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Virtual reality adds to tourism through touch, smell and real people’s experiences

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Back in 2001, an acquaintance who worked for Lonely Planet told me about a surprise discovery. The travel guide business had an audience of people who would buy their travel books, but never travel. Lonely Planet dubbed them “virtual tourists”.

Now Lonely Planet, and others, have become excited by tourism powered by virtual reality (VR) – both on this planet and, thanks to NASA, on others.

VR films are also being developed by travel companies, such as Thomas Cook. And Tourism Australia has partnered with Google to understand the marketing potential of VR (well, 360 degree panoramic videos).

But VR tourism isn’t only about recreating a virtual version of reality that renders travel to the destination unnecessary. It can enhance tourism in other ways – by allowing tourists to handle precious historical artefacts in virtual form, or by retelling contested histories from previously unexplored perspectives.




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What is virtual tourism?

In contrast to Lonely Planet’s definition, let’s consider virtual tourism to be the application of virtual reality – including augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) – to tourism.

The term virtual reality is most commonly used to describe what happens when you are completely immersed in a virtual environment you can see through a headset. Enhanced forms of virtual reality allow you to interact with that environment using extra equipment, such as gloves fitted with sensors.

Virtual reality is also used as a catch-all term to describe the overall spectrum of digitally mediated reality, which includes virtual reality, as well as mixed reality and augmented reality.

Augmented reality and mixed reality are computer-generated visualisations that augment our sense of the real world around us or merge the real and virtual together. You still wear a headset, but rather than blocking out the world, an AR or MR headset enables you to see visualisations within your real world surroundings.

PhD student Mafkereseb Bekele demonstrates a digital underwater landscape augmented over the real world as it would appear through a Microsoft Hololens headset.
Author provided

Augmented reality and mixed reality is usually visual, but you can now get audio augmented reality, that will play audio recordings through special glasses about sites you’re looking at. There is even olfactory-augmented reality that can enhance your experience with smell.




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Moving beyond realism

Virtual reality can be more than a mirror that gives you a realistic interactive simulation of the current world: it can bring the past into the present.

As Sir David Attenborough has noted:

The one thing that really frustrates you in a museum is when you see something really fascinating, you don’t want to be separated from it by glass. You want to be able to look at it and see the back of it and turn it around and so on.

The London Natural History Museum’s app Hold the World gives users a chance to move and manipulate virtual objects that are fragile, expensive or remote.

Virtual tourism is also breathing new life into mythology and folklore. In Denmark, there are plans to turn a virtual reality exhibition exploring Viking history and Norse mythology into a permanent theme park. Visitors will be able to fight giants and dragons, and explore a complete “Nordic” landscape.

Virtual tourism can allow people to hear fresh interpretations of history. For example, the augmented reality app Dilly Bag connects users with the stories of Indigenous Australian servicemen via a smartphone.

Stories can be told from the perspective of flying animals, or provide thrills and spills that appear more dangerous, immediate and visceral than the real thing (see this VR rollercoaster theme park in China).

Whether virtual tourism proves to be only a pale imitation of the real thing depends on how imaginative we are.




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How Virtual Reality is giving the world’s roller coasters a new twist


How common is virtual tourism?

Given the expense and complexity of virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality arguably have more potential for virtual tourism.

Wi-Fi, which is required for many virtual tourism experiences, is now commonplace, and many people do have their own devices. But content must be tailored to specific devices – smartphones can overheat from processing so much data, and the size of tablets can make them unwieldy.

The number of exciting technological showcases is matched by the number of failed or broken equipment and deserted VR centres. Hyped promises proliferate – apparently every year is the year that VR, AR and MR will break though.

Yet any VR software and hardware currently full of promise seems to get old very, very, quickly. If we are to move past one-hit AR wonders such as Pokémon Go, we need scalable yet engaging content, stable tools, appropriate evaluation research and robust infrastructure.

Formats such as WebVR and Web XR promise to supply content across both desktops and head mounted displays, without having to download plugins.

But before we see virtual tourism become widespread, we need to change our preconceptions about what virtual reality is. Let’s not limit VR experiences to recreations of the real world, instead let’s open our minds to history, mythology and fresh perspectives from real people.



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Experience The Best Of Isle Of Wight With The Real Ale Train’s Summer Of Heritage Travel And Local Ales

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Friday, July 18, 2025

THE Isle of Wight Steam Railway is preparing for the return of its popular Real Ale Train event this Saturday. From 4 pm, enjoy Wootton, Havenstreet and Ashey, and Smallbrook Junction by train in a special evening of heritage power, barbecue and locally brewed beers. This much-loved event will provide a delicious combination of amazing cocktails, stunning journeys and nostalgia that will make you proud to be a local (or not!)GE!. Follow the secret path to an evening like no other, in the company of the best locals and adventurers.#TravelSick Nights!

