Introducing Virtual Travel

Abstract

This chapter explores issues and consequences associated with travel and tourism. We examine the disastrous effects of tourism on sites around the world, from England to South America, the issue of air travel, and missing opportunities for learning once one reaches a heritage site. So there are possible advantages to using virtual reality technology to create virtual travel, savings in cost and time, safety, minimizing pollution, for the pre-planning intended visits, or for providing situated information not currently available at the site.The interactive opportunities of digital media may help personalization and customization of the user experience. However, we have four major issues to contend with. How do we create a sense of place in a virtual environment? How do we provide for a feeling of cultural presence that appears to inhabit the virtual site? How realistic and historically accurate does the environment and interaction need to be? And how do we balance the value of entertainment with the need for demonstrably effective learning?