Transforming Hospitality with Virtual Reality

Abstract

The hospitality industry plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable community resilience. However, the potential of Virtual Reality (VR) technology to enhance this resilience within the hospitality sector remains underexplored. This study aims to bridge this research gap by investigating the applications of VR in the hospitality industry and its impact on sustainable community resilience. A qualitative methodology was employed, involving in-depth interviews with hospitality industry professionals and technology experts. Thematic analysis techniques were applied to analyze the data and identify key themes.The findings reveal that VR implementation in the hospitality sector has significant potential to enhance guest experiences, operational efficiency, and employee training. Notably, the study highlights VR's capacity to serve as a platform for promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism, thereby fostering community resilience. Furthermore, VR can be utilized to develop comprehensive training programs for individuals with specific needs, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity within the hospitality industry. This research underscores the importance of adopting VR technology in the hospitality sector to strengthen sustainable community resilience. The findings provide valuable insights for stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism industry to develop innovative and sustainable strategies. By addressing the research gap, this study contributes to the limited body of knowledge on VR's role in promoting sustainable community resilience within the hospitality context.