Student id

Student ID:	2272985
Name:	Yuldashev Izzatillo

The influence of Virtual Reality (VR) on Travel intentions

Introduction
Recent advances in virtual reality (VR) have made it a widespread and apparently impactful marketing tool for the tourism industry. (Nah, Eschenbrenner, & DeWester, 2011). Innovations InTechnology are revolutionizing the business world as well as humanity and modern society (Buhalis & Law, 2008; Guttentag, 2010).
Virtual reality (VR) is one of those emerging innovations in information and communication technologies (ICTs) that has the potential to change people’s habits, business practices and strategies (Gabisch & Gwebu, 2011). Th e revolutionary power of VR has long been recognized. The use of VR may be especially beneficial for destination marketing. Destinations are seen in the literature as the core of the tourism industry, as they combine all products, experiences and services provided locally to customers (Buhalis, 2000; Neuhofer, Buhalis, & Ladkin, 2012). However, Virtual reality technologies can influence on tourists’ intentions. One of the most common uses of VR headsets in tourism is by the travel agencies themselves. They can offer prospective clients in-store virtual travel experiences that completely transform what it means to visit a travel agency.
According to research carried out in Germany by www.Statista.com , almost 50% of people would use VR as a tool for choosing their holiday destination (providing it was free). 13% of those surveyed were actually willing to pay for the VR.
Instead of showing visitors brochures and computer screens, travel agents can provide their clients with a virtual experience. This approach can also be used to great effect at trade shows and events, quickly gaining interest from the general public and that really affects travel intentions and decision-making as well. VR allows travel brands to stand out from the crowd and it provides the user with an experience they won’t forget. Many travel companies have embraced VR technology and have used it to improve sales, as well as to gain brand exposure.

References
F.-H. Nah, B. Eschenbrenner, D. DeWester - Enhancing brand equity through flow and telepresence: A comparison OF 2D and 3D virtual worlds , MIS Quarterly, 35 (3) (2011)
Buhalis, D., & Law, R. (2008). Progress in information technology and tourism management: 20 years on and 10 years aft er the internet: Th e state of eTourism research. Tourism Management, 29(4), 609-623.
Guttentag, D. A. (2010). Virtual reality: Applications and implications for tourism. Tourism Management, 31(5), 637-651.