Breaking Barriers
Session 2:
September 27th, 2023
How can hospitality make virtual experiences accessible and engaging to a diverse and global audience?
In the session, we delved into the transformative role of cutting-edge technology in fostering inclusivity for diverse groups, from the disabled to the elderly and financially constrained. Through various industry examples, we highlighted Hospitality 3.0's pioneering efforts in crafting universally accessible travel experiences.
Virtual experiences are a cornerstone of this new paradigm, allowing individuals to explore destinations they might never physically visit. Such experiences reduce economic barriers, as they are often more affordable than physical travel. They also address physical and time constraints, enabling those with mobility challenges to explore freely and allowing for shorter, more flexible virtual visits. By emphasizing inclusivity, these virtual experiences can cater to diverse user needs and preferences, ensuring cultural sensitivity and relevance.
Examples of this potential abound. Bhutan's virtual tourism initiative showcased its culture and landscapes to a global audience, promoting sustainable tourism and educating potential visitors. Similarly, technological innovations have enabled online classes in Tahitian dance, connecting global audiences with local cultures without the need for physical travel. Furthermore, emerging technologies like Web 3.0 and Spatial Computing are being used to create unique digital artifacts, which can fund local initiatives while connecting global communities to local cultures.
However, the journey of Hospitality 3.0 is not without challenges. It's essential to ensure that virtual experiences complement rather than replace the authenticity of physical travel. Addressing the digital divide is crucial to ensure equitable access to these experiences. Moreover, there's a need to strike a balance between promoting tourism and ensuring sustainability, especially in places like Tahiti that heavily rely on tourism.
Top-down initiatives, such as Paris's sustainability criteria for businesses in preparation for the 2024 Olympics, and grassroots innovations, like Tahiti's coral planting initiative, exemplify the blend of strategies driving this transformation. The banking industry, generational shifts, and changing consumer preferences also play significant roles in shaping this new landscape. For instance, the trend towards "slow travel" in Northern Europe, characterized by a preference for train travel over frequent flying, indicates a shift towards more sustainable travel practices.
In essence, Hospitality 3.0, with its fusion of technological advancements, stakeholder collaboration, and evolving consumer preferences, presents a promising path for the travel industry. It envisions a future where travel is more sustainable, inclusive, and community-centric, benefiting both travelers and host communities.
Guest Speakers:
Christian Vanizette: The Co-Founder of Makesense.org, a global network of 100,000 citizens and entrepreneurs committed to solving social and environmental issues through skilled volunteerism and rapid innovation workshops. Christian was named one of Forbes' Top 30 Social Entrepreneurs Under 30. He is also a member of the French Government's Digital Council and an advisory board member tot he Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Goalkeeper Initiative.
Alison Rooney: As the Global Capital Markets and Web 3 Partnerships and Alliances Lead at Google, Alison leverages over a decade of experience in the financial sector to drive innovation through strategic collaborations. Alison is also an advocate for early-stage companies, believing in the power of investment to fuel groundbreaking innovations. She works across the market structure to deliver solutions for customers' greatest business challenges, leveraging web 3, fintech, AI, ML, crypto, and digital assets.
“Web 3 enables travelers have a digital souvenir in their wallet before their actual journey commences.”
— Christian Vanizette,
Makesense.org
“The World Fairs pioneered in offering all visitors an inclusive and accessible window into diverse cultures.”
— Savinien Caracostea,
META Foundation
“It's not just about traveler access; it's about empowering communities to co-create sustainable experiences that sustain their livelihoods.”
— Pascal Frey,
META Foundation
Further research topics:
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Virtual travel introduces a lucrative layer to traditional tourism models. By offering immersive digital experiences, destinations can tap into a wider audience, driving both virtual and physical engagements, and opening doors to new partnerships and revenue streams, thereby bolstering the economic resilience of travel destinations.
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How can artificial intelligence be leveraged to offer more personalized virtual travel experiences? Research could delve into algorithms that curate experiences based on user preferences, behaviors, and feedback.
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Exploration of the economic ramifications of embracing Hospitality 3.0, including its influence on local economies, job markets, and the generation of novel revenue streams. This research endeavors to uncover how Hospitality 3.0 can contribute to the resilience and decentralization of economies.
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As virtual tourism becomes more prevalent, how do we measure its sustainability? Research could focus on developing metrics to assess the environmental, economic, and social impacts of virtual versus physical travel.
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With the rise of virtual tourism, there's a need to understand best practices in user experience design. How can these platforms be designed to be intuitive, engaging, and culturally sensitive?
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How are cultures represented in virtual tourism platforms? There's a need to investigate whether these platforms perpetuate stereotypes or offer authentic and diverse representations of cultures.
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Do different generations adopt and engage with virtual travel in the same way? Research could explore the preferences, motivations, and barriers for various age groups in adopting virtual tourism.
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Virtual experiences can serve as a therapeutic bridge for individuals who feel isolated or lack access to certain experiences. By immersing in virtual worlds, these individuals can engage in social interactions, explore new environments, and partake in activities otherwise inaccessible to them. This digital inclusion can alleviate feelings of loneliness, provide a sense of belonging, and offer a safe space for self-expression and exploration, thereby supporting their mental well-being and fostering a sense of connection.
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