The term virtual reality in Nigeria is far less strange now than it was five years ago with the increased introduction and use of virtual reality gadgets especially in line with mobiles phones that complements such an experience. It is however stranger to think of the possible ways that Nigerian travel agencies and hotels can optimize this new tool to maximize clients experiences and increase profit because of its uncommon use in Nigeria. Virtual Reality is a computer-generated simulation of an image or environment that can be interacted with a seemingly physical way using special equipment such as a headset with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors. This article therefore looks into the possibilities of Virtual Reality in the Nigerian travel agency and its future prospects.
Booking a hotel or planning a trip usually involves just looking at pictures of the rooms and hotel facilities. However, with virtual reality, one can get a near real-life experience of how being in such a room or using such facilities might feel like. The obvious choice of people after experiencing the traditional booking methods and the VR viewing experience is clear, even when the travel agency that uses the traditional methods has better facilities and higher quality standards. The statistics of increased patronage of VR-enabled hotels in European countries has emphasized enough its profitability prospects for hotels in Lagos, hotels in Abuja and all other states in the country. Nigerian Hotels that decide to key into this. Virtual reality is something hotels should be using to attract more guests and secure direct bookings.
Creating virtual tours of travel destinations is a perfect way to capture the hearts and attention of children and people who are very conscious of where are how they spend their vacations or visits. Creating tours of destination can both be to convince the user to visit such a place or to monetize such a virtual experience-whether you want to check out the view from your hotel room balcony or just to get a feel of the resort or beach. Thus, VR has two major usages in the travel industry- for inspiration and for demonstration. Giving potential guest a 360-degree walkthrough of their room options and facilities rather than using still images allows potential guest to fully immerse themselves in the rooms or facilities. A client who views a virtual tour is 10 times more likely to visit a place or book a room than they would be of travel and hotels facilities that don’t have virtual tours.
As divers digital platforms such as online maps and blogs, which are already used to reduce risk when it comes to travel planning and booking, VR is also seen as a potential technology to use in this regard. The survey conducted by Statista Digital market Outlook in Germany shows that 62% of those who experienced VR in travel would consider is as a tool for holiday planning, 49% would only use it if it is provided for free and 13% would be willing to pay for it. The acceptance of VR in Nigeria in this context is already visible
Airplanes worldwide are employing various in-flight entertainment to serve their customers during flights such as the VR device which provides a better experience than the small screens provided on the back seats of airplanes. Transportation services can also optimize the use of VR technology by allowing potential customers to view the vehicle they intend to use.
Are there hotels and travel agencies in Nigeria that use VR? Yes there are, and the number is growing by the day. The travel agencies and destination spots that make efficient use of VR technology in Nigeria are, however, not many. Some in particular that have keyed in to the VR initiative include: Golfteq systems and CERCOPAN. If any hotel is capable of maximizing and integrating the use of such a trend into their marketing strategies, it would be Hotel Ibis Lagos, Intercontinental Hotel and Resort, [url=ps://hotels.ng/hotel/17329-nicon-luxury-abuja]Nicon Luxury[/url], Golden Tulip Festac Lagos and other hotels of their caliber who operate on international standards.
There are several Nigerian companies that can create a VR experience for any website or travel agency that needs it- one is Imisi3D.Once you go virtual, there is no going back. Nigerian companies, especially those in the travel and flight industry like hotels.ng, should take advantage of this growing VR trend to improve their patronage, customer satisfaction and profit.