Virtual Tourism Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (360 Virtual Tours, 3D Virtual Tours, Virtual Reality Tours), By Application (Tourism, Real Estate, Art Galleries & Museums), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Virtual Tourism Market Size & Trends

The global virtual tourism market size was estimated at USD 6.49 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 24.9% from 2024 to 2030. Virtual tourism, once considered futuristic, is rapidly becoming a reality as technological advancements and market demand converge. As travel restrictions and environmental concerns continue to shape the global tourism landscape, the concept of virtual tours is gaining significant momentum. By utilizing 360-degree videos, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), travelers can explore global destinations from the comfort of their homes. This shift is not just an alternative to physical travel but also represents an emerging sector within the tourism and technology industries.

Virtual tours are now widely available for destinations ranging from cultural landmarks like The Louvre to natural wonders like Thailand’s islands. Many of these tours utilize 360-degree video technology, allowing users to experience a destination from multiple angles. For instance, YouTube hosts numerous 360-degree videos that enable users to virtually travel to various locations using basic devices or VR headsets for a more immersive experience.

Virtual tourism has been revolutionized by VR and AR technologies. Platforms such as the Oculus allow users to step into a fully immersive environment, such as a virtual exploration of Saudi Arabia’s UNESCO heritage site of Hegra. AR enhances real-world experiences by overlaying digital information, making historical tours more engaging and informative. These experiences are not only entertaining but also educational.

With global awareness of environmental concerns, virtual tourism has emerged as an eco-friendly alternative to physical travel. A key trend in the industry is the reduced carbon footprint that comes from eliminating flights, road travel, and large-scale tourism infrastructure. By choosing virtual tours, individuals can reduce their environmental impact while still exploring popular destinations.

Virtual tourism democratizes travel, making it more accessible to people of varying physical abilities and financial means. VR headsets, while currently a luxury for some, are expected to become more affordable as the technology matures. In addition, platforms like YouTube and museum websites offer free or low-cost virtual tours, enabling widespread participation.

Virtual tourism allows lesser-known destinations to gain visibility. Smaller or under-visited locations can use virtual tours to attract interest, leveling the playing field with more established tourist hubs. As technology improves, destinations that are geographically remote or have challenging access can promote themselves to a global audience.

For consumers, virtual tours provide a cost-effective way to explore new places. Without the expenses of flights, accommodations, or on-the-ground logistics, individuals can "travel" from the comfort of their homes. This can be especially appealing to budget-conscious travelers or those with limited vacation time.

Type Insights

3D virtual tours accounted for a share of about 47% of the global virtual tourism market in 2023. Such tours offer immersive, interactive experiences that simulate real-world travel. These tours allow users to explore destinations from the comfort of their homes, providing detailed, 360-degree views and interactive elements. They enhance engagement by replicating the physical presence of exploring a location, making them a compelling tool for both travel marketing and virtual exploration. Additionally, their ability to showcase destinations in a highly detailed and accessible manner drives consumer interest and investment in virtual tourism.

Demand for virtual reality (VR) tours is set to rise at a CAGR of 25.6% from 2024 to 2030.VR offers an immersive, lifelike experience that enhances user engagement by allowing virtual travel to destinations as if physically present. It provides a unique opportunity for travelers to explore locations in detail, which is particularly appealing for those unable to visit in person. Additionally, advancements in VR technology are making these experiences more accessible and affordable, further driving consumer interest. As VR becomes more integrated into marketing strategies and travel planning, its popularity is expected to grow.

Application Insights

The use of virtual tourism in the tourism industry accounted for a share of about 48% in 2023.It offers a cost-effective and convenient way for people to explore destinations without physical travel, which is particularly appealing during travel restrictions or for those with limited mobility. Virtual tours provide immersive and interactive experiences that can replicate real-world exploration, enhancing engagement and interest. Additionally, they serve as powerful marketing tools, allowing destinations to showcase their attractions and entice potential visitors. As technology advances and consumer preferences shift towards digital experiences, virtual tourism continues to gain traction. 

