The Impact of COVID-19 on the Travel Industry
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the travel and tourism industry to its knees, with the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) warning that it could cut 50 million jobs worldwide. The pandemic has forced many countries to shut their borders, leading to canceled flights and stranded passengers. For instance, Malaysia’s government closed its borders and restricted people’s movement nationwide to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
The Need for Temporary State Aid and Long-term Measures
There are calls for temporary state aid for the sector and more long-term measures like simplification of visa rules to encourage travel and attract tourists within the aftermath of the crisis. The WTTC is asking governments to guard the industry by increasing budgets for promoting travel destinations. This is where virtual reality (VR) can play a major role in promoting travel destinations and inspiring people to travel again.
The Role of Virtual Reality in Promoting Travel Destinations
VR can offer a try-before-you-buy experience, giving people a taste of what it’s prefer to be in a selected destination. This can result in more holidays being booked, as people may have a greater idea of what to anticipate. Companies like Travel World VR have already utilized VR technology to create tools for travel agents to market travel experiences. For example, Travel World VR has launched an app featuring 360°/VR videos of major destinations, cruise lines, hotels, resorts, and tour operators.
Travel Agents and Virtual Reality
Travel World VR’s app is obtainable on any smartphone freed from charge and will be utilized by travel agents to advertise destinations and encourage customers to travel. The company’s president, John C. Graham, believes that VR videos will grow to be the last word tool for travel advisors and meeting and incentive planners, dramatically increasing sales.
Hotels and Virtual Reality
Hotels also can profit from VR technology by offering customers a virtual tour of their accommodation. This will be done through platforms like World Travel VR, which uses VR, augmented reality (AR), and 360-degree video to advertise destinations. This allows customers to have a try-before-you-buy experience, increasing the probabilities of booking.
Airlines and Virtual Reality
Airlines also can use VR technology to supply in-flight and in-lounge entertainment. Companies like Skylights have been offering VR experiences since 2016, with passengers capable of access over 250 hours of content. Airlines like British Airways, Air France, and Garuda Indonesia have already utilized this technology, and it could grow to be a degree of differentiation for airline brands in the long run.
Travelers and Virtual Reality
For travelers, VR can offer a bridging solution throughout the current lockdowns and travel bans. Apps like Google Earth VR, IMMERSE, and Escape Now: The Icons offer users the chance to explore destinations virtually. These experiences may give users a way of being in a unique location, even when they cannot physically travel.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the travel and tourism industry, but virtual reality can play a major role in promoting travel destinations and inspiring people to travel again. With its ability to supply a try-before-you-buy experience, VR can increase bookings and help the industry get well. As the industry looks to the long run, it’s likely that we’ll see more airlines, hotels, and travel agents using VR technology to advertise their services and attract customers.