Travelling on the steam train between the stations, the service will be a hop-on, hop-off offering between the four stations, all with their real ale bar. Featuring local produce, among each of the stations is a selection of Isle Of Wight beer, guest ales, ciders, and fresh cooked food, for people to meet, chat, and celebrate in an atmosphere that is warm and social.

Enjoy Local Beers and Ales

Not to mention an opportunity to enjoy some of the finest ales and ciders the Isle of Wight has to offer. The hosts have obtained summery drinks that will please everyone and make for a refreshing pint. Liz Tagart, who helped organise the event, said: “Our volunteer bar staff have managed to find some beers and ciders that are sure to be popular with a summertime crowd. We’re proud to have this choice across the stations.”

“There will be drinks from producers based on the Island, so people can get a real flavour of what it’s like from the brewing perspective at Ashey and also Wootton.” And at Havenstreet, visitors can sample ales from award-winning breweries including The Pheasant, Mighty Oak, and Yates. These craft breweries offer distinctive brews that ale-lovers are bound to appreciate. Havenstreet will also serve specialty ciders and a wide choice of soft drinks, so there is something for everyone.

Lyndsay McConn, the licensed bar lead, said: “We’ve selected a fantastic range of beers and ciders to ensure there is a cold pint to satisfy on a balmy summer’s evening. It’ll be a family affair with a unique range of drinks that’s been curated to suit the traditional ale drinker through to the more adventurous palate looking for some inspiration.

A Unique Heritage Travel Experience

The Real Ale Train doesn’t just focus on local beers, though; it’s also an incredible travel experience. Visitors will hop on board heritage trains, reminiscent of yesteryear, and take in the picturesque Isle of Wight countryside as they ride through it. The boat ride offers a picture viewing of the island, and it is indeed a perfect way to spend a calm evening with friends and family.

The train will transport ticket holders between Wootton, Havenstreet, Ashey, and Smallbrook Junction and will provide the opportunity to journey between each historic station. Guests are invited to sample a selection of beverages, catch up with friends, and enjoy the atmosphere of each venue on the tour.

There is also bangers and mash that is all cooked on the trains at tickets and Havenstreet and Ashey, and to wash it all down, there’s a selection of ales on offer at all stations. This hot, hearty dish contributes to the general appeal of what is the old-fashioned pub experience for passengers taking a break from the train journey with food and drink in hand.

Easy to get to Public Transport and Ticket info

For those hoping to visit the Real Ale Train without having to drive, there’s public transport on offer. Island Line trains will terminate at Smallbrook Junction until 9:02 pm, with onward travel towards other parts of the island, including Ryde, Sandown, and Shanklin. And in another first, Southern Vectis, Route 9 will be calling at Wootton Station, assisting the more environmentally friendly visitors get to the event.

Tickets for this event are available online or at the gate. These late tickets also now include your first pint, meaning it’s even easier for you late ones to join in the kicks. “We have great public transport links so everyone can come along without the worry of driving and ensure everyone has an enjoyable, safe night.”

Community and Celebration as Tradition

“The Real Ale Train is both a celebration of great drinks and heritage travel, as well as a mark of community spirit. The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is a popular attraction and provides an opportunity for visitors and island residents alike to experience the history and culture of the island. It’s the coming together of everyday folk, all drawn together by the love of yarn and food and each other’s company – and, of course, for some, the allure of proximity to said steam trains!

The Real Ale Train is now an eagerly awaited summer fixture for many. Add this to picturesque train rides, local ales and hearty food, and you have a glowingly warm, festive atmosphere designed to make people feel at home, chill out and tuck into the finest the Island has to offer. Newcomers and veterans can expect a good time, whether visiting for the first time or if they just can’t get enough of Georgetown – there will be something for everyone!

It is a Saturday event, perhaps another memorable Saturday in the Isle of Wight’s calendar of summer festivals. Because of the great atmosphere, spectacular local beers, and all that steam-powered magic, the Real Ale Train is still set to leave its mark on the island as one of its most loved events!

