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Virtual tourism: development, types and forms, opportunities and disadvantages

Author

Listed:
  • Liudmyla DOROKHOVA

    (University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia)

  • Silvia BELOEVA

    (“Angel Kanchev†University of Ruse, Ruse, Bulgaria)

  • Nataliya VENELINOVA

    (“Angel Kanchev†University of Ruse, Ruse, Bulgaria)

  • Dzhavid MIRZOIEV

    (Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics, Kharkiv, Ukraine)

Abstract

Objectives: In the context of the computerization of society as a whole and the economy of the service sector in particular, the study of virtual tourism is essential for evaluating its impact on traveler behavior and the transformation of the traditional tourism industry in the conditions of digitalization. Analyzing virtual tourism allows us to identify its potential for sustainable development, expanding access to cultural heritage, and reducing the burden on popular tourist destinations. Methods/Approaches: A literature-based approach was used to analyze and summarize scientific literature to identify key theoretical concepts and practical aspects of virtual tourism, as well as its development, features, advantages, and limitations, compared with traditional forms of tourism. The specifics of user behavior in the case of virtual tourism, its demand, and its impact on the tourism industry were examined. Results: A classification of virtual tours is presented according to types, objectives, and functions, as well as the level of implementation and technologies used. The main advantages and disadvantages of virtual tours are highlighted, along with target customer groups and their characteristics. Conclusions: Virtual reality tourism is actively developing and successfully utilizing the latest computer information technologies and gadgets. Virtual tourism activities represent a promising direction and a significant part of the travel industry, its elements, and components

Suggested Citation

  • Liudmyla DOROKHOVA & Silvia BELOEVA & Nataliya VENELINOVA & Dzhavid MIRZOIEV, 2025. "Virtual tourism: development, types and forms, opportunities and disadvantages," Access Journal, Access Press Publishing House, vol. 6(3), pages 513-531, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:aip:access:v:6:y:2025:i:3:p:513-531
    DOI: 10.46656/access.2025.6.3(3)
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Eugine Tafadzwa Maziriri & Matilda Modjadji Mashapa & Brighton Nyagadza & Brian Mabuyana, 2023. "As far as my eyes can see: Generation Y consumers’ use of virtual reality glasses to determine tourist destinations," Cogent Business & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 10(3), pages 2246745-224, December.
    2. Krzysztof Widawski & Piotr Oleśniewicz, 2023. "Education in Tourism—Digital Information as a Source of Memory on the Examples of Places Related to the Holocaust in Poland during World War II," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-24, July.
    3. Biqiang Liu & Anna Kralj & Brent Moyle & Yaoqi Li, 2024. "Developing 360-degree stimuli for virtual tourism research: a five-step mixed measures procedure," Information Technology & Tourism, Springer, vol. 26(3), pages 485-519, September.
    4. Hoang, Sinh Duc & Dey, Sandeep Kumar & Tučková, Zuzana & Pham, Tien Phat, 2023. "Harnessing the power of virtual reality: Enhancing telepresence and inspiring sustainable travel intentions in the tourism industry," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    5. Coral García Esteban & Ana Gómez Loscos & César Martín Machuca, 2023. "The recovery of international tourism in Spain after the pandemic," Economic Bulletin, Banco de España, issue 2023/Q1.
    6. Xinyu Jiang & Nianqi Deng & Shuyin Zheng, 2023. "Understanding the core technological features of virtual and augmented reality in tourism: a qualitative and quantitative review," Current Issues in Tourism, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 26(21), pages 3444-3464, November.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • L83 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Sports; Gambling; Restaurants; Recreation; Tourism
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software
    • Z32 - Other Special Topics - - Tourism Economics - - - Tourism and Development

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