Page 6 - YOU Magazine | Issue 2

racing in Norway in a unique way, VR is achieved using specialist cameras, rigs and software. The finished content can then be viewed on either a VR headset or mobile device.
Whilst unlikely to ever replace traditional travel, those behind VR’s development say its real value
lies in the fact it can offer positive wellbeing, reduce isolation and support social integration, help bring people to places that are otherwise inaccessible.
For roughly the equivalent of a fish and chip dinner, Australians with itchy feet are now able to purchase a basic starter kit that will allow them to see and feel what it would be like to fly over Paris in a jetpack, ride horseback on a beach in Queensland or scale Everest, all from the comfort of their living rooms.
It has universal appeal
Jamie Gilroy, a director of immersive technology group Catalyst VR, says while it will depend on individual needs, VR tourism is likely to appeal to people living with disability for all the same reasons as those without.
Jamie says the tourism sector is an experience-based industry, so being able to engage consumers at scale with virtual versions of
their experiences is a great way to change people’s perceptions and influence behaviours.
“VR enables powerful, engaging experiences that are difficult, hard or impossible to do in real life. Which could be everything from visiting outer space, competing in a game set in a futuristic world, or experiencing the world’s natural beauty. The benefits of VR are
the same for anyone - you can do things quicker, easier and safer in VR than you can in the real world. It might not be the same as the real thing but hopefully VR allows more experiences that are the next best thing to doing it in real life.”
VR enables powerful, engaging experiences that are difficult, hard or impossible to do in real life.
Not everyone is convinced
As a fairly new technology, its detractors say VR still faces a number of challenges including possible motion sickness. They argue some users can expect to get disoriented in a virtual environment causing balance issues.
They also say navigating the non-virtual environment – if the user is not confined to a limited area - can be dangerous without external sensory information.
Recommended
VR travel experiences
Experience the rhythm of Cuba by cruising the streets in a vintage convertible.
Take it all in as you peacefully glide with hundreds of hot air balloons in Cappadocia, Turkey.
Fancy something a bit more thrilling? Experience the Wingsuit Skydive over Dubai or paraglide the Swiss Alps.
Thrill your younger children by taking them for a ride on the Toy Story roller coaster.
Gasp in wonder at the Northern Lights.
Get away from it all by diving with manta rays.
6 WINTER 2020 You