# Accessible Tourism Virtual reality offers consumers access to travel experiences around the globe. By [Hayley McGlone](https://www.trendhunter.com/hayley_mcglone), Manager, Client Research & Strategy | Published Oct 23, 2018 | Category: [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/global-trends-and-hip-travel) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/accessible-tourism ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.8/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Accessible Tourism trend? **Accessible Tourism:** Brands are using virtual reality technology—either as a stand-alone service or interactive marketing experience—to connect consumers to the larger world by allowing them to travel and explore from the comfort of their own home. ## The consumer insight behind the Accessible Tourism trend While the global travel industry is booming, some individuals are finding themselves with restricted options due to limited mobility, pertaining either to their financial situation or for medical reasons. Driven by a desire to explore new spaces and cultures, this demographic looks for more accessible opportunities that will allow them to experience something new while satisfying their curiosity and Wanderlust. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 15, 2017 to Jul 17, 2019 - Published: Oct 23, 2018 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Accessible Tourism trend ### Virtual Reality Travel Virtual reality is being used to create accessible travel experiences for people with disabilities and those who cannot afford it. ### 360-degree VR Experiences 360-degree virtual reality experiences allow individuals with limited mobility to explore destinations and museums from the comfort of their own home. ### Senior-Friendly VR Experiences Virtual reality travel experiences are tailored to seniors in order to improve their well-being and provide a sense of adventure. ## What the Accessible Tourism trend means for industry ### For Hospitality Hotels and resorts can offer virtual reality experiences to attract guests and provide additional travel options for those with limited mobility. ### For Healthcare Virtual reality technology can improve the well-being of seniors and individuals with disabilities by providing a sense of adventure and fulfillment. ### For Tourism Virtual reality can be used by tour companies and travel agencies to offer unique and accessible travel experiences for their customers. ## Workshop question What are the changes that virtual reality is having on your industry and/or brand? ## Trend signals for Accessible Tourism Trend score 3.8 out of 10, from popularity 72%, activity 35%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 72% - Activity: 35% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Accessible Tourism trend 5 featured examples from Jul 15, 2017 to Jul 17, 2019. - [Senior VR Travel Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-reality-travel): This Virtual Reality Travel Project Fulfilled Seniors' Travel Goals (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporating virtual reality technology into the travel and tourism industry to provide immersive and personalized travel experiences for all. - [Senior-Friendly VR Travel Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vr-travel): The University of Tokyo Makes Tech Increasingly Accessible (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The travel industry can create new packages and experiences for seniors through VR technology, providing accessibility and immersive experiences. - [Underwater Train Voyages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/odyssey): 'Eurostar Odyssey' Takes Passengers on a Virtual Journey Under the Sea (Category: World) Implication: The concept of underwater train voyages presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the transportation industry, such as incorporating virtual reality entertainment options t… - [Underwater 360 VR Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/360-vr-experience): Barceló Hotels Arranges an Immersive Tour in the Canary Islands (Category: Eco) Implication: Opportunity for hotels and travel companies to offer virtual vacation experiences to a wider audience. - [VR Travel Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/discovery-trvlr): 'Discovery TRVLR' Offers a Virtual Journey to All Seven Continents (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The travel and tourism industry can leverage virtual reality technology to offer immersive travel experiences. ## Recent trend clusters - [Layered Getaways](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/short-trip-leisure) (World) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in World - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) - [Family Rave Vacations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/family-rave) - [Free In-Flight Internet](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-in-flight-internet) - [Flexible Luxury Motorhomes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flexible-luxury-motorhomes) All articles: [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world)