Youth tour operator Contiki has introduced the world’s first virtual reality holidays, with creators claiming it could disrupt the entire travel sector.
‘Virtually Unlimited’ allows youngsters to experience holidays in far flung destinations without having to leave the country.
Seven ‘Virtual Experience Centres’ are opening across the UK and Ireland offering three-hour virtual trips for £79 which will “activate all the senses”.
Virtual holidays include climbing Machu Picchu in Peru, cycling in Vietnam, experiencing Oktoberfest in Munich and seeing the Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil.
Sales and marketing director Donna Jeavons said: “We have been experimenting with virtual reality for over 18 months now and are proud to be the first travel company in the world to introduce completely virtual travel itineraries.
“As young people become increasingly time-poor, and as technology improves, Contiki recognised an opportunity to take travelling to the next level. Our new ‘Virtually Unlimited’ product is the future of travel and a disruptor to the entire tourism industry, especially for airlines and accommodation providers.”
Jeavons said the new technology allowed travellers to get the “high” of seeing destinations without the high price tag.
“They don’t have to leave the country, don’t need to take weeks of leave and don’t have to save up for flights and accommodation,” she added.
“We predict this is the way people will ‘travel’ in the future.”
Contiki Virtual Experience Centres are located in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Dublin and Belfast.
Virtual reality holidays can be booked through Contiki’s microsite contiki.com/virtually-unlimited