Exploring the Role of Graphic Design-Driven Virtual Reality in Sustainable Tourism
Eman S. Alkhalifah · Advances in business strategy and competitive advantage book series · 2021
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism has declined precipitously as a result of lockdown procedures that have prohibited the majority of international travel and ultimately increased people's online activity at home. Virtual reality (VR) is an example of an online activity that simulates and infiltrates the real world through games and interactive media. This chapter aims to determine whether using newer generation wearable devices to create virtual reality experiences via immersive graphic design has an effect on people's intentions to visit virtual destinations and tourist attractions in lieu of physical travel. The chapter also determines the effect of perceived visual appeal (PVA) and emotional involvement (EI) on behavioural intentions toward visiting a cultural heritage site in a virtual destination. Using the Saudi Arabian holy pilgrimage of Hajj as a case study, the chapter hypothesises that delivering the PVA of the virtual experience via virtual reality via immersive graphic design will result in a significant increase in intentions to visit a virtual destination.