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An Exploratory Study about the Effect of COVID-19 on the Intention to Adopt Virtual Reality in the Tourism Sector

Author

Listed:
  • Nuno Sousa

    (Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science (INESC TEC), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Filipa Jorge

    (Research Unit on Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies (GOVCOPP), Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism (DEGEIT), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Mário Sérgio Teixeira

    (Centre for Transdisciplinary Development Studies (CETRAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
    Department of Economy, Sociology and Management, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal)

  • Nieves Losada

    (Centre for Transdisciplinary Development Studies (CETRAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
    Department of Economy, Sociology and Management, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal)

  • Miguel Melo

    (Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science (INESC TEC), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
    Department of Engineering, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal)

  • Maximino Bessa

    (Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science (INESC TEC), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
    Department of Engineering, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal)

Abstract

During the health crisis caused by COVID-19, virtual reality (VR) proved to be useful for the tourism industry, allowing this industry to continue working despite the restrictions imposed. However, it remains to be seen if the impact of this sanitary crisis in the tourism industry influenced managers’ intention to adopt this technology in the post-pandemic period. To fill this gap, a qualitative methodological approach was adopted, using the MAXQDA20 software and interviews with managers of tourism enterprises. The results show that the willingness to invest in technology, the perception of VR as a business strategy, and the perception of the impact of the pandemic are factors that regulate the intention of companies to adopt VR. In addition, prior experience with VR and the perception of technical support are also important for its adoption. Thus, it was concluded that VR can be a valuable sustainable strategy for tourism companies to address the challenges imposed by the pandemic. However, adopting the technology depends on factors such as financial availability, business strategy, and previous experience with VR. Furthermore, tourism companies must also receive adequate technical support to ensure its correct implementation.

Suggested Citation

  • Nuno Sousa & Filipa Jorge & Mário Sérgio Teixeira & Nieves Losada & Miguel Melo & Maximino Bessa, 2023. "An Exploratory Study about the Effect of COVID-19 on the Intention to Adopt Virtual Reality in the Tourism Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-13, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:11:p:8725-:d:1158216
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    References listed on IDEAS

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