Virtual Reality (VR) is quickly becoming one of the most exciting and influential technology trends in the business world. For the hospitality industry, VR offers a unique opportunity—it allows potential guests to explore a hotel or travel destination before they even arrive. Through immersive 360-degree video tours of rooms, amenities, and facilities, VR captures attention, keeps users engaged longer on your website, and ultimately leads to more bookings. It also helps boost your visibility on search engines, making your property easier to find online.
Recognizing the power of this innovation in Hotel Technology, World BI, a leading B2B conference organizer, is proud to host the 2026 Edition of the Digital Transformation in Hotel Technology conference in Nice, France. This event brings together top digital technology leaders and hospitality innovators to share real-time insights, tools, and strategies that are shaping the future of the hotel industry.
What is Virtual Reality (VR)?
- Virtual Reality (VR) is a modern technology that creates a computer-generated world that feels real.
- It uses images, sounds, and even physical sensations to make users feel like they are inside a different place or environment.
- To experience VR, people usually wear VR headsets, which cover the eyes and allow them to look around in 360 degrees.
- Some systems also use hand controllers or sensors to allow users to interact with the virtual environment.
- VR is widely used in industries like gaming, education, healthcare, real estate and now, hospitality.
How is VR Used in the Hospitality Industry?
- In the hotel and tourism sector, VR is becoming an important tool to improve guest experiences.
- This helps manage expectations and reduces disappointment after arrival.
- It builds trust and transparency, especially useful for luxury hotels, destination resorts, and high-end suites.
- By showcasing the hotel through a virtual experience, guests feel more confident about their booking decisions.
- VR also helps hotels stand out from the competition and improves their online visibility and booking conversions.
How We Apply Virtual Reality in Hotel Industry?
1. Virtual Travel Experiences
- Hotels and travel companies use 360-degree video technology to create realistic virtual travel experiences.
- Users can enjoy a simulated journey from boarding a flight to exploring the destination and local attractions.
- This is especially useful for promoting tourist spots and travel packages, helping guests visualize their entire trip.
2. Virtual Hotel Tours
- One of the most common applications of VR is offering virtual tours of hotel rooms and facilities.
- Guests can explore rooms, lobbies, restaurants, spas, pools, and meeting spaces before making a booking.
- These tours are available on hotel websites and can also be shared on social media platforms like Facebook using 360° video.
- While VR headsets enhance the experience, these tours can also be viewed on standard devices.
3. Virtual Booking Processes
- Some hotels and booking platforms are experimenting with VR-based booking systems.
- For example, companies like Amadeus let users explore destinations and book flights or hotel rooms directly through a VR headset.
- This approach provides an immersive booking journey, allowing customers to see what they’re paying for before finalizing their decision.
- Though still new, this technology shows strong potential for the future of digital hospitality services.
4. VR Training for Hotel Staff
- VR is transforming how hotels train their employees by offering realistic training simulations.
- Staff can practice real-world tasks—such as check-in/check-out procedures, housekeeping routines, and guest interactions—in a risk-free virtual setting.
- Trainees can make mistakes, learn, and build confidence without the pressure of real-world consequences.
- This leads to better service quality, faster onboarding, and improved staff performance.
5. Virtual Reality Marketing
- VR helps hotels market their brand and facilities in a more engaging and immersive way.
- Guests can “walk through” a 3D version of the hotel, explore amenities, and even interact with virtual staff.
- This creates a strong emotional connection with the property and helps boost trust and excitement before booking.
- It’s especially powerful for promoting luxury resorts, unique stays, and destination properties.
Examples of Hotels That Adapting Hotel Virtual Tours:
- Matterport Hotel Virtual Tour: This tour uses Matterport’s advanced 3D scanning and virtual tour technology to showcase hotel rooms, amenities, and features in high detail.
- Holiday Inn Express Sydney Virtual Tour: It takes viewers through a typical guest journey, starting from the lobby and ending at the guest room.
- Budapest Marriott Hotel Virtual Tour: In-hotel amenities such as restaurants, lounges, and wellness centers, Dramatic views of Budapest’s scenic skyline and riverfront.
Benefits:
Boost Sales and Bookings
- A high-quality virtual tour gives potential guests a realistic and immersive preview of your hotel.
- This builds trust and helps them make faster booking decisions, leading to a significant increase in conversion rates.
- Guests are more likely to book when they feel confident about what to expect.
Gain a Competitive Edge
- In a crowded market, many hotels still rely on static images and basic descriptions.
- Offering a virtual tour sets your property apart by providing a modern, tech-forward experience.
Highlight Amenities in Detail
Virtual tours allow you to showcase key facilities like:
- Rooftop bars with scenic views
- Modern gyms and fitness centers
- Relaxing spas, pools, and lounges
- Business centers and conference halls
Save Time and Cut Costs
- Reduces the need for in-person site visits, especially for corporate clients or event planners.
- Staff can spend less time answering repetitive questions or sending custom visuals.
Powerful Marketing Tool
A virtual tour enhances your online presence and can be used across:
- Social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)
- Email campaigns and newsletters
- Digital ads and hotel booking websites
Digital Transformation in Hotel Technology Conferences:
Hotel technology is a broad and rapidly evolving field. Each year, this conference focuses on a key area of innovation. For 2026, the spotlight is on Virtual Reality and Immersive Guest Experiences and how these technologies are redefining guest engagement, marketing, and hotel operations.
Join us to explore the next chapter in hotel innovation in Digital Transformation in Hotel Technology 2026.