Global Virtual Tourism Market Outlook
Revenue, 2024
$8.3B
Forecast, 2034
$92.1B
CAGR, 2025 - 2034
27.26%
The Virtual Tourism industry revenue is expected to be around $10.5 billion in 2025 and expected to showcase growth with 27.26% CAGR between 2025 and 2034. Its widespread accessibility overcomes distance constraints and its ability to deliver tailored experiences without the constraints of actual travel holds significant transformative promise.
By harnessing images in high resolution and offering 360 degree views through photography along with virtual reality technology and live online tours available in real time; Virtual Tourism enables individuals to embark on guided adventures exploring popular tourist destinations as well as urban areas and breathtaking natural landscapes. All, from the convenience and coziness of their own homes.
Market Key Insights
- The Virtual Tourism market is projected to grow from $8.3 billion in 2024 to $92.1 billion in 2034. This represents a CAGR of 27.26%, reflecting rising demand across Immersive Vacation Planning, Cultural Education and Heritage Exploration and Accessible Adventure and Exploration.
- Expedia Group, Thomas Cook, Airbnb are among the leading players in this market, shaping its competitive landscape.
- U.S. and China are the top markets within the Virtual Tourism market and are expected to observe the growth CAGR of 26.2% to 38.2% between 2024 and 2030.
- Emerging markets including Indonesia, Colombia and Turkey are expected to observe highest growth with CAGR ranging between 20.4% to 28.4%.
- Transition like Adoption of Immersive Technologies is expected to add $2 billion to the Virtual Tourism market growth by 2030.
- The Virtual Tourism market is set to add $83.9 billion between 2024 and 2034, with manufacturer targeting Adolescents & Adults Demographic projected to gain a larger market share.
- With Tech-driven lifestyle shifts, and Surge in ar/vr technology, Virtual Tourism market to expand 1014% between 2024 and 2034.
Opportunities in the Virtual Tourism
Virtual tourism offers a perspective, on team building exercises within the corporate realm with many businesses transitioning to remote work and considering virtual travel as a means to strengthen team bonds effectively and affordably in the long run especially amid travel constraints.
Growth Opportunities in North America and Europe
North America is widely recognized as a trailblazing hub for tourism with a fiercely competitive market driven by major tech companies and a growing fascination with remote travel adventures. The surge in tourism in this region is propelled by technological progressions along with the increasing popularity of remote tourism and higher investments in AR/VR technologies. Market trends indicate a growth opportunity and fierce rivalry particularly, in the United States and Canada.
Europe's market is full of diversity and potential due to the cultural charm the region holds naturally within it. Many European governments are now focusing on modernizing their tourist spots to boost the virtual tourism sector. The level of competition differs from country to country. The individual cultural experiences present exclusive chances, for market growth.
Market Dynamics and Supply Chain
01
Driver: Tech-Driven Lifestyle Shifts, and Pandemic-Induced Travel Limitations
The growing trend towards encounters and the embrace of a technology focused way of life are also key factors propelling the Virtual Tourism industry forward. Todays generations busy way of living and desire for ease have also led to a surge in interest, for tours that enable travelers to discover world destinations without leaving the comfort of their own homes. The remarkable impact of the COVID 19 pandemic has also greatly propelled the Virtual Tourism industry forward. With restrictions in place and safety being a priority for travelers around the world. Virtual tours are also becoming increasingly popular as an convenient alternative, to traditional travel also experiences.
The progress made in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) tech has also given a boost to the Virtual Tourism industrys growth spurt. These advanced technologies deliver an engaging experience that attracts a growing number of users to virtual travel platforms and applications. As major tech companies continue to push the boundaries with innovations and investments, in VR and AR technologies; it is also anticipated that this trend will also contribute further to the expansion of the market.
02
Restraint: Limited Accessibility and Digital Literacy
One major challenge facing the virtual tourism industry is the lack of access and digital skills among groups of people such as older adults and those, with lower levels of education.
03
Opportunity: Therapeutic Applications and Educational Integration
The increasing focus placed upon well being and stress relief has led to a growing interest, in using virtual tours as a form of therapy. Creating customized tours that promote relaxation. Like leisurely strolls through peaceful woodlands or vibrant gardens. Shows great potential as a way to manage stress that remains largely untapped. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize the virtual tourism industry by appealing to an audience seeking ways to enhance their mental health and overall well being.
