Virtual tours have been introduced abroad for more than a decade, especially in industries that emphasize spatial environments such as real estate, hospitality, and food and beverage. In the past, the costs and maintenance expenses for producing virtual tours were prohibitively high. However, thanks to the development of panoramic cameras in recent years, the cost of virtual tours has gradually decreased, lowering the entry barriers for the virtual tour service market. So, why do we need to implement virtual tours?

Why do consumers want virtual tours?

Virtual tours provide aOpen year-round、Contact-free、Unlimited...form of spatial interaction without restrictions. Consumers can experience a realistic sense of presence without spending excessive time or transportation costs, without risking exposure to illnesses, without worrying about weather conditions, and without considering business hours of the store or property owner. As long as they have internet access and devices such as smartphones, tablets, or computers, they can enter the virtual tour through a specific online link provided by the owner. Consumers have the freedom to explore the space as long and as thoroughly as they wish, imagining themselves within the environment, completely undisturbed while getting to know the virtual space. For owners, keeping consumers engaged longer on their official website increases the likelihood that consumers will choose the services offered.

What benefits can virtual tours bring to owners?

According to a global survey conducted by the Digital Intheround website in 2021 13 Mind-Blowing Virtual Tour Statistics [Updated for 2021]之中指出：

• Customers aged 18 to 34 are 130% Among consumers aged 18 to 34, more than 130% are more likely to book with places that offer virtual tour services.
• 50% of adult users on the internet rely on virtual tours in their research and decision-making process. (50% of adult users rely on virtual tours when researching information or making decisions online)
• Customers spend 5 to 10 times more on websites with virtual tours. (Consumers are willing to visit websites that offer virtual tours more than 5 to 10 times)
• 67% of people want more businesses to offer virtual tours. (67% of people want more businesses to offer virtual tours)
• There are more than 5 million visits daily on worldwide virtual tours. (Over 5 million visits daily worldwide on virtual tours)
• Virtual tours increase a business listing’s interest by two-fold. (Virtual tours generate more than twice the interest from customers toward the information provided by businesses)
• You can go on a tour of the White House from the comfort of your own home. (Through virtual tours, you can comfortably explore the White House from home)

The last point above is likely the sentiment of most consumers: no need to spend money and time on commuting, no influence from weather conditions, no worries about planning routes back and forth, and no concern whether the business hours align with their own schedule. As long as there is internet access and a device, virtual tours can be enjoyed anytime and anywhere, bringing convenience and information.

For owners, virtual tours can strengthen their corporate brand image, encouraging consumers to spend more time browsing your store in the virtual online space, which indirectly increases their willingness to choose your services. In the current era of pandemic disruptions, this is one of the best options to allow consumers to engage with the services your business offers.