights, sounds, smells and feelings of the period they choose to virtually explore. This will certainly beat reading a book, hitting a history site or watching a documentary hands-down.</p>

These simulated time travel experiences will likely be the last word in cultural and educational vacations, along with school and university trips as they will allow the traveler to be fully immersed in the sights, sounds, smells and feelings of the period they choose to virtually explore. This will certainly beat reading a book, hitting a history site or watching a documentary hands-down.

<p>Supersonic passenger flights ended in 2003 as Concorde was retired by both Air France and British Airways, but now there is promise of supersonic travel returning. <a href="https://hub.united.com/2021-06-03-united-adding-supersonic-speeds-with-new-agreement-to-buy-aircraft-from-boom-supersonic-2653216403.html">US airline United has announced plans to buy 15 new supersonic planes</a> and have them carry passengers by 2029. The new aircraft, called Overture, will be produced by a Denver-based company <a href="https://boomsupersonic.com/">Boom</a> and promises to take customers from London to New York in three-and-a-half hours.</p>

Return of supersonic passenger flights

Supersonic passenger flights ended in 2003 as Concorde was retired by both Air France and British Airways, but now there is promise of supersonic travel returning.  US airline United has announced plans to buy 15 new supersonic planes  and have them carry passengers by 2029. The new aircraft, called Overture, will be produced by a Denver-based company  Boom  and promises to take customers from London to New York in three-and-a-half hours.

<p>Boom is also confident it can resolve the two major issues of supersonic travel – noise and pollution – while cutting travel times on transatlantic routes historically flown by Concorde. The Overture isn't supposed to be louder than a standard modern-day passenger jet and tweaks in design mean the sonic boom will be reduced and mitigated. The company also expects to operate Overture as a "net-zero carbon aircraft" by using sustainable aviation fuel. The company is yet to flight-test its supersonic jet.</p>

Boom is also confident it can resolve the two major issues of supersonic travel – noise and pollution – while cutting travel times on transatlantic routes historically flown by Concorde. The Overture isn't supposed to be louder than a standard modern-day passenger jet and tweaks in design mean the sonic boom will be reduced and mitigated. The company also expects to operate Overture as a "net-zero carbon aircraft" by using sustainable aviation fuel. The company is palnning to flight-test their supersonic jet in 2026.

<p>Elsewhere, Boston's Spike Aerospace is working on an ultra-quiet supersonic business jet that will <a href="https://www.spikeaerospace.com/">reduce flight times by half</a>. More ambitiously, Atlanta-based startup Hermeus has secured funding to develop a Mach 5 passenger plane that will make the journey from New York to Paris in just <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2020/10/29/supersonic-aircraft-startup-hermeus-raises-16-million-series-a/?guccounter=1">90 minutes</a>, and the UK and Australian space agencies are collaborating on a hypersonic plane project incorporating Reaction's SABRE engine that would cut the flight time from London to Sydney to a mere <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com.au/you-could-be-flying-from-sydney-to-london-in-4-hours-if-this-hypersonic-space-plane-gets-off-the-ground-2019-9">four hours</a>.</p>

Elsewhere, Boston's Spike Aerospace is working on an ultra-quiet supersonic business jet that will  reduce flight times by half . More ambitiously, Atlanta-based startup Hermeus has secured funding to develop a Mach 5 passenger plane that will make the journey from New York to Paris in just  90 minutes , and the UK and Australian space agencies are collaborating on a hypersonic plane project incorporating Reaction's SABRE engine that would cut the flight time from London to Sydney to a mere  four hours .

<p>Not only does it look seriously cool, Otto Aviation’s new Celera 500L is designed with efficiency in mind: its bullet-like shape is extremely aerodynamic, which reduces the amount of fuel needed to power it. In fact, according to CEO William Otto Jr., it’s <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/celera-500l-business-aircraft-future/index.html">seven to eight times more efficient than jet aircraft</a>. It will be able to hold six passengers and can travel at speeds of up to 460 miles per hour (740km/h). </p>

Business travelers will be able to fly in a bullet plane

Not only does it look seriously cool, Otto Aviation’s new Celera 500L is designed with efficiency in mind: its bullet-like shape is extremely aerodynamic, which reduces the amount of fuel needed to power it. In fact, according to CEO William Otto Jr., it’s  seven to eight times more efficient than jet aircraft . It will be able to hold six passengers and can travel at speeds of up to 460 miles per hour (740km/h). 

