Category
Lifestyle
Assisted Choices
Trend cluster
Category
Virtual
Tourist
Brands offer virtual imitations of travel for people who are physical distancing.
4.7
Trend score
Trend
What is the Virtual Tourist trend?
Virtual Tourist: As people around the world remain confined to their homes, travel is no longer an option for most. Brands are supplementing the desire for exploration by offering their own versions of "traveling," whether they're providing informative videos and games, or facilitating conversations between people from around the world.
Insight
The consumer insight behind the Virtual Tourist trend
The opportunities that have presented themselves in the virtual world during the COVID-19 pandemic are vast. Consumers have had to turn to the digital space as their sole source of everything from income to socialization, and escapism is now included in this shift. The desire for consumers to explore and create bonds with people is more necessary for most than it ever was before, and companies have the opportunity to facilitate those experiences to establish brand loyalty in a time of need.
Trend themes
Themes within the Virtual Tourist trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Virtual Escapism
As consumers have had to turn to the digital space as their sole source of everything from income to socialization, escapism is now included in this shift.
02
Safe Socialization
The desire for consumers to explore and create bonds with people is more necessary for most than it ever was before, and companies have the opportunity to facilitate those experiences to establish brand loyalty in a time of need.
03
Bespoke Virtual Experiences
Companies have the opportunity to offer bespoke virtual experiences to appeal to the desire for consumers to travel and explore safely during the pandemic.
Industry implications
What the Virtual Tourist trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Travel and Tourism
The travel and tourism industry can leverage virtual experiences to provide travelers with the opportunity to explore safely and maintain interest in future travel.
For
Technology
The technology industry can create new digital solutions and platforms to offer virtual experiences and enable safe socialization for consumers during the pandemic.
For
Hospitality
The hospitality industry can adapt traditional offerings and pivot to virtual experiences, offering bespoke experiences to patrons as they stay home and maintain interest in future in-person visits.
Workshop question
How is your brand using the virtual space to resonate with consumers?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Virtual Tourist
Trend score 4.7 out of 10, from popularity 81%, activity 51%, freshness 9%.
Popularity81%
Activity51%
Freshness9%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
South America
Africa
Evidence
Examples of the Virtual Tourist trend
5 featured examples from Mar 30 to Apr 13, 2020CategoryLifestyle
Safe Distance Dating Apps
The Tinder Passport Feature is Now Available for All in Isolation
Online dating apps can incorporate new features that enable virtual dating experiences that simulate real-life interactions to increase user engagement and satisfaction.
CategoryWorld
Quarantine-Friendly Virtual Trips
Thrillist Creates a List of 360-Degree Videos for 'Tourists'
The tourism industry has the opportunity to expand its offerings by incorporating virtual reality experiences to showcase destinations around the world.
CategoryTech
Virtual Scavenger Hunt Apps
Roadgames Home Lets Users Explore the World from Home
Developing virtual scavenger hunt apps can be a lucrative opportunity for mobile app development companies.
CategorySocial Media
Bespoke Relaxing Video Soundscapes
Old Pulteney Launched the 'From Couch to Coast' to Help Relax
The virtual travel trend presents an opportunity for tourism businesses to offer immersive experiences for customers who cannot travel due to the pandemic.
CategoryWorld
Digital Tourist Experiences
Airbnb's Online Experiences Connects People to Global Hosts
This industry has the potential for disruptive innovation by offering virtual experiences to travelers and enhancing the tourism industry through immersive experiences that can be…
