<p>In the wake of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) splitting the world apart, travel restrictions leave us far and out of touch with the places we procrastinated to travel to because “there’ll always be a next time.”</p><p>I have a background in tourism and destination management and currently work as a Digital Content Executive and, as the pandemic’s restrictions got tighter and the travel industry came to a total standstill, it dawned on me that these two worlds really synchronise when you come to think of it.</p>.<p>We virtually manage destinations without even thinking about it. From the online reviews of the food you ate, to the snaps on the poolside. All those bits and pieces you leave online evoke emotions and ultimately influence people’s opinions on their next destination of choice. It is true what they say about necessity being the mother of invention, COVID-19 has forced us to think out of the box. We now have some time to toy around with something we have not had a chance to really explore before: Virtual Tourism.</p><p>Virtual Tourism was already starting to grow legs up until the recent turn of events, but now it is now probably the next best thing after “meeting links.” The fact that you can travel to another destination without the cost implications or risk factor is changing travelers’ perceptions.</p><p>Instead of thinking about all the missed opportunities, it is time to position ourselves and prepare for life after COVID-19. Virtual Reality (VR) technology has been introduced to add specific effects and really give a potential traveler something close to real. For travelers, VR tours make it easier to choose the right hotel, activities, and ultimately the most preferred destination. This is a progressive step in hotel and destination marketing. Imagine offering the experience of a <em>mokoro</em> ride, an evening game drive or even a glimpse of the perfect view on a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta from the comfort of one’s home.</p>.<p>Right now, international travel is a hassle, and if you manage to make your reservations, the red tape is debilitating. While it is impossible to replace the in-person experience, you can still enjoy a very immersive experience with VR technology.</p><p>Whether we want to use virtual tourism as a teaching tool, a travel destination advert or simply to lure in investors to invest, then one cannot ignore the potential of VR as has very quickly become part of the “New Normal.”</p><p>To help you get into the VR game, below are<strong> </strong>some of my<strong> </strong>recommendation for the top 3 VR headsets to try out:</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://amzn.to/2HliAlL">Oculus Quest All-in-one VR Gaming Headset – 64GB</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://amzn.to/2Eg631w">Samsung Gear VR w/Controller</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://amzn.to/35SRIDC">HTC Vive Pro Eye Virtual Reality Headset Only</a></p></li></ul><p>What are you waiting for?</p>
<p>In the wake of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) splitting the world apart, travel restrictions leave us far and out of touch with the places we procrastinated to travel to because “there’ll always be a next time.”</p><p>I have a background in tourism and destination management and currently work as a Digital Content Executive and, as the pandemic’s restrictions got tighter and the travel industry came to a total standstill, it dawned on me that these two worlds really synchronise when you come to think of it.</p>.<p>We virtually manage destinations without even thinking about it. From the online reviews of the food you ate, to the snaps on the poolside. All those bits and pieces you leave online evoke emotions and ultimately influence people’s opinions on their next destination of choice. It is true what they say about necessity being the mother of invention, COVID-19 has forced us to think out of the box. We now have some time to toy around with something we have not had a chance to really explore before: Virtual Tourism.</p><p>Virtual Tourism was already starting to grow legs up until the recent turn of events, but now it is now probably the next best thing after “meeting links.” The fact that you can travel to another destination without the cost implications or risk factor is changing travelers’ perceptions.</p><p>Instead of thinking about all the missed opportunities, it is time to position ourselves and prepare for life after COVID-19. Virtual Reality (VR) technology has been introduced to add specific effects and really give a potential traveler something close to real. For travelers, VR tours make it easier to choose the right hotel, activities, and ultimately the most preferred destination. This is a progressive step in hotel and destination marketing. Imagine offering the experience of a <em>mokoro</em> ride, an evening game drive or even a glimpse of the perfect view on a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta from the comfort of one’s home.</p>.<p>Right now, international travel is a hassle, and if you manage to make your reservations, the red tape is debilitating. While it is impossible to replace the in-person experience, you can still enjoy a very immersive experience with VR technology.</p><p>Whether we want to use virtual tourism as a teaching tool, a travel destination advert or simply to lure in investors to invest, then one cannot ignore the potential of VR as has very quickly become part of the “New Normal.”</p><p>To help you get into the VR game, below are<strong> </strong>some of my<strong> </strong>recommendation for the top 3 VR headsets to try out:</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://amzn.to/2HliAlL">Oculus Quest All-in-one VR Gaming Headset – 64GB</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://amzn.to/2Eg631w">Samsung Gear VR w/Controller</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://amzn.to/35SRIDC">HTC Vive Pro Eye Virtual Reality Headset Only</a></p></li></ul><p>What are you waiting for?</p>