Exploring tourism in education is an area that hasnt been fully explored yet. Taking trips to historical landmarks worldwide and discovering natural marvels as well as experiencing diverse cultures can offer students a unique educational journey, from their own homes. Having the opportunity to see things firsthand can greatly improve comprehension of subjects and boost student involvement.
04
Challenge: High Setup Cost and Lack of Real Experience
One significant challenge facing tourism is the considerable expense associated with setting up sophisticated virtual reality gear. Moreover. Despite the captivating virtual travel experience it offers. It falls short in capturing the emotional and sensory aspects that traditional tourism provides. The lack of personal connections and physical sensations of being in a different place, in real time may discourage numerous individuals from embracing this form of travel.
Supply Chain Landscape
1
Content Creation
GoogleOculus VRSamsung Electronics
2
Platform Development
MicrosoftSony Interactive EntertainmentFacebook Technologies
3
Distribution Channels
Amazon Web ServicesGoogle Play Store
4
End-user Applications
PlayStation VRHTC ViveOculus Rift
1
Content Creation
GoogleOculus VRSamsung Electronics
2
Platform Development
MicrosoftSony Interactive EntertainmentFacebook Technologies
3
Distribution Channels
Amazon Web ServicesGoogle Play Store
4
End-user Applications
PlayStation VRHTC ViveOculus Rift
Use Cases of Virtual Tourism in Immersive Vacation Planning & Cultural Education
Immersive Vacation Planning : Virtual sightseeing presents a chance for trip organization by letting travelers preview destinations before making their decision on where to visit next hotels and travel companies frequently use this technology to display the adventures they provide and sway customers choices in a positive direction Expedia and other top players, in the market provide this immersive feature that gives potential travelers a real time glimpse of what lies ahead at various vacation spots.
Cultural Education and Heritage Exploration : Virtual tourism enables individuals to explore the history and cultural significance of various destinations without leaving their homes by immersing themselves in multi dimensional virtual tours commonly utilized by schools and history buffs to virtually visit world heritage sites in an engaging manner. Esteemed entities such, as UNESCO leverage these virtual encounters extensively to advocate for the preservation and appreciation of cultural heritage.
Accessible Adventure and Exploration : For individuals whore unable to go on trips because of time constraints or financial limitations or physical limitations can now explore new and exciting experiences through virtual tourism adventures. They can visit locations like towering mountain peaks and deep ocean depths or even delve into the world of space exploration without leaving their homes. Leading the way, in this field is Virtual World and similar companies that specialize in making the impossible a reality through virtual reality tourism experiences.
Recent Developments
In light of the market trends in Virtual Tourism sector have shown significant growth and advancement as a response to the challenges posed by the ongoing global pandemic that led to a sharp decrease, in physical tourism activities worldwide.
December 2024 : The Virtual Wonders Corporation reported fourth quarter earnings attributed to a rise in interest in virtual tourism, driven by ongoing restrictions, on international travel.
November 2024 : Oculus Travels Ltd introduced adventure tourism opportunities that use virtual reality technology to immerse participants, in extreme environments from the comfort of their homes.
October 2024 : TangiblyVR introduced its haptic feedback suits to elevate the sensory experience of virtual tourism and create a more immersive environment.
Impact of Industry Transitions on the Virtual Tourism Market
As a core segment of the Tourism & Entertainment industry,
the Virtual Tourism market develops in line with broader industry shifts.
Over recent years, transitions such as Adoption of Immersive Technologies and Shift towards Customizable Packages have redefined priorities
across the Tourism & Entertainment sector,
influencing how the Virtual Tourism market evolves in terms of demand, applications and competitive dynamics.
These transitions highlight the structural changes shaping long-term growth opportunities.
01
Adoption of Immersive Technologies
The Virtual Tourism industry is undergoing a transformation with the rise in popularity of immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). These cutting edge advancements offer travelers a authentic experience where they can journey through diverse locations, from the comfort of their homes – wandering streets and visiting iconic landmarks while also immersing themselves in local culture and cuisine virtually This shift is revolutionizing how individuals plan vacations and broadening the scope of virtual tourism offerings. This industry transition is expected to add $2 billion in the industry revenue between 2024 and 2030.
02
Shift towards Customizable Packages
The virtual tourism market is seeing a shift, towards tailored packages becoming more popular.