Exploring the world through virtual tourism
Published: 04:12 PM,Dec 15,2024 | EDITED : 08:12 PM,Dec 15,2024
The launch of the Virtual Tour Project by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) is a much needed intervention in the tourism industry as it offers immersive experiences for a potential tourist much before they step into Omani shores.
With the global pandemic a couple of years ago, it was only a matter of time that tourism would turn digital. Already, there was talk about immersive museum and art gallery experiences where one could log in and glance at famous paintings and historical objects without the hassle of travelling, waiting in lines for exorbitant tickets, only to be met by a sea of humanity inside.
There are many benefits to virtual travel. While the cost and comfort benefits are obvious, virtual travel also helps to be a teaser for the serious traveller who would be looking forward to visiting while being well prepared.
A multi-dimensional, 360-degree experience would help them to plan out itinerary, pack appropriately, book hotels based on specific personal choices, and even imagine themselves doing the chosen activities. Of course, the resulting shopping can also be done online.
Fully VR tourist experience actually allows a participant to get into the action, participating with the environment and discovering nearby places. In doing so, they find a personally curated experience, allowing them to explore nearby places of interest like the cultural scene, unique culinary options, hikes and walks, or more calming activities like stargazing.
Apart from offering real travel opportunities, virtual travel also has the advantage of opening our eyes to more vulnerable places which could do without the crushing summer rush of tourists pounding on a delicate environment.
The great barrier reef is an example of this. Hosted by the famous broadcaster David Attenborough, this VR journey takes viewers through the world’s largest coral system – which would be impossible for almost any but the most trained adventurer. The virtual journey is also interspersed with commentary as unique species are showcased – those may not even be visible to the amateur.
Tourism in the metaverse is already an industry worth billions of dollars. Committed enthusiasts remark on the way in which it helps to archive history like the Histopad project that documented the minute details of the Notre Dame Cathedral following the fire in 2019. By showcasing photographs of flooring and stained glass, it has preserved the cathedral for posterity.
More innovative experiences than just transferring a site into the virtual world has ensured that immersive experiences are also experiential. The use of avatars which can be donned by the participant, or avatar guides which can be tailored according to individual preferences makes virtual travel a unique experience.
Whether virtual travel can ever substitute real world experiences is always going to be debatable. As of now, VR experiences are add-ons to the travel experience which help to prepare one to visit. They also help us to add places to our digital bucket list of places to see and things to do – all without stepping out of our homes.
As technology improves in this area, it may even help to protect the natural and historical sites which are seeing fast degradation because of increased footfall.
With the global pandemic a couple of years ago, it was only a matter of time that tourism would turn digital. Already, there was talk about immersive museum and art gallery experiences where one could log in and glance at famous paintings and historical objects without the hassle of travelling, waiting in lines for exorbitant tickets, only to be met by a sea of humanity inside.
There are many benefits to virtual travel. While the cost and comfort benefits are obvious, virtual travel also helps to be a teaser for the serious traveller who would be looking forward to visiting while being well prepared.
A multi-dimensional, 360-degree experience would help them to plan out itinerary, pack appropriately, book hotels based on specific personal choices, and even imagine themselves doing the chosen activities. Of course, the resulting shopping can also be done online.
Fully VR tourist experience actually allows a participant to get into the action, participating with the environment and discovering nearby places. In doing so, they find a personally curated experience, allowing them to explore nearby places of interest like the cultural scene, unique culinary options, hikes and walks, or more calming activities like stargazing.
Apart from offering real travel opportunities, virtual travel also has the advantage of opening our eyes to more vulnerable places which could do without the crushing summer rush of tourists pounding on a delicate environment.
The great barrier reef is an example of this. Hosted by the famous broadcaster David Attenborough, this VR journey takes viewers through the world’s largest coral system – which would be impossible for almost any but the most trained adventurer. The virtual journey is also interspersed with commentary as unique species are showcased – those may not even be visible to the amateur.
Tourism in the metaverse is already an industry worth billions of dollars. Committed enthusiasts remark on the way in which it helps to archive history like the Histopad project that documented the minute details of the Notre Dame Cathedral following the fire in 2019. By showcasing photographs of flooring and stained glass, it has preserved the cathedral for posterity.
More innovative experiences than just transferring a site into the virtual world has ensured that immersive experiences are also experiential. The use of avatars which can be donned by the participant, or avatar guides which can be tailored according to individual preferences makes virtual travel a unique experience.
Whether virtual travel can ever substitute real world experiences is always going to be debatable. As of now, VR experiences are add-ons to the travel experience which help to prepare one to visit. They also help us to add places to our digital bucket list of places to see and things to do – all without stepping out of our homes.
As technology improves in this area, it may even help to protect the natural and historical sites which are seeing fast degradation because of increased footfall.