< Previous50 edge_ august 2023 Pack your pixels for virtual voyaging I t is always advised to embrace the opportunity to explore and embark on adventures today, as the health conditions in old age might hinder our ability to wander and savour the wonders of travel. But now, technology has its way around, to aid those who wish to explore but don’t want to spend hours cramped up in an aeroplane. The emergence of metaverse tourism has opened up exciting possibilities for individuals to explore new realms without leaving the comfort of their homes. As the tourism industry continues to evolve, visiting virtual destinations offers unique opportunities for travellers and businesses alike. Metaverse tourism holds tremendous potential to revolutionise the way we experience and interact with the world, transcending traditional limitations and granting access to limitless exploration. According to Statista, the size of the global metaverse market was $65.5 billion in 2022, and is expected to rise to $82 billion in 2023, before surging to $936.6 billion by 2030. There are various reasons for this rise in popularity (and old age travel is not No.1). Metaverse tourism eliminates physical and even climate limitations and enables people to engage in virtual travel experiences, which will be especially beneficial for those who live in Middle East to tackle the intense summers. It also serves as a powerful tool for preserving and promoting cultural heritage. By creating virtual replicas of historical sites, museums, and architectural marvels, communities can ensure their legacies endure for generations to come. Traditional tourism often raises concerns about its environmental impact. Metaverse tourism offers a sustainable alternative by reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance travel. Through virtual exploration, individuals can satisfy their wanderlust while contributing to a greener future. And the best thing about metaverse tourism, in my opinion, is that you are not restrained to travelling just on land or air. Deep-sea and outer space exploration also become viable and safe options. The convergence of virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence promises to provide increasingly immersive and realistic experiences. Metaverse tourism is not meant to replace traditional travel but rather to complement it, offering a new dimension of exploration that fosters accessibility, sustainability, and the preservation of our global heritage. By Arya Devi Commercial Editor, edge “Metaverse tourism holds tremendous potential to revolutionise the way we experience and interact with the world” We break down some of the insights and trends from the tech industry backlogTurn real-time data into insights, and those insights into action. So you can get it right, right now. That’s when everything Qliks for your business. Qlik.comNext >