Virtual Reality - The example of Expedia.ca

Virtual reality is a computer simulation that offers the user the opportunity to experience different kinds of pre-produced programs, as if on real time (Williams and Hobson, 1995). Virtual Reality enables the simulation of the physical environment of nearly any tourist destination or any hotel as it offers a three-dimensional perspective through the use of sound, sight, and touch technology. Virtual Reality gives people the possibility to to experience artificial tourism products and services at a low cost.

THE CASE OF EXPEDIA :

Expedia Canada has recently launched a new program called "Expedia Virtual Vacations. Making your dream vacation a virtual reality". It is a revolutionary travel experience ; thanks to a "vacation buddy" you can explore the Great Barrier Reef and still be home in time for dinner.

"With Expedia's Virtual Vacations, the world is virtually at your doorstep. You can climb mountains, explore caves, talk with local residents and take pictures for your own personal photo album, all from the comfort of your own home," said Craig Ruse, newly appointed Vice President, Expedia.ca Virtual Vacations . "And if you like their virtual vacation destination, you are just a few clicks away from booking a flight and accommodations."

Very smart innovation, Expedia found a way to make future travelllers pay for "trying the vacation" and at the same time they succeed to push them to buy it afterwards.

There are three easy steps to reach your "dream holiday" :

1. Pick a destination
2. Find a virtual vacation buddy 
3. Tell your vacation buddy where you want to go

The vacation buddy will wait for the user at the chosen destination with some sophisticated equipment (HD 2080p wide-angle, light weight panoramic video helmet). Thanks to a virtual reality head wear that has previously been sent to him after he signed up the virtual traveller can see and communicated with her/his travel buddy in real time.

Expedia offers at the moment only a limited choice of destinations :

Virtual Reality however raises the issue of authenticity. How can an artificial environment reflect exactly the reality? It is a bit scary in one way. It also raises the question of the border between virtual and real world.