Virtual Reality for Hospitality and Tourism

Travelers increasingly research before they book, and many would rather look at pictures, video or an immersive preview than read long descriptions. Virtual reality fits that habit, which is why hospitality and tourism have become early adopters of 360-degree tours.

A changing sector

The hospitality industry keeps adopting new digital tools. The archived article cited a market forecast for automation in the sector reaching several billion dollars by 2027, but treat that kind of figure with caution because forecasts vary. The broader point stands: businesses that show their product clearly tend to build trust with guests.

Hotel rooms

Booking a room is a leap of faith when all you have is a few photos. A virtual tour lets a guest step into a suite, check the room size, see the view from the window and notice amenities before reserving. The archived page quoted a survey saying guests who viewed a room in VR enjoyed the experience more than other users, though that claim is not independently verified here.

Travel companies

Operators who sell packaged itineraries have traditionally depended on brochures, web pages and video. A VR version of an itinerary lets customers walk through key stops before paying. One example mentioned in the source was a tourism board that saw a small rise in visitors after releasing an immersive film of a rainforest region in British Columbia.

Practical tips

• Show real rooms and common areas, not just the best one.
• Keep scenes short so viewers stay interested.
• Add short text labels for features such as balconies or pools.

See also VR in travel and tourism and the outlook for tourism.