Booking.com Predicts the Coming of Metaverse-Influenced Travels

A new survey conducted by online travel agency Booking.com has revealed that in 2023, the Metaverse will influence tourism. Specifically, the Metaverse would help travelers decide on destinations that they intend to visit in real time. It goes to show that people’s interest in this sub-crypto ecosystem has heightened along the line. 

The survey which included 24,179 participants from across 32 countries touched on topics like where travelers would like to go in 2023, the inspiration behind the trip, and the crucial role of budget in their travel plans. Most of these travelers are eager to see the world after all of the restrictions which the global COVID-19 pandemic imposed on everyone.

Out of those that are willing to go on a trip in the metaverse next year and also in real-time, people below 25 years popularly regarded as Gen Z made a large volume (45%) while being closely followed by the Millenials (26-41) with (43%). Almost half of the total respondents embraced metaverse/virtual reality (VR) as a tool to guide their travel decision-making process. 

Out of the previous number, 4574 participants said they would prefer to virtually experience a place before deciding to physically visit the location. Another 35% are more open to staying longer in the Metaverse to familiarise themselves with the environment to aid the decision-making process. 

Metaverse Trip or Physical Travel?

On the other hand, 60% of those who participated in the survey claimed that the virtual experience is incomparable to the actual physical experience in their location of choice.

To make this virtual experience more realistic, there are plans to advance the technology by adding haptic feedback. With this, virtual travelers can feel the sand in between their toes and the an on their skin.

According to the findings of the survey, a few of the most sought holiday destinations are Brazil’s Sao Paulo, India’s Pondicherry, Australia’s Hobart, and Italy’s Bolzano.

A recent integration of the metaverse with tourism is the partnership between Multiverse Labs and the Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). The partnership birthed a new metaverse city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).