# Virtual Tourist Brands offer virtual imitations of travel for people who are physical distancing. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Apr 13, 2020 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/virtual-tourist ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.7/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## 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. ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 30 to Apr 13, 2020 - Published: Apr 13, 2020 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Virtual Tourist trend ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Virtual Tourist trend means for industry ### For 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 for Virtual Tourist Trend score 4.7 out of 10, from popularity 81%, activity 51%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 81% - Activity: 51% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Virtual Tourist trend 5 featured examples from Mar 30 to Apr 13, 2020. - [Safe Distance Dating Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinder-passport): The Tinder Passport Feature is Now Available for All in Isolation (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Online dating apps can incorporate new features that enable virtual dating experiences that simulate real-life interactions to increase user engagement and satisfaction. - [Quarantine-Friendly Virtual Trips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-trips): Thrillist Creates a List of 360-Degree Videos for 'Tourists' (Category: World) Implication: The tourism industry has the opportunity to expand its offerings by incorporating virtual reality experiences to showcase destinations around the world. - [Virtual Scavenger Hunt Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scavenger-hunt-apps): Roadgames Home Lets Users Explore the World from Home (Category: Tech) Implication: Developing virtual scavenger hunt apps can be a lucrative opportunity for mobile app development companies. - [Bespoke Relaxing Video Soundscapes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/from-couch-to-coast): Old Pulteney Launched the 'From Couch to Coast' to Help Relax (Category: Social Media) Implication: The virtual travel trend presents an opportunity for tourism businesses to offer immersive experiences for customers who cannot travel due to the pandemic. - [Digital Tourist Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airbnb-online-experiences): Airbnb's Online Experiences Connects People to Global Hosts (Category: World) Implication: 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… ## Recent trend clusters - [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) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)