Pandemic May Revive Fortunes of Virtual Reality and 360-Degree Travel Content in a Few Niches
Photo Credit: A virtual reality camera records details at the Conrad Koh Samui, Thailand. VResorts
Skift Take
Virtual reality has been the next big thing for years, and it always will be. But despite skepticism, the technology shows a potential to help the travel sector in a few specific, high margin cases.
Clunky, costly headsets and a lack of content have stalled virtual reality (VR). Yet this overhyped technology is enjoying a modest uptick of real interest thanks to pandemic-related restrictions on travel and events. Some companies have found a few niche uses for virtual reality in the travel sector, and they say they see promising returns on their investment so far.
A few tech giants continue to think virtual reality devices could be a way to cash in on expected rising demand for crowd-free concerts, sporting events, and travel because of the pandemic and the rise of ultrafast 5G internet connections.
Sony plans to release this year an enhanced version of its virtual reality headset, PlayStation VR. Apple acquired in May virtual-reality streaming company NextVR. Facebook recently debuted Quest, a new version of its Oculus headset, that drove most of the double-digit, year-on-year growth in the company's revenue outside of social media in the past two quarters. Vive headset make