Looking Ahead

The Real Ale Train has religiously returned for another season, and the people behind the event are positive about its increasing popularity and plans for the future of the community collaborative. I think it’s evident that the mix of heritage, local culture, and immersive experiences will continue to attract people to the Isle of Wight for many years to come. Therefore, if you want an evening of good company, great beer and spectacular travel, then you certainly won’t go wrong by stepping aboard the Real Ale Train, and joining is for a rambling trip across the Isle of Wight.

(Source: Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Southern Vectis, Island Line)



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The Real Benefits Of A Travel Club Model In An On-Demand World

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In a world where travel has become increasingly immediate and customizable, expectations are at an all-time high. Modern travelers want experiences that are seamless, high-quality, and tailored to their preferences.

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While online booking platforms promise convenience, they often leave too much to chance. This is where the travel club model stands apart. Offering a balance of personalization and predictability, travel clubs provide value that’s hard to match.

Personalized Planning Without The Guesswork

For many travelers, the hardest part of planning a vacation isn’t the destination‒it’s trusting that what they book will deliver. With a travel club, members avoid the trial-and-error of online listings and unvetted properties. Clubs focus on curating consistent experiences, combining destination expertise with member-oriented service.

Legendary Vacation Club is a family-owned business with five decades in international hospitality that has embraced this approach. By operating in high-demand locations like Los Cabos, Riviera Maya, and Punta Cana, LVC provides members with access to trusted properties and on-the-ground support, making personalized vacation planning less stressful and more reliable.

Long-Term Value in a Price-Driven Market

On-demand platforms often compete on price, but the trade-off is inconsistent service and surprise fees. A travel club, on the other hand, is designed around long-term value. Membership gives travelers access to preferred rates, special perks, and priority booking, all without sacrificing quality.

In competitive regions like Cancun and Vallarta, Legendary Vacation Club offers a distinct advantage. Members enjoy access to exclusive properties, including its Hard Rock resorts, all of which have earned the prestigious RCI Gold Crown award. These distinctions reflect not just luxury, but consistent delivery of service, something discount sites rarely guarantee.

Trust Built Through Proven Hospitality Standards

One of the strongest advantages of the travel club model is the trust it builds over time. For repeat travelers, the ability to return to known properties with reliable service is invaluable. Unlike one-off bookings, club memberships foster long-term relationships between travelers and providers, encouraging a higher standard of care.

In an industry where attention to detail defines the guest experience, long-term trust is one of the most valuable assets a club can offer. Legendary Vacation Club exemplifies this through its Riviera Maya location, where the Unico Hotel received the U.S. News & World Report Award in 2021.

Such accolades are more than symbolic. They signal a depth of operational experience that translates directly into member satisfaction.

A Better Way To Travel in a High-Expectation World

The rise of on-demand services has changed how people approach travel, but not always for the better. The travel club model offers something that algorithms and price filters can’t: a structured, member-first experience rooted in consistency, quality, and care.

For travelers looking to escape the uncertainty of one-size-fits-all solutions, a well-established club can provide a far more dependable alternative.

As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, the value of being part of a curated, experience-driven travel model becomes increasingly clear. For many, it’s no longer about just going somewhere. It’s about how well you’re taken care of when you get there.



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Travel Counsellors reveals record £566m half-year revenues

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Tech-enabled travel company Travel Counsellors has reported record £566m H1 revenues.

The Manchester firm saw 10% year-on-year growth in the six months ended 30th April 2025 as sales broke £500m for the first time, with Travel Counsellors citing growing demand for personalised travel advice.

The firm added 149 new travel advisors to its community, taking the business to more than 2,206 at the period end. 

Summer 2025 is also set to be another strong season for the company with bookings across the peak summer season – July and August – 11% ahead of the comparable time last year, it added.

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“We’re seeing increased demand from millennial customers for cruise and adventure travel,” said Steve Byrne, CEO. “This demonstrates this generation’s preferences for premium and differentiated travel experiences. 

“These are consumers who want more than just a holiday – they want peace of mind, personalised experiences, and meaningful, memorable journeys.

“During the first half of the year we’ve continued to experience good growth across the business, which is once again a firm demonstration of the strength of our differentiated strategy and was underpinned by the record number of customers who trusted Travel Counsellors with their leisure and corporate travel needs.”

Travel Counsellors has also maintained its five-star Trustpilot rating, recently reaching 10,000 reviews. 

“This is a strong testament to our customer-first culture that runs through everything we do,” said Byrne.

“It’s for this reason that more than two thirds of our customers come to us through word-of-mouth referrals – which is a strong endorsement of the level of care we provide. 

“We are focused on continuing to disrupt the travel market over the coming years through superb, personalised service and our scalable, relevant, and differentiated business model.”

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