Demand for virtual tourism in art galleries and museums is anticipated to rise at a CAGR of 26.6% from 2024 to 2030. Virtual tourism in art galleries and museumsallows users to explore exhibitions and collections from anywhere in the world, overcoming geographical and physical limitations. This digital access is particularly valuable for those who cannot visit in person due to distance, disability, or time constraints. Virtual tours also provide interactive features, such as detailed views of artworks and informative content, which enrich the visitor experience. Additionally, these virtual experiences can attract a global audience, increase visibility, and drive interest in physical visits, benefiting institutions by expanding their reach and audience engagement.

Regional Insights

The virtual tourism market in North America accounted for a market share of around 34% in 2023 in the global market. The market here is prevalent due to its advanced technological infrastructure, widespread internet access, and high consumer interest in digital experiences. The region's rich cultural, historical, and natural attractions are well-suited for virtual exploration, attracting both local and global audiences. Additionally, virtual tours offer an innovative way to engage with North America's diverse destinations, making them accessible to those who may not travel physically.

U.S. Virtual Tourism Market Trends

In 2023, the virtual tourism market in the U.S. held a dominant 70% share of the North American market. The market here thrives due to its strong technological infrastructure and high internet penetration, which support the development and accessibility of immersive digital experiences. The country's diverse and iconic attractions, from national parks to cultural landmarks, are well-suited for virtual exploration, drawing significant interest. Additionally, the U.S. has a robust tourism and entertainment sector that increasingly incorporates virtual tools to enhance engagement and reach global audiences.

Europe Virtual Tourism Market Trends

The virtual tourism market in Europe accounted for a share of about 26% of the overall market in 2023. Advanced technological infrastructure and high internet connectivity facilitate the development and dissemination of immersive digital tours. European institutions and destinations are increasingly adopting virtual tools to reach global audiences and enhance visitor engagement. Additionally, the growing interest in sustainable travel options drives demand for virtual alternatives, allowing travelers to explore without environmental impact. As European countries continue to invest in digital innovation, the industry is poised for further expansion.

Asia Pacific Virtual Tourism Market Trends

The virtual tourism market in Asia Pacific is set to grow at a CAGR of 25.7% from 2024 to 2030. The industry here is poised for growth due to rapid technological advancements and increasing internet connectivity, which support the expansion of immersive digital experiences. The region's diverse cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and natural attractions offer rich content for virtual tours. Rising consumer interest in digital and remote experiences, coupled with a growing middle class with disposable income, drives demand for virtual tourism.

Key Virtual Tourism Company Insights:

The virtual tourism market is fragmented. Market players in the virtual tourism industry are investing in advanced technologies like VR and AR to enhance the immersive quality of digital tours. They are also expanding their offerings by partnering with cultural institutions and destinations to provide diverse and engaging content. Additionally, companies are focusing on user experience and accessibility to attract a broader audience and increase market share.

Recent Developments

• In August 2024, the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (ADHA) implemented a digital twin to showcase its residential projects, allowing 3D real-time visualization of over 3,000 homes. Partnering with NNTC, the ADHA offered an interactive virtual tour experience using Unreal Engine 5 and Nvidia’s DLSS technology. This system, accessible via digital kiosks and the 'Iskan Abu Dhabi' app, integrated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to simplify the viewing and booking processes, enhancing customer experience and decision-making.

• In August 2024, the BA Cultural Outreach Sector, in collaboration with the Heritage International Institute and the Italian Embassy in Cairo, launched virtual tours for several of its museums on the official website. These immersive, high-resolution experiences allow the public to explore the Museum of Manuscripts, the Museum of Antiquities, the Sadat Museum, and the World of Shadi Abdel Salam Exhibition. The virtual tours showcase approximately 70 meticulously curated artworks, offering an enhanced digital experience of the BA's cultural offerings.

• In July 2024, Greater Anglia launched a virtual tour initiative for Witham railway station in the U.K. to improve accessibility. The online tool allowed passengers to familiarize themselves with station facilities such as restrooms, ticket machines, platforms, and transport connections before visiting. This service aimed to reduce travel anxiety and identify potential accessibility barriers, and similar 360-degree tours were made available at 18 other stations. 

Virtual Tourism Market Report Scope

Global Virtual Tourism Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the regional and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global virtual tourism market report based on type, application, and region:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • 360 Virtual Tours

  • 3D Virtual Tours

  • Virtual Reality (VR) Tours

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • Tourism

  • Real Estate

  • Art Galleries and Museums

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia