Mixing Virtual Reality for Environmental Conservation in Tourist Spots: Hitching Biodiversity Sustainable Tourism for Regenerative Preservation Management

Abstract

Virtual reality and environmental conservation in tourist sites can provide an innovative solution for sustainable tourism. VR enable to observe natural wonders in person without even being there and causing environmental harm. Whether this is through the simulation of real-world landscapes to educate “visitors” about conservation or in conveying how important it is that it preserves what natural habitats are out there leading to a wider sense of awareness and education on their ecological footprints. The service could also be used as a way to combat over-tourism at main tourist destinations, save biodiversity and cultural heritage. Also, enabling the use of VR in eco-tourism can encourage responsible actions which enable users to dive into ecosystems remotely such as endangered species and so on thereby instilling a very relevant connection with conservation causes. This chapter explores the design of an innovative approach to reduce environmental degradation and develop novel tourist experiences through hitching biodiversity focused sustainable tourism combined with VR technology.