RV for tourism
What is Virtual Reality Travel?
Virtual reality refers to interactive images or videos that allow the viewer to explore an entire scene in 360 degrees. Unlike a regular video image, which is taken from a fixed point of view, VR production captures every part of a location.
In the travel industry, virtual reality can be used to capture tourist destinations in a unique and immersive way.
This is achieved using specialized cameras, rigs and software. The finished content can then be viewed on a VR headset or regular computer or mobile device.
Many people assume that VR content can only be viewed on a specialized VR headset, but that is not the case. Although virtual reality is more immersive when viewed 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 drag over the video to view a full 360 degrees.
VR tourism video produced by Immersion VR
VR in tourism marketing
The most common way VR is used in the tourism industry is in marketing. Being able to capture tourist destinations in such a memorable and immersive way is a powerful marketing tool.
One of the greatest strengths of virtual reality is allowing the user to experience the feeling of "being there". While regular pictures and videos can work well to show what a destination has to offer , they often do not elicit an emotional response.
Virtual reality in tourism has the ability to place the user at the heart of the scene and allows him to imagine himself more easily in the place.
Tourism 360 VR
When many people think of virtual reality, they think of it as CGI (computer generated imagery), which is how it is used in the video game industry. However, there is another known form of virtual reality 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 model or simulation.
VR Immersion Capturing VR Tourism Content
360VR content in tourism is captured the same way as regular image and video content. A 360 VR company, like us at Immersion VR, arrives on the scene with specialized equipment in order to film the scene. The images are then brought back to the studio where they are produced as VR content using specialized software.
This form of VR is the most widely used form of VR in tourism and is something we specialize in here at Immersion VR.360 VR is also commonly used in education, the real estate industry and for the online marketing in general.
VR technology in tourism
Virtual reality can be used in many different ways in the tourism industry. Technology is changing at a rapid pace and the uses of virtual reality in tourism are growing alongside technology.
The main VR technologies 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 can explore the whole scene while the video is playing. .
VR tourism videos are captured using specialized cameras called omni-directional cameras. These cameras capture all angles of the destination at once. After shooting, the footage is taken back to the studio where it is stitched together to produce a video tourism in virtual reality.
There are 2 types of VR tourism videos:
– Monoscopic tourist video in VR
– VR Stereoscopic Touring Video
Monoscopic VR videos for tourism can be viewed on ordinary devices, including mobile phones and computers. The viewer can click or drag on the screen to rotate the field of view, as if turning your head to explore a scene.
Take a look at the VR touring video below for an example monoscopic footage. The video can be viewed on any device, including mobile and desktop. Scroll or swipe the video to explore all the environment.
Monoscopic tourist video in VR produced by Immersion VR
Stereoscopic VR videos for tourism are produced for VR headsets and cannot be viewed on a regular device. Although they take longer to produce and are generally more expensive, they provide a more immersive travel experience. Videos feature head tracking so the user can move their head to explore the surroundings realistically.
For more information on monoscopic and stereoscopic VR content, see our in-depth article
here
.
VR tourism photography
Virtual reality tourism photography involves the production of 360 images of travel destinations. These images are usually designed to be viewed on mainstream devices such as mobiles and desktops.
Virtual tourism photography works much like virtual reality tourism video, but with still images. The view is free to scroll or drag across the image in order to see the whole scene.
Take a look at a sample of some of the 360 tourist images taken below.
Images are taken with state-of-the-art DSLR cameras on specialized rigs that allow for 360 degree capture.Since DSLR cameras are used, this allows for higher resolution images. high resolution compared to VR tourism videos.
The 360 images can then be uploaded to social media and websites for the user to view as easily as regular images. While these images are generally not as immersive as VR videos, they are faster to produce and generally more profitable.
Using 360 photography, it is also possible to produce hotel tours that allow the user to explore a hotel and its surroundings in an immersive and interactive way.
Applications of virtual reality in tourism
Virtual reality applications in tourism include:
– Virtual reality travel experiences
– VR tourism content for social networks/websites
– Virtual tours of the hotel
Virtual reality travel experiences
Virtual reality travel experiences usually refer to VR tourism videos made for VR headsets. These virtual travel experiences aim to create a feeling that resembles the real destination as much as possible.
