Virtual reality technology in traditional tourism, the advantages or disadvantages?

February 12 News, foreign media wrote that virtual reality technology is rapidly developing. Soon after, consumer version Oculus Rift virtual reality helmet will enter the market. When you connect to a computer or a mobile device, it can bring a 3D experience to the user, giving them a sense of realism in the virtual world. So will it significantly change the traditional tourism?

Virtual reality technology is not only applicable to the game field. With 3D graphics software, companies can create virtual versions of real places, allowing anyone to get a live experience anywhere. With technology tools like Oculus Rift helmet, one day you will be able to enter the virtual World Tour Museum, explore the theme park, and even stroll around the national park.

This virtual travel feature raises a very interesting question: will virtual reality be a benefit or a disadvantage to tourism? Further, is it possible to provide too many experiences online? How many people will not go to distant destinations because they have explored the virtual world?

Although the technology is still in its infancy and may take several years to catch on, its possibilities are endless. When it comes to travel, imagine what you can experience online. For example, the Louvre will display portraits of the Mona Lisa, making it possible for millions of people to enjoy the classics every day; Anyone can climb the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa to view the scenery.

Of course, it is not possible to provide all the content experience free of charge if you want to hang up people's interests. Travel destinations would like the new technology to serve as bait to attract more visitors.

Virtual reality Video

Destination BC is one of the first enterprises to use virtual reality technology to promote the development of tourism. With the help of Oculus Rift technology, they produced the first virtual reality video--the Wild Within VR experience. They also provided a 2D preview of the video on their YouTube channel.

The destination marketing video was filmed with custom equipment for 3D printing. The device is equipped with 7 dedicated High-definition cameras, including helicopters, boats, drones and walking. The entire video revolves around Canada's British Columbia, Prov., the Great Bear rain forest area, the scenery breathtaking.

But is it worthwhile to use the latest virtual reality technology in tourism destination marketing? Destination BC CEO Martha Walden (Marsha Walden) explained, "We believe that virtual reality technology is very suitable for tourism marketing." It allows our customers and media partners to experience our destinations in an unprecedented new and unique way. "The full version of the Wild Within VR experience video should be released this year, destination BC hopes it will attract new visitors to British Columbia, Prov. for hands-on exploration."

Would you go on a virtual trip?

So far, there is no sign that tourism will be affected by current technology. This should not change for a long time. Maps and navigation apps make it easier to travel to unfamiliar cities. In addition, Google translation services can even provide real-time oral dialogue translation. However, Oculus Rift is expected to cause great changes because it promises to create very realistic versions of real places. If the virtual travel experience can be very realistic, travelers may start to spend money somewhere else: the experience of a spa, premium restaurant, luxurious hotel, and a place without a museum is so easy to move to the virtual world.

It is not just tourism that is being tested for virtual reality, but several other industries are exploring the new technology. The real estate industry is exploring the use of technology such as Oculus Rift for real estate marketing. In the future, looking for a new home can become much easier, as people rent a house with virtual viewing rooms and even experience interactive features like opening a closet door.

However, before engaging in such technology, companies need to ask themselves whether using virtual reality is a viable marketing strategy. If anyone can experience what your business offers online, will they be spending time and money in person?

These will only be known in the future. However, the costs of travel, hotel accommodation, tickets and so on are increasing, and many people have very limited vacations. If the virtual reality can bring a good experience, people will toss about the scene? Virtual travel means that you don't have to commuting, you don't have to fly, you don't have jet lag, you don't get a bed with bedbugs, uncomfortable hotel beds, you don't have to tip ... You only need a few minutes and a comfortable chair to enjoy a cool new destination.

(Responsible editor: Mengyishan)