Will VR make the travel industry redundant?

Attractive woman with virtual reality headset smiling and gesturing

Virtual Reality is a hot topic at the moment, and particularly so within the travel industry.

It is already playing an increasingly popular part in the industry with virtual reality headsets allowing customers to experience 360° views of hotel rooms and holiday resorts.

As virtual reality technology continues to develop and take on a bigger role, the question arises – could VR ever replace real-life travel?

If customers are able to don virtual headsets and step straight into a destination, would the inclination to hop on a plane, train or automobile be lost?

It comes as more data recently claimed Aussies were quite comfortable with simply customer service queries handled by bots.

“Virtual reality can certainly help to enhance the travel experience at the pre-booking stage, however we don’t believe it could ever replace it entirely,” owner and Director of Italy4Real, Rem Malloy, said.

A global survey, conducted by European tour specialists Italy4Real, involved over 1000 adults, assessed the role of artificial intelligence within the travel industry and gather opinion on whether jobs within the industry could be replaced by automation.

Over half of respondents (52 per cent) said they believed the role of travel agent could be replaced by artificial intelligence, as they already use a computer to book their holidays.

However, the roles of tour guide and hotel staff look set to remain safe.

A substantial 67 per cent of respondents said they did not feel the role of tour guide could be replaced by AI, as a machine couldn’t include spontaneous facts and engage with the group.

The same percentage also said the role of hotel staff could not be replaced by AI as it needs a personal touch. However, 41 per cent said the hotel role which could most easily be replaced by artificial intelligence is that of receptionist.

“We were [also] interested to see that 67 per cent of respondents feel the role of tour guide could not be replaced by artificial intelligence.

“At Italy4Real our expert local tour guides are a crucial part of our services, and we intend to keep that personal touch,” Malloy added.

The survey also found that while 46 per cent said they would invest in a virtual reality travel experience headset, a whopping 81 per cent said they did not believe virtual reality could ever replace the desire for real-life travel.

Thankfully, 92 per cent also stated that visiting a destination via a virtual reality headset would not count as actually having been there.

However, respondents did offer up some potential advantages of virtual reality travel, with 77 per cent stating it would be a good option if you’re not physically capable of travelling. Other advantages of VR travel included being able to go ‘wherever you want, whenever you want’, and it being cheaper in the long-term than multiple trips.

The survey shows that while people express an interest in using virtual reality it is not something they believe can take over from real-life experiences, as nothing can truly compare to that authentic travel experience.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

technology tourism travel industry virtual reality

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • Tour Operators

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours advises final call for Anzac Day 2025

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours has advised that the final call for Anzac Day 2025 is on 31 January 2025 with pre-registration also available for Anzac Day 2026. Travellers are encouraged to book their spot for either the 10-day Anzac Day on the Western Front departing on 19 April from Paris or the 8-day Anzac Day […]

  • Destinations
  • Hotels

Two destinations to visit in Mexico for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and here are two romantic getaway destinations in Mexico to make any traveller’s day with their special someone even better. Casona Roma Norte, Mexico City This Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to visit Mexico City, as the streets come alive with roses, heartfelt gifts, and the city basks in […]

  • Aviation
  • Luxury

Emirates debuts new uniform for Premium and VIP Passenger Services team

Emirates has debuted a new uniform designed for its Premium & VIP Passengers Services team, who are responsible for the seamless transfer of VIPs through Dubai International Airport. The new uniform has echoes of the iconic Emirates cabin crew look, however, exclusively represents Emirates’ elite unit that caters to high profile customers. A new look […]

  • Appointments
  • News

BEIA appoints Rachel Cook as its new chair

The Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) Approved Professional Conference Organisers (PCO) Group has appointed Rachel Cook as its new chair. Cook is the business director of Conference Innovators (CI) and since joining CI 20 years ago has been instrumental in the company’s continuing growth and success. She plays a pivotal role in building and supporting […]

  • Hotels

Gaya Island Resort unveils its Wildlife Wonders package

Gaya Island Resort has unveiled its Wildlife Wonders package, a meticulously crafted 4-day, 3-night adventure designed for nature enthusiasts eager to discover the island’s rich biodiversity. The resort is nestled on the tranquil shores of Pulau Gaya, the largest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park just off Kota Kinabalu. Its location makes it the […]

  • News

New Caledonia is open and ready for business as Smartraveller downgrades warning

Eight months after the civil unrest, the South Pacific destination of New Caledonia has reopened and is ready to welcome Australian tourists. Smartraveller has recently downgraded its travel advice to the destination following the removal of the nation’s curfew on the 2nd of December. The island is currently rated as amber – ‘exercise a high […]

  • Business Travel
  • Hotels

Atura Wellington unveils newly refurbished rooms in the New Zealand hotel

Atura Wellington, the former Thorndon Hotel by Rydges, has unveiled its newly refurbished rooms in the New Zealand hotel. The rooms were completed following a full refurbishment of all public spaces as part of a broader redevelopment plan. All 108 guest rooms have now been upgraded. The hotel is in the historic Thorndon neighbourhood and […]