What Is a Virtual Tour?
A virtual tour is a digital representation, sometimes using 3D rendering techniques, that recreates the experience of exploring a physical location. It often uses interactive features called “hotspots” that let you move from one area to another.
Virtual tours go by many names – digital tour, panoramic tour, 360 tour, 360-degree tour, 3D tour, immersive experience, interactive tour, online tour, remote tour, and virtual reality – but they all aim to simulate the experience of physically walking through and interacting with a space.
Types of Virtual Tours
Virtual tours are a fantastic way to experience a location without being there, and they come in different types with unique features. Let’s explore these main types of virtual tours:
360 Virtual Tour
This is one of the most accessible and common types of virtual tours. It provides a 360-degree view of a space, allowing users to look around from any angle. These tours are typically created by merging multiple camera shots or using a 360-degree camera to capture the entire environment.
They are easy to develop and can be embedded in websites and apps, making them widely accessible. 360 virtual tours benefit real estate listings, tourism destinations, and event venues by giving prospective clients or customers a virtual walk-through experience.
As the name suggests, this type of tour offers a three-dimensional experience. The entire environment of the tour is created in 3D, allowing users to explore a location in a more immersive and realistic way.
3D virtual tours are often more detailed and interactive than 360-degree tours and can be accessed through web applications or mobile, desktop, and other platforms. These types of tours can even be used to populate fictional or long-gone locations, making them applicable to various industries and use cases.
Virtual Reality (VR) Tour
Taking virtual tours to the next level, VR tours provide an unprecedented level of immersion and realism. With a headset and appropriate software, users can feel like they are standing in the location and taking in the surroundings. VR tours are created in 3D, allowing users to look around by moving their heads and interacting with the environment using controllers with the headset.
According to a recent study, the virtual reality market is projected to reach $165.91 billion by 2030, indicating the growing popularity of this technology. This type of tour is ideal for destinations like museums, archaeological sites, and venues where offering an immersive experience is valuable.
Where Are Virtual Tours Used?
Virtual tours have become a powerful tool adopted by various industries to enhance their marketing efforts, provide immersive experiences, and improve customer engagement. Here are some industries that use virtual tours:
Events and Conferences
Virtual tours are a key tool in venue sourcing for event organizers. They provide a realistic, immersive view of a venue’s layout, amenities, and configurations, aiding in informed decision-making. Unlike traditional 2D plans or static images, the latest virtual tours allow a three-dimensional visualization of the space, enhancing understanding of traffic flow and seating arrangements to ensure venue suitability.
For hotels and hospitality venues, virtual tours are vital for venue marketing and showcasing facilities and ambiance to potential clients. They help attract bookings by offering a virtual experience of the property, which is particularly beneficial for venues in scenic locations or with unique features.
