The global pandemic has left many of us longing to travel again with freedom. However, while we are stuck at home, augmented and virtual reality have helped us stay in touch with the world from the comfort of our homes. Many companies are trying to optimize the experience of their audiences to create an augmented reality to keep people from missing out as the world grows around us.
The Difference Between Augmented and Virtual Reality
Augmented reality (AR) is based on the idea of amplifying people’s physical environment to enhance their perception through a gadget such as a mobile phone or a tablet. The travel industry has introduced many AR applications for mobile phones, from cosmetics to furniture stores, for the shopaholic in all categories.
For instance, IKEA has introduced an IKEA Place Mobile App available for Android and iOS, allowing users to try out any piece of furniture in their houses, such as a sofa set you want to buy. Pick the product and hold your phone up as if to capture a photo of the lounge you want it in. The app resizes the product in 3D and allows you to experience its look and feel like it is right in front of you. And of course, you can try out a variety of different sofa sets because ‘It is okay to change your mind’!
Everyone’s beloved Pokémon Go is a huge success story in the international augmented reality arena! The release and subsequent market response a couple of years ago proved to technological manufacturers that the audience, at large, is ready for a whole new experience. Since then, the advancements in the industry have been non-stop.
Virtual reality (VR), on the other hand, is an entirely different ball game. Along with being exposed to a completely new digital environment, VR technology uses a piece of separate headset equipment that will fly you away to another land! While the experience is designed to offer similar, VR takes a step ahead to awaken multiple sensory cues of the user.
VR technology has exploded in the market, especially in the past two years. Big brands like Sony and Samsung produce high-powered headsets not only for huge names in the travel industry but have also enhanced the gaming and entertainment industry globally!
Augmented and Virtual Reality in the Travel Industry
If you want to dive into the travel industry, AR and VR technologies are significant in providing touring and guiding experiences to those who constantly like being on the move. An important AR-integrated travel application called City Guide Tour includes a list of cities and countries you can visit at the click of a mere button! Choose any town, pinpoint your location, and get all the necessary tourist information to feel like a traveler in minutes. Teleportation is pretty close, after all.
Have you ever visited a country you love only to find language as a barrier? AR apps eliminate the awkwardness of being unable to explain your point. You can easily translate signboards, objects, and other text without the fear of being judged or getting lost in a foreign country.
You can also learn about famous paintings, museums, mausoleums, historical locations, landmarks, and so much more from miles away. Be your tour guide and explore endless interactions and opportunities with several AR travel apps.
When tourists approach the VR way of traveling, they want to purchase an experience rather than a headset or other related products. Considering this philosophy, manufacturers and technologists have created an excellent way to fulfill travelers’ wishes for their couches.
People who travel or plan their trips must consider many important details such as hotel expenses, area of stay, commute within the new location, security, and much more! With the help of VR technology, people can visit these processes quickly and all at once without thinking about these problems step-by-step as they arise. VR decreases the planning process, which produces more enjoyment.
Advancements in virtual reality provide multiple benefits to its users by enhancing their travel experience as well as:
– Enable people to enjoy virtual hotel tours before they arrive at their destination.
– Allow people to virtually book their hotels, flights, tickets, and facilities in the city they plan to visit.
– Providing a getaway that is both convenient and does not compromise on the quality of the experience.
– Gives businesses a chance to attract more customers because of not being able to fly them out due to global restrictions physically
Virtual reality has also largely benefitted the tourism industry, many businesses, and customers who enjoy experiences. Businesses still provide tour guides and other services people come across during an actual trip to add the real-feel factor to traveling.
Bottom Line
Augmented and Virtual Reality have mainly contributed to the travel and tourism industries, especially after a global pandemic that has kept the drive somewhat stagnant. The adaption by the industry, along with the help of big brands like Sony and Samsung, proves that the travel industry isn’t going anywhere. On the contrary, it has bounced back to provide people with an experience like never before!
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