Virtual Reality (VR) is set to transform everything that we do, from driving to shopping for apparel. However, few industries will be affected as profoundly as the travel sector. VR holds out immense potential for travel companies, thanks to innovations like VR cardboard. Marketed by Google, these affordable VR headsets hook up to ordinary smartphones, allowing almost anyone to run VR applications. Travel companies are latching onto the technology, enabling potential travelers to virtually tour attractions, customize their flights or check out accommodations from the comfort of their own homes.

Visualizing Possibilities and the Past

Everywhere you look, VR is making a difference. For example, the Marriott Hotel chain has trialled a service called VR Postcards, which allows customers to inhabit the perspective of travelers to exotic destinations. Carnival Cruise has teamed up with Samsung to provide a window into life aboard one of their ships, while YouVisit provides 360 degree panoramic videos of major destinations all over the world.

VR is also providing a way to promote classic vacation destinations in completely new ways. In Greece, AVRA are using VR to allow Chinese customers to get a feel for what life in Athens is like, while LivItaly provides a fascinating virtual reality tour of Rome’s Colosseum. From modern cruises to ancient ruins, anywhere can be promoted via Google Cardboard apps, as forward-thinking travel companies are discovering.

LivItaly provides a great snapshot of this emerging area of the global tourism industry. Their VR cardboard based historical content vividly supplements their popular tours of Roman sights like the Colosseum or the ancient Forum.

VR Looking Forward

Companies embracing VR are making a wise decision. Studies in the UK have found a high level of interest in the technology, and in particular, travel-related VR apps. In the USA, research agency Greenlight VR has found a similar level of interest, with over 70% saying that they would be interested in VR travel content (far more than other areas like gaming or home design). With around 88 million VR cardboard users worldwide, the market is large, and growing. It’s a good time to be using VR to promote travel.

In an era when you can once again share the Colosseum with gladiators and lions, or virtually hike in the wilds of Mongolia, it’s impossible not to feel excited. Thanks to VR, travel is getting really, really interesting, and all it takes is a piece of cardboard and a standard smartphone.