# Virtual Tourism 3D technology lets people experience travel they can no longer afford. By [Bianca](https://www.trendhunter.com/bianca), Brand & Innovation Strategist | Published Oct 7, 2008, updated Mar 27, 2012 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/3debtscoveries-3d-technology-lets-people-experience-travel-they-can-no-long ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.3/10 - Evidence articles: 12 ## What is the Virtual Tourism trend? **Virtual Tourism:** 3D technology always captivated consumers, but its role could become yet more prominent. In 2008, our consumer society was demanding more, yet with the credit crises, they cannot afford some of the same luxuries, such as travel. Advanced 3D tourism could be the affordable way to realize these desires. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 12 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 14 to Sep 19, 2008 - Published: Oct 7, 2008 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Virtual Tourism trend ### 3D Technology in Tourism Advanced 3D tourism could be the affordable way for consumers to experience travel when they cannot afford the luxury of actually traveling. ### Virtual Reality Browsing Experience ExitReality's 3D Web Browser takes worldwide web surfing to a virtual reality level, allowing web surfers to interact with other users in their own chosen virtual world. ### Street-Level Virtual Tours with Advanced 3D Technology GeoSimCities and MapJack bring the real-life world closer with virtual street-level tours using highly detailed 3D technology that make users feel like they are actually exploring the cities. ## What the Virtual Tourism trend means for industry ### For Entertainment Industry 3D technology in cinemas and virtual reality browsing experience through ExitReality 3D Web Browser could save the movie and entertainment industry by offering premium experiences and helping prevent piracy. ### For Travel and Tourism Industry Advanced 3D technology in tourism and virtual reality browsing experience offers an affordable way for consumers to experience traveling and exploring cities, drawing them closer to destinations without leaving their homes. ### For Technology Industry The use of highly detailed 3D technology in virtual tourism, street-level virtual tours, and virtual reality browsing experience opens up new opportunities for innovative technological solutions to advance experience and engagement. ## Trend signals for Virtual Tourism Trend score 4.3 out of 10, from popularity 52%, activity 69%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 52% - Activity: 69% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Virtual Tourism trend 12 featured examples from Mar 14 to Sep 19, 2008. - [3D Illusion Chalk Drawings II](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3-d-chalk-art-the-work-of-kurt-wenner): The Work of Kurt Wenner (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Leveraging virtual reality technology to create new forms of artistic expression, merging traditional art techniques with digital experiences. - [Beijing Olympics on Google Earth](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/olympics-on-google-earth-new-images-of-china): 3D Aerials of China (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The enhanced aerial imaging technologies can revolutionize the tourism industry by providing virtual tours and attracting customers to global landmarks and event venues. - [Deceptive Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-murals): 3D Murals (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The rise of 3D murals is creating new opportunities for artists to expand their portfolio and work in more exciting projects. - [3D Virtual Chat](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivaty): Vivaty Brings Your Facebook Friends to Life (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporating 3D virtual chat systems to engage and retain users on social networking platforms. - [3D Monitors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zalman-zm-m220w-3d-monitor): Zalman ZM-M220W Lets You Switch from 2D to 3D (Category: Tech) Implication: The Zalman 3D monitor presents an opportunity for gaming companies to innovate and capitalize on the demand for immersive gaming experiences. - [3D Travel Websites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/interactive-travel-websites-onionmap-3-d-city-exploring): 'OnionMap' 3-D City Exploring (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: OnionMap presents opportunities for the travel industry to integrate immersive technologies into their offerings. - [Virtual Cities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-philadelphia): GeoSimCities 3D Philadelphia Tours (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The virtual city trend presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the virtual reality industry to create realistic and immersive urban environments. - [Google Street View of Tour de France](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tour-de-france-google-street-view): Virtual Cycling Tours (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The industry dedicated to providing entertainment through sports events can leverage virtual technology to reach a wider and more global audience. - [Disney Google Earth Tour](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-and-disney-mashup-use-google-earth-for-3d-tour-of-disney-world-updat): 3D Virtual Disney World (UPDATE) (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunities in using technology to enhance traditional entertainment experiences and create new forms of interactive entertainment. - [Saving Movie Theaters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-movie-theaters): 3D Films to Become Mainstream? (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The movie theater industry has an opportunity to embrace the mainstreaming of 3D movies in order to counter internet piracy and improve the cinema experience. - [Virtual Reality Web Browsing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-reality-web-browsing-exitreality-3d-web-browser): ExitReality 3D Web Browser (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Virtual reality technology can be leveraged to revolutionize the way people browse and interact with the web. - [Very Detailed Street View City Tours](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mapjack): MapJack Leaves Google Lost (Category: World) Implication: The industry that focuses on developing and improving mapping and navigation technologies. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)