<p>The Celera 500L has a single diesel engine at the back, though Otto hopes to replace this with an electric or hydrogen one in the near future, which would make the aircraft emission-free. The prototype has been flown for around 55 test flights, while the plane itself is expected to go on sale in 2025 and aimed at private owners. </p>  <p><strong><a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/gallerylist/82971/groundbreaking-planes-that-changed-the-world">These are the groundbreaking planes that changed air travel forever</a></strong></p>

The Celera 500L has a single diesel engine at the back, though Otto hopes to replace this with an electric or hydrogen one in the near future, which would make the aircraft emission-free. The prototype has been flown for around 55 test flights, while the plane itself is expected to go on sale in 2025 and aimed at private owners. 

<p>This futuristic concept hybrid between a plane and a hotel is designed to never land as 20 nuclear-powered engines are supposed to keep this luxury hotel in the air. On board the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrodDBJdGuo">Sky Cruise</a>, over 5,000 guests will be able to spend their time in the gym, swimming pool, restaurants, theater and even a giant shopping mall. Passengers will board and leave the hotel while still airborne and the plane supposedly will fly autonomously. With its 360-degree panorama of the surrounding skies, the flying hotel even presents itself as a perfect wedding venue.</p>

Hotels will be airborne

This futuristic concept hybrid between a plane and a hotel is designed to never land as 20 nuclear-powered engines are supposed to keep this luxury hotel in the air. On board the  Sky Cruise , over 5,000 guests will be able to spend their time in the gym, swimming pool, restaurants, theater and even a giant shopping mall. Passengers will board and leave the hotel while still airborne and the plane supposedly will fly autonomously. With its 360-degree panorama of the surrounding skies, the flying hotel even presents itself as a perfect wedding venue.

<p>Although Sky Cruise sounds and looks incredible, the flying hotel is far from becoming reality. Unfortunately, with our current technology, this gigantic hotel would have trouble taking off and is a long way from being aerodynamic. Another issue is the cost – with all the new technology needed and the added luxury, a stay on the Sky Cruise would be extremely inaccessible to most. However, who knows what might be possible in a few decades…</p>

Although Sky Cruise sounds and looks incredible, the flying hotel is far from becoming reality. Unfortunately, with our current technology, this gigantic hotel would have trouble taking off and is a long way from being aerodynamic. Another issue is the cost – with all the new technology needed and the added luxury, a stay on the Sky Cruise would be extremely inaccessible to most. However, who knows what might be possible in a few decades…

Now check out the world's most futuristic hotels

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Teaching Reform of Tourism Management Under Virtual Reality Technology

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COMMENTS

  1. 7 Great Virtual Reality Travel Experiences

    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.

  2. 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. 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 […]

  3. Tourism in the metaverse: Can travel go virtual?

    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 ...

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    Virtual reality tourism ready for takeoff as travellers remain grounded. This article is more than 3 years old. Experts say pandemic could provide watershed moment for technology, potentially ...

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    Virtual reality has become a more common phenomenon in both destination marketing and on-site experience. The recent challenges such as overtourism and the COVID-19 pandemic have created a pressing need to examine virtual tourism as an alternative to traditional travel. This conceptual article aims at clarifying virtual experience in tourism, discussing the main antecedents and outcomes of ...

  9. The Rise of Virtual Reality Tourism/Digitization of Culture in the Time

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  11. VR For Tourism

    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 ...

  12. What Is Virtual Tourism And Is It The Future?

    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 ...