At the forefront of 360 VR, virtual reality travel experiences offer something truly unique and memorable to the user. they promise a bright future within the industry.
VR headsets in the travel industry
VR headsets generally provide the most realistic virtual reality travel experience for the user. A VR headset uses specialized software that tracks the movement of the user's head. This allows the user to explore the travel destination as he would in real life.
Currently, the number of people owning a VR headset is growing rapidly. Much of this growth in headsets can be attributed to the gaming market, where the technology is pushed to the limit.
Additionally, all major online platforms including Google, Facebook, and Amazon are all investing heavily in VR headsets and content, promising a bright future for this space.
VR created for headsets is more expensive to produce because it requires the production of stereoscopic content and spatial audio. However, for travel companies looking to be on the cutting edge of technology, the cost can be worth it. to allow them to stand out and offer an unparalleled experience to their customers.
VR for travel agencies
One of the most common uses of VR headsets in tourism is by travel agencies themselves. They can provide potential customers with in-store virtual travel experiences that completely transform what it's like to visit a travel agency.
Instead of showing visitors brochures and computer screens, travel agents can offer their customers a virtual experience. This approach can also be put to good use at trade shows and events, quickly generating interest. of the general public.
The use of virtual reality makes travel brands stand out and gives the user an experience they won't forget. Many travel companies have embraced VR technology and used it to improve their sales , as well as to increase the visibility of their brand.
Hotel Virtual Tours
Virtual hotel tours allow users to explore a hotel and its grounds in a much more immersive way than ever before. Just as virtual tours are transforming the real estate industry, they are also having a huge impact on the hospitality industry.
The interior and exterior of hotels can be captured in great detail using high-resolution cameras and specialized equipment. The images are then merged (
sewn
) to form a complete 360-degree interactive tour where the user can choose which room to explore.
Virtual reality hotel tours are usually monoscopic, meaning they can be viewed on any device, including mobile and desktop. The tours can then be uploaded to websites and social media so that potential customers can consult them at any time.
They can also be stereoscopic if the situation and budget allow. This can result in a more realistic and immersive experience.
Unlike typical hotel images, these tours allow users to imagine themselves in space. This type of immersion helps create unique brand engagement and a lasting impression with the user.
To learn more about virtual tours, please see our
article here
.
Virtual reality travel tours
In addition to hotels, virtual reality travel tours can also be created for a wide range of travel destinations and landmarks. VR tours of popular tourist destinations can be produced to give the user a taste what it's like to be there.
Benefits of virtual reality in tourism
The benefits of virtual reality in tourism include:
– Allow the user to imagine themselves in a travel destination
– Be able to present a destination in high resolution in 360 degrees
– Allow the user to explore a scene at will
– Create memorable and unique experiences for the user
– Create a unique brand engagement
– Enable travel agencies to stand out
– Provide travel experiences for those who cannot travel
– Reduce the impact of tourism on vulnerable destinations
Virtual reality tourism statistics
According to research conducted in Germany by
Statistical
(see below), nearly 50% of people would use VR as a tool to choose their vacation destination (provided it was free). 13% of respondents were actually willing to pay for VR.
Virtual reality tourism statistics –
Source
In addition, research conducted by
Tourism Australia
found that nearly 20% of consumers had used virtual reality to select a vacation destination. About 25% of consumers said they plan to use virtual reality in the future to help them choose a vacation destination. holidays.
Overall, the Tourism Australia study found that virtual reality has the ability to bring a destination to life and inspire consumers to consider traveling to places they otherwise would not have considered. In particular, consumers were more interested in virtual reality content related to nature, wildlife, waters and coastal offerings.–
http://www.tourism.australia.com/content/dam/assets/document/1/6/y/7/t/2003897.pdf
The future of virtual reality travel
At Immersion VR, we don't see VR tourism going anywhere. On the contrary, we have seen an increase in the use of virtual reality 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.
