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Exploring Sustainable Tourism Through Virtual Travel: Generation Z’s Perspectives

Author

Listed:
  • Igor Mavrin

    (Academy of Arts and Culture in Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia)

  • Corina Turșie

    (Department of Governance Studies, West University of Timişoara, 300223 Timisoara, Romania)

  • Marius Lupșa Matichescu

    (Department of Sociology, Social Research and Development Center, West University of Timişoara, 300223 Timisoara, Romania)

Abstract

In the contemporary travel landscape, virtual reality (VR) integration has ushered in a novel paradigm, particularly influential among Generation Z. This demographic, inherently familiar with digital technologies, increasingly gravitates towards virtual tourism, an eco-friendly and resource-conscious alternative to traditional travel. Virtual tourism, the alternative to actual travel, offers immersive experiences that are both accessible and sustainable, reducing the environmental impact associated with conventional tourism. This paper examines how virtual travel could serve as a sustainable travel practice, crucial for preserving cultural and natural resources while providing meaningful experiences. The appeal of virtual tourism lies in its ability to deliver diverse and enriched experiences without the physical and environmental costs of travel. This form of tourism not only aids in conserving sensitive ecosystems and heritage sites but also offers inclusivity for individuals unable to travel due to economic or physical barriers. Furthermore, virtual tourism’s potential to simulate endangered or inaccessible sites can play a pivotal role in educational initiatives and global awareness. This study explores the motivations behind Generation Z’s engagement with virtual travel through detailed analysis and empirical data. It discusses how virtual tourism could be strategically developed to support sustainable tourism practices. This approach underscores a shift towards more responsible and conscious travel behaviours aligned with the sustainable values of Generation Z. The purpose of this paper is to detect the main trends in the development of virtual tourism as the new form of travel, with special emphasis on Generation Z’s preferences in future virtual travel as a substitute for actual physical travel.

Suggested Citation

  • Igor Mavrin & Corina Turșie & Marius Lupșa Matichescu, 2024. "Exploring Sustainable Tourism Through Virtual Travel: Generation Z’s Perspectives," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-27, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:24:p:10858-:d:1541647
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Katarzyna Bilińska & Barbara Pabian & Aleksander Pabian & Beata Reformat, 2023. "Development Trends and Potential in the Field of Virtual Tourism after the COVID-19 Pandemic: Generation Z Example," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-13, January.
    2. Elizaveta Polishchuk & Zoltán Bujdosó & Youssef El Archi & Brahim Benbba & Kai Zhu & Lóránt Dénes Dávid, 2023. "The Theoretical Background of Virtual Reality and Its Implications for the Tourism Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-19, July.
    3. Dave Cook, 2020. "The freedom trap: digital nomads and the use of disciplining practices to manage work/leisure boundaries," Information Technology & Tourism, Springer, vol. 22(3), pages 355-390, September.
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