  13. Virtual reality: Applications and implications for tourism

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  14. A systematic review of virtual reality in tourism and hospitality: The

    In the stricter sense, "virtual tourism is a process of experiencing super-real scenes in a three-dimensional virtual environment through various visualization technologies, including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)" (Zhang et al., 2022, p.2). In this paper, we will address VT in its narrow sense because, as this review will ...

  15. The Rise of Virtual Reality in Tourism: Benefits and Examples

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  16. A Complete Guide to Virtual Reality in Tourism & Travel

    Key Features of virtual reality in tourism. Virtual reality in tourism has several key features that make it a valuable tool for both travelers and the industry. 360-degree views: With virtual reality, users can immerse themselves in a destination and explore it from every angle, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the location ...

  17. Impacts of Virtual Reality on Tourism Experience and Behavioral

    Creating and delivering memorable experiences for tourists constitute the essence of tourism and tourism management. Technological developments, such as virtual reality (VR), enable tourists to achieve a more unique tourism experience by intensifying engagement and extending experience co-creation in an interactive and simulated environment.

  18. Virtual reality in tourism: a state-of-the-art review

    Emerging technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), have been influencing both the tourism supply side and tourists alike. The purpose of this study is to analyse VR research in tourism and to provide a comprehensive state-of-the-art review. As the technological connotation of the term VR has been changing and encompasses various VR systems ...

  19. Past, present, and future of virtual tourism-a literature review

    Virtual tourism is a fusion concept merging virtual reality and tourism into one. In its pure spirit, virtual tourism facilitates a tourism experience without traveling (Neuburger et al., 2018; Wei, 2019). Its simplest form encompasses a video of the tourist destination where users can watch and hear the content on their smartphone, tab, or ...

  20. (PDF) VR in Tourism: A New Call for Virtual Tourism ...

    Abstract and Figures. Virtual reality has become a more common phenomenon in both destination marketing and on-site experience. The recent challenges such as overtourism and the COVID-19 pandemic ...

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    Virtual tourism aided by revolutionary technologies—including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and livestreaming (LS)—has been the topic of increased discussion among practitioners and academics as an innovative yet sustainable means of achieving tourism recovery.

  24. How Negative Framing Affects VR Tourism Adoption: Exploring the Role of

    This study investigates the impact of information framing (negative vs. positive) on the adoption of virtual reality (VR) tourism applications amidst various crisis events such as pandemics, natural disasters, political unrest, or terrorism. Using three experiments, we found that negatively framed information increases travel anxiety and the ...

  25. Passports in Our Eyes and Trips to Mars: The Real Future of Travel?

    Virtual reality vacations will be just like the real thing In 2050, many people may decide to eschew physical travel entirely and opt for a virtual holiday Black Mirror -style.

  26. Can gamification improve the virtual reality tourism experience

    1. Introduction. In this era of digital and smart technology, people's expectations of technical services are increasing. The development of human-computer interaction and nanotechnology has enabled the development and popularization of virtual reality (VR) technology, which has been extended to the tourism field (Loureiro et al., 2020).With the continuous development of VR technology, VR ...

  27. Today's virtual reality use cases and industry applications

    2. Aviation, military, space exploration, other high-risk industries. Virtual reality offers individuals the ability to experience and train for situations that are either impossible to replicate in the real world or would be exceedingly dangerous to replicate, Panov said, adding that the simulation of dangerous scenarios to drill for responses shows the high value of VR.

  28. Teaching Reform of Tourism Management Under Virtual Reality Technology

    This paper studies the teaching reform of Tourism Management under virtual reality technology, which is a relatively new field in tourism. The main purpose of this study is to explore how virtual reality technology can be used as an effective tool for teaching and learning tourism management. Virtual reality technology plays an increasingly important role in the development of tourism ...

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    Virtual Reality Tours Immerse yourself in the bustling streets of Fisherman's Wharf, catching glimpses of the majestic Golden Gate Bridge standing proudly amidst the fog-kissed horizon. Traverse the eclectic streets of Chinatown, feeling the energy of its rich culture and history, or soar above the cityscape, admiring the sparkling skyline from ...

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