Virtual Reality Travel Trends
Common trends in VR travel include:
– VR travel experiences by travel agencies
– Virtual tours of hotels by travel agencies and hotels
– Technologies to make virtual reality travel more realistic
– VR travel experiences for seniors
– VR flight experiences
– Virtual experiences of iconic destinations
– Virtual booking interface
We're sure this list will grow in the near future, so watch this space!
Virtual experiences of iconic destinations
Popular landmark destinations often suffer from the environmental issues associated with too many tourists. By making VR experiences of these landmarks, the number of users can be controlled, reducing the environmental impact.
Take a look below at a virtual reality travel experience of the Grand Canyon. Don't forget to drag or scroll the video to explore the scene.
Grand Canyon Virtual Travel Experience - video by
360Laboratories
With the increase in the number of VR headsets, these kinds of experiences are sure to become a common feature in many homes around the world.
VR Flight Experiences
Passengers board a replica of an airplane cabin while they are given a pre-flight safety demonstration and then gourmet food is served. 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 –
Source
Upon “arrival”, passengers are then given a virtual tour of the destination with VR headsets. Although still in its infancy, this type of experience has the potential to provide people with travel experiences they never thought possible. otherwise could not afford.
Virtual booking interface
A virtual booking interface is another very recent development in VR tourism. Users can book their vacations while wearing a VR headset. The entire booking process takes place in virtual reality.
Everything from choosing a hotel to paying for a vacation happens while the user experiences virtual reality. Although this has limited applications, we may see travel agencies and businesses taking this approach. to increase the number of conversions.
State-of-the-art virtual booking interface produced by
Amadeus
This seems like the next logical step from unique travel experiences to supporting the entire booking process. While still in their infancy, virtual booking interfaces are increasingly becoming most common in the tourism industry.
Virtual reality travel for seniors
One of the areas where VR can replace travel is for those who cannot travel, especially seniors. When people think of VR, they don't tend to think of seniors. But being able to provide them with travel experiences that would otherwise not be possible can be extremely rewarding.
Seniors traveling virtually with help from Maplewood Senior Living – video by
Mashable
In a blog post written by The Big Issue, they explain how a company called Viarama worked on a virtual reality tool to help people with Alzheimer's disease and dementia They worked to provide older people who receive end-of-life care a unique experience.
Billy Agnew, CEO of Viarama, said:
"In a palliative care situation, we go out there and let people 'travel' the world. We let people go to places where they got married, or where they did their national service, and to places that they never thought they could see. »
–
https://www.bigissue.com/latest/technology/how-virtual-reality-is-giving-the-elderly-remarkable-end-of-life-adventures/
Viarama achieves this using HTC Vive headsets, Google Earth VR software and powerful computers. But while the experience is virtual, the emotions it elicits are very real.
Billy Agnew added:
“It's quite often very emotional. The first time we worked in a hospice, we had two doctors who were there to assess what we were doing, and both 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 immersive moments but it still cannot replace the full immersion of being in a real space 24/7.
In fact, in a recent study conducted by European tour company Italy4Real, 81% of adults said virtual reality cannot replace travel. 92% said visiting a destination in VR was not the same as visiting it. in real life. Additionally, 77% cited sampling local food as important to them.–
https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/302947/virtual-reality-not-seen-as-substitute-for-travel.html
Other downsides to virtual reality include smells and the general atmosphere created by people and animals. so early.
77% of people cited local food as important
Virtual reality in tourism is currently best used to market travel destinations and hotels. With the growth of virtual reality, we believe that virtual travel experiences will become an important part of the tourism industry in the future. close.
Virtual reality travel experts
At Immersion VR we have extensive VR experience traveling with clients across the UK and overseas We have filmed on location in countries including Oman, Scotland, Spain, Indonesia and Mexico.
We can cater for any type of VR tourism you need, from virtual reality travel experiences to VR hotel tours.
VR Immersion capturing VR travel content on location in Oman
We take great pride in the quality of our work and are unlike any VR travel company. With expertise in 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 among the top virtual reality travel experts.
For more information about virtual reality for travel and the services we offer, please contact us today.