The Use of VR in the Hospitality Sector Gains Momentum – A New Way to Book Holidays

As highlighted in the British online newspaper, The Independent, on 10th March 2022, virtual reality or VR is offering new opportunities in the hospitality sector. The use of VR for ‘virtual travel’ became popular after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic when travel was severely curtailed and the trend has continued. Today, this technology can help travellers gain a more ‘realistic’ preview of what the destination and accommodation providers have to offer before they visit.

While VR headsets and tours can be expensive, there is also the aspect of 360-degree imagery; no additional equipment is needed and travellers can view it on their smartphone, tab or desktop computer. The potential for such technology for tourism is huge too; for example, the Tourism Authority of Thailand already has 360-degree tours (https://www.tourismthailand.org/Articles/virtual-tours) of certain attractions such as Phuket’s Chinpracha House, a striking Sino Paortuguese Mansion. This site, within easy reach of an SHA Plus+ certified luxury resort Phuket has to offer such as SAii Laguna Phuket, can now be explored virtually to get a better idea of what to expect.