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

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.