If traveling across the world is your dream without any kind of limitations then Metaverse is one such technology that shall make your dream come true. Yes, Metaverse is now getting accepted in the travel business, as it generates new experiences for travelers. Although the pandemic has disrupted the tourism industry, the acceptance of Metaverse in tourism is putting the travel sector back in place. This new technology is completely altering the travel sector, allowing virtual experiences for travelers and acting as a catalyst for the industry, rather than just a substitute for existing technologies.
All those who find it difficult to visit a place physically due to any reason shall find Metaverse travel the best option, as it allows you for a virtual tour of a place or hotel as per your comfort.
Statistics of Metaverse in the Tourism Industry
Since the pandemic has pushed Metaverse virtual reality and travel services, it has become a safer and more budget-friendly experience for travelers to travel across the globe. The Global Metaverse market in the travel sector is presently growing at a CAGR of 26.01%. Predictions indicate that the growth rate will be $188.24 between the years 2021-2026. Also, North America has a good share of this market, contributing 37%.
How Metaverse is beneficial for Tourism Sector
This technology allows you to explore and experience places across the globe without leaving your comfortable niche, which is one of the biggest benefits. Let's trace the other benefits of Metaverse in the hospitality sector, understanding how it is a stepping stone for this particular industry.
- Increased demand for virtual tourism- People are trying virtual visits to their favorite destinations by making prior reservations and purchasing with the help of this technology to enjoy them maximally.
- Personalized tour- Metaverse plays a better role than travel agencies by providing a more personalized tour to the clients. Tours can be altered as per the requirement to make it an ideal tour.
- Better communication- The virtual setting of Metaverse allows users to have better interactions with other clients in their virtual environment. Tourists can easily explore the culture and history of a place using this technology.
- Better development- Continuous development in the tourism sector is a matter of concern, but Metaverse is helping to overcome this issue by providing continuous solutions to upgrade this industry.
- More approachability- Metaverse technology is providing better accessibility to travelers, as they can easily approach anywhere and anytime across the globe. Even physically challenged individuals can enjoy visiting their favorite destination without a helping hand.
- More safety for travelers- Metaverse provides a completely safe and hygienic environment for travelers, as they can enjoy virtual travel according to their own comfort. There is no risk of physical or environmental danger, and the safety of travelers is well-assured.
Metaverse affecting Travel Industry
Although this technology is too new in the travel field, it is still slowly and steadily getting widely accepted. The growth of Metaverse technology in the tourism sector shows a positive sign that is encouraging businesses to recognize the potential of this technology. Virtual reality travel is one of a kind, as it allows the traveler to alter the travel plan to have the best experience. The future of this technology in tourism is bright, as people can make better contacts across the world while knowing about the culture and history of different places.
Considerations before implementing Metaverse in Tourism
Since this technology has shown positive growth in the travel industry, several tourism businesses have been trying to implement Metaverse. Well! The idea is good, but then businesses must follow certain considerations.
- Testing and Iterating- Before implementing this technology in the travel business it is important to test and iterate it. Testing and iterating always help in exploring new areas where more adjustment is required to provide the best experience to clients. Testing can be done on a smaller group of clients and after positive feedback, it can be implemented in a larger group.
- Measuring and Analyzing- It is essential to measure and analyze the response once this technology is implemented in the travel business. Continuous analysis is the key to understanding the successes and failures of this technology in business. Success will encourage you to further utilize this technology while failures will help you to bring improvements. Analyzing customer responses is equally beneficial.
- Following a key strategy- Remember that developing and following a key strategy to run a successful tourism business is paramount. Identifying the goals is vital, and technology must be implemented to achieve them.
- Know your target Audience- You need to know your target audience closely, as this will help you to provide the best metaverse technology to meet their expectations. Say, for instance, using a fully-fledged Metaverse might not be a good idea if the customers are not willing to undertake a complete virtual travel.
- Security is important- With so many online fraud cases happening, it is really important to ensure the security of travelers. The best authentication protocols should be adopted to ensure 100% safety of customer data.
- Partnership with Stakeholders/Partners- While implementing this technology for travel businesses, looking for options to promote collaboration with partners and stakeholders is important. This will help to understand and share knowledge about the latest practices and offerings. You must also learn about how to use this technology in the best way, which will help to bring different stakeholders onto a common platform while creating better opportunities.
- Focus on availability- While using this technology, it must be ensured that it is available to the maximum number of clients, taking into account factors such as internet connectivity, compatibility, and others.
Metaverse- An opportunity for Tourism Sector
There is no doubt that Metaverse is marking a turning point in the travel sector, as so many travel businesses are opting for this technology. There are some well-known examples that show how this technology is influencing and helping the overall travel business.
- Know about cultural heritage- Travel is considered one of the best ways to explore history and culture. Metaverse technology is helping youth and people to know about cultural heritage via means of virtual reality.
- Explore Window Shopping feature- Travelers usually like to know about their destination before deciding on a vacation destination. The window-shopping feature plays a good role, as it allows users to go through videos, photos, and other information associated with the location.
- Trade Shows- Pandemic times have been especially tough for expos and trade shows. These businesses have moved online and have been uplifted through the use of metaverse travel solutions. Events were easily transferred to the virtual world, and interaction was made possible via replication using techniques like VR and avatars.
- Online processes- Metaverse technology acts as a powerful tool to smoothen the process of booking and purchasing tickets for shows, attractions, and activities. Travelers can look for different attractions while opting for the best option to make payments in a virtual environment. All kinds of travel documents can be stored in one place via means of this technology and this is really helpful for travelers.
- VR Tourism- This technology is promoting VR tourism so that travelers can enjoy traveling from their own comfortable places. Technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality help travelers explore their favorite destinations anywhere across the globe. Google Arts & Culture Street View is a perfect example of VR, as it allows one to enjoy monuments and other attractions.
- Virtual Amusement Parks- Metaverse technology in the travel industry is also promoting travelers to enjoy virtual amusement parks and theme parks. You can easily explore rides, games, music, and much more. VR Star Park, created by Disney and SocialPark is a perfect virtual reality theme park that provides a perfect theme park experience to the users.
Quick Wrap Up
Although the travel industry is slowly adopting Metaverse technology, the effect of this technology can be felt. Technology is providing the best experience to travelers, and this is an innovative point in the tourism sector. Renowned players like Airbnb and Marriott are looking for new ways to support this technology and provide the best travel experience to travelers while other businesses are also looking forward to supporting this technology in the near future.
