Advantages and disadvantages of virtual tourism

This article examines theoretical and applied issues that arise in tourism activities when using innovative technologies of virtual reality. The position is argued that virtual tourism is an additional tool and cannot replace the real tourist experience, but can create new impressions, even those that are impossible under normal conditions. The subtleties of the boundary that exists between real and virtual tourism depends on the psycho-emotional attitude and perception of the tourist (user) of the tourist experience using virtual reality technologies. The purpose of the research is: analysis of positive and negative qualities of virtual tourism based on a comprehensive review of experimental research by foreign scientists in this field; study of the importance and impact of virtual tourism on the development of the tourism industry in general as a necessary element of the stage of rejuvenation of this sector of the economy; identifying the further place of virtual tourism in the field of tourist activity as an additional tool for providing tourist services, or the main one, which will depend on the attitude of tourists to this technology. Within the framework of our research, attention is paid to the positive and negative aspects of virtual tourism. Among the positive ones, such as saving money and time, the possibility of obtaining a tourist experience for persons with limited physical capabilities, receiving tourist services anywhere and at any time, improving the ecological situation in the world by minimizing the impact on the environment and ensuring the sustainability of the environment are highlighted environment Among the negative features of virtual tourism, one can highlight such as the lack of personal contact and the necessary human interaction, the limited view provided by virtual tours, which does not allow users to move freely or explore certain areas of interest, which leads to a narrower view of the area. In any case, the development of virtual tourism is useful and necessary not only as a successful marketing solution, but also for the rejuvenation of the tourism sector.