Virtual reality technology and physical distancing: A review on limiting human interaction in tourism

Abstract

While the COVID-19 pandemic has been influencing almost all industries since the end of the first quarter of 2020, its impact appears to be more prominent in the tourism industry. Extant research emphasizes that this effect will continue and individuals abstain from travel to avoid being among other people. To maintain physical distancing and recover the tourism industry, virtual reality technology has been adopted to give travelers the opportunity to visit certain destinations and try products or services, which can be a useful tool to consider physical distancing in tourism. Further to this, this research reviews that tourist destinations and tourism businesses such as accommodation, food and beverage, and museums can utilize virtual reality technology to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Furthermore, COVID-19 can be seen as a chance for both the industry and the destination to market their products and services. Therefore, this technology will be extremely helpful for the revival of tourism post-COVID-19.