Destination Tomorrow: Hyper-Real Virtual Tours and the Future of Travel

It’s a dark, dreary February evening. Rain is battering against the window, and you are binging a new Netflix original. Dreams of sun, sand and snorkelling, feeling far, far away. Wouldn’t it be great if you could blink and be somewhere else?

The appetite for true escapism from the safety of customers' sofas is in high demand and the travel industry finally has the technology to offer a solution. A not-so-distant future where travel knows no geographic constraint.

You and a group of friends can be in the front row at a concert in Berlin from the comfort of home. You can take a virtual shopping trip in New York or take a digital safari in South Africa and instantly be transported back home in time for dinner.

A fantasy, right? Well, the “metaversifaction” of the travel industry is making it a reality.

Beyond 360 Degrees Views

Welcome to the metaverse, a digital frontier where the lines between physical and virtual worlds blur, offering groundbreaking experiences like hyper-real virtual tours.

But how does it work? Specialised cameras and rigs capture intricate details of a destination, stitching them together with powerful software to create a seamless, ultra-realistic virtual environment. Whether you don a VR headset for full immersion or explore on your computer or phone, the experience is breathtakingly lifelike.

However, VR isn't limited to headsets. While headsets offer an unparalleled feeling of being "there," hyper-real tours are accessible to everyone with an internet connection. This means holidaygoers can get a real feel for a location before they even book their holiday.

It's a game-changer. By making destinations accessible and engaging in entirely new ways, virtual tours can democratise travel, empower informed decision-making, and even contribute to sustainable tourism practices.

No Stress, No Fuss

No jet lag, no passports, no visa hassles, just pure, unadulterated immersion is what can be expected from hyper-real virtual tours. Climb the Great Wall of China, stone by virtual stone. Witness the Northern Lights dance across the Icelandic sky, feeling the virtual chill on your skin. The possibilities are endless, and the technology is shockingly affordable.

But it's not just about flashy visuals. Hyper-real tours unlock a deeper connection. Hear the murmur of local conversations, smell the spices in the market, and feel the wind in your virtual hair. These tours go beyond sightseeing; they're cultural experiences that spark wanderlust and understanding.

And who craves these experiences the most? The future of travel: Gen Z and Millennials. These tech-savvy nomads are hungry for authentic, personalised experiences, and virtual tours tick all the boxes. Early adopters who cater to their interests will win their loyalty – and a slice of that £20 billion pie McKinsey predicts for the metaverse travel industry by 2030.

Undeniable Impacts

Take the inspiring example of a Morningside Gallery in Edinburgh. Faced with pandemic closures, they turned to 360 Virtual Studios and their cutting-edge technology to create an immersive, interactive virtual experience. Now, art lovers worldwide can "walk" through the gallery, zoom in on captivating pieces, and even access additional information through embedded tags. It's as close as you can get to the real thing, all from the comfort of your own device.

And this is just the beginning. The gallery owner's prediction of a game-changer rings true. Imagine the possibilities:

• Global Accessibility: Virtual tours shatter geographical barriers, making art accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Imagine students in remote villages exploring the British Museum, or art enthusiasts in Antarctica virtually strolling through the Guggenheim.
• Enhanced Engagement: Go beyond static displays. Zoom in on brushstrokes, delve into artist biographies, and access curated content, creating a richer, more interactive experience than ever before.
• Pandemic-Proof Future: No more closures due to unforeseen circumstances. Virtual tours ensure art remains accessible, fostering cultural connection and appreciation even during challenging times.
• Creative Marketing: Attract new audiences, showcase hidden gems, and offer exclusive virtual experiences – the possibilities for innovative marketing are endless.

All sounds like a dream come true, right?

If you are reading this blog and thinking this technology sounds too good to be true, there are definitely still some challenges to overcome.

Sensory Limitations: While technology advances rapidly, replicating the full spectrum of human perception remains a hurdle. The subtle nuances of scent, the texture of sand between your toes, the physical exertion of a trek – these elements can be difficult to translate perfectly into the virtual realm.

The Authenticity Conundrum: Can a carefully curated digital experience truly capture the raw energy and unpredictability of real-world travel? Can it replicate the serendipitous encounters, the unplanned detours, and the unexpected connections that often define our most cherished travel memories?

Accessibility and Equity: While virtual tours aim to democratise travel, ensuring equitable access requires overcoming technological barriers and bridging the digital divide. Not everyone has access to high-speed internet or VR headsets, potentially excluding certain demographics from this new wave of exploration.

The Environmental Impact: While virtual tours might reduce carbon emissions associated with physical travel, their own energy consumption and dependence on technology production should be considered. Finding sustainable solutions for powering and maintaining these virtual worlds is crucial.

Despite these challenges, the potential of hyper-real virtual tours to enhance travel experiences, foster understanding, and even drive sustainable practices is undeniable. As technology evolves and these hurdles are addressed, virtual tours will likely become a valuable tool alongside, not a replacement for, traditional travel.

They offer a chance to explore destinations beforehand, learn about different cultures, and spark wanderlust – ultimately, encouraging us to venture out into the real world with a deeper appreciation for its wonders.

Closing Remarks

It seems that holiday brochures and grainy travel documentaries are an old story – the future of exploration is here, and it's hotter than an augmented reality sunburn. The metaverse, that swirling vortex of virtual and physical worlds, is set to revolutionise travel.

For more in-depth discussions on innovation in the industry, join us at Digital Travel Live in London! Get your ticket here.