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Applications of VR in the Hospitality Industry
VR In the Hospitality Industry
VR In the Hospitality Industry
Website Introduction (#1)
Introduction of VR in Hospitality Industry #2
Google Cardboard and VR Demo (#3)
Practical Applications of VR In the Hospitality Industry (#4)
A short video on the practical applications of VR being used within the Hospitality Industry
(#4)
01
What Is VR?
An explanation of the principles of VR and its operation.
Hello!
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In this section, we will discuss What is VR?
Simply put, VR is defined, according to one industry group, as the use of computer technology to create a simulated environment…instead of viewing a screen in front of them, users are immersed and able to interact with 3D worlds (Jackson, 2015). VR simulations operate using a head-mounted display that a user wears over their eyes and is the means of seeing the virtual environment of VR (Jackson, 2015). The simulated environment provided by the HMD can be used in combination with audio and other sensory feedback devices to enhance a user’s experience and increase their connection with the simulated environment.
This can include having surround sound speakers to give a user the sensation that there is activity occurring around them or having vibrations and haptic feedback to simulate a user physically interacting with objects in the virtual world.
`` It is important to note, for clarity’s sake, the difference between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality as it can be easy to confuse the two subjects. In distinguishing between the two, “Augmented Reality simulates artificial objects in the real environment; Virtual Reality creates an artificial environment to inhabit (Jackson, 2015). In other words, Augmented Reality adds to a user’s reality while Virtual Reality replaces it entirely.
Indeed, in the video menu to the right, you will see the video titled Google Cardboard and VR Demo #3 where I give a hands-on demonstration of an available piece of VR technology on the market.
VR In the Hospitality Industry
VR In the Hospitality Industry
Website Introduction (#1)
Introduction of VR in Hospitality Industry #2
Google Cardboard and VR Demo (#3)
Practical Applications of VR In the Hospitality Industry (#4)
02
Importance of VR in the Hospitality Industry
Why is the increasing use of VR important?
Now that we have covered the principles of VR and how it operates, let's discuss its significance.
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VR provides users with a completely new perspective on a location being viewed that regular video, photograph ​or word of mouth marketing does not provide. It gives the users the ability to see and hear around them as if they were physically present at a location and can greatly influence how they perceive a location before visiting. Indeed, in a study on the implications of VR on Destination Marketing, it was emphasized that “VR is especially intriguing for the tourism sector as a channel to communicate intangible tourism experiences to a wider audience” (Griffin, Giberson, Hwan, Guttentag, & Kandaurova, 2017). In other words, a user now has the ability to examine and experience a location in a manner as if they were present themselves and not be limited to the constraints of more traditional media. Even further, it is remarked that "immersive experiences offered through VR can offer enhanced communication of an intangible experience to potential visitors, and positively impact affective and conative destination image." (Griffin, Giberson, Hwan, Guttentag, & Kandaurova, 2017). With the use of VR, organizations and destinations are able to present themselves in a manner that was previously unavailable and connect with potential clients on a more intimate manner. The use of VR can help set a location apart from other tourism destinations by more effectively communicating features and qualities about a destination that conventional media can not.
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