Preserving the past, ensuring the future : the role of virtual reality in enhancing touristic experiences and raising awareness of ecological footprints and sustainable tourism : a case study from Malta

Abstract

This research-oriented dissertation investigates how Malta's tourism industry may benefit from virtual reality (VR) by encouraging sustainable tourism and improving visitor experiences. The research delves into several important topics, including the potential of virtual reality (VR) to raise visitors’ ecological awareness, the benefits and challenges it presents for sustainable practices, and how well it enhances tourism. A mixed-methods approach is used in this study to evaluate VR's potential as a transformational tool in tourism by combining existing literature with data obtained from a survey addressed to students of the University of Malta. The results show that VR is being received well, with people realising that technology may prevent environmental damage and replicate visits to locations or features that are inaccessible. However, it is still difficult to replace the complete sensory experience of real travel. The study makes important recommendations for management and policy related to tourism. VR integration might stabilise economic inflow during off-peak seasons or travel restrictions, such as those imposed during the COVID-19 epidemic, and expand Malta's tourism options. Recommendations include making investments in VR material that accurately depicts Malta's cultural legacy, providing training courses for the VR workforce, and setting up regulations to balance the influx of virtual and real tourists. Future studies should look at the psychological repercussions of frequent VR usage, how it affects job trends in the tourist industry, and how useful it is in times of global crisis. A VR experience for Filfla Island, available from Ghar Lapsi or from a boat, is also suggested by the research as a way to explore the island without harming the protected environment. Using VR technology, this initiative might serve as an example of sustainable tourism, encouraging education and conservation.