Virtual Travel as a Modern Form of Cultural Tourism

The purpose of the article is to explore virtual travel as a modern opportunity for cultural tourism, to determine its features, identify its advantages and disadvantages, and to show development. The research methodology involves the application of several approaches: analytical, to review the literature on the topic of the article; interdisciplinary, to comprehensively study of the issue of virtuality and its impact on modern individuals; system-synergetic, to clarify the evolving nature of travel; cultural, historical, dialectical, comparative, and others. The scientific novelty lies in the presentation of virtuality as a reality that contributes to the existential-communicative renewal of the modern personality through the phenomenon of travel in cultural space. Conclusions. The publication demonstrates that virtual travel constitutes an innovative and informative mode of travel which is being progressively introduced within the domain of cultural tourism. Virtual travel has been shown to facilitate the fulfilment of an individual’s desire to explore the world, to learn about other cultures, and to engage in self-discovery, thereby leading to existential and personal renewal. Furthermore, virtual travel protects travellers from many of the dangers that are prevalent in the modern world, thus safeguarding cultural heritage sites from the effects of wear and destruction. The accessibility of virtual tourism to a wide audience, the minimisation of travel costs, the absence of environmental impact, and the educational value are all significant advantages. The disadvantages of virtual tours and 3D tours include a lack of physical sensations and emotional experiences, limited social interaction and dependence on technology. However, the development and implementation of virtual tours and 3D tours contribute to the preservation and restoration of historical and cultural heritage.