Author:

Abstract:

Virtual tourism, driven by advancements in immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), has emerged as a viable solution to mitigate the environmental impact of traditional travel. This article examines the role of virtual tourism in promoting sustainable travel by balancing technological innovation with ecological and managerial considerations. Through a PESTEL analysis (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal), the paper explores the external factors influencing the development and adoption of virtual tourism. By reducing the carbon footprint associated with mass tourism and providing alternative experiences to physical travel, virtual tourism holds the potential to transform the industry. The study also discusses the challenges and limitations of virtual tourism, such as accessibility and experiential depth, while exploring the hybrid approach that combines virtual experiences with traditional travel to foster more environmentally conscious tourism practices. This article contributes to the growing body of literature on sustainable tourism by highlighting the critical role that virtual tourism can play in reducing environmental strain and encouraging responsible consumer behaviour.

Keywords:

JEL:

L83, Q56, O33, M10

Pages:

20

Article: