Enhancing Sustainable Tourism Through Virtual Reality: The Role of Collectable Experiences in Well-Being and Meaning in Life

Zhi-Hu Zhang and Heng-Chiang Huang ()
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Zhi-Hu Zhang: Department of International Business, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
Heng-Chiang Huang: Department of International Business, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-35

Abstract: This study explores the intersection of virtual reality tourism, digital innovation in digital transformation and corporate sustainability-driven business transformations in tourism strategies, and sustainability-driven business transformations in tourism. By reducing the environmental footprint associated with traditional travel, VR-based tourism presents an innovative solution to promote sustainable tourism. Through three empirical studies, we investigate how immersive 360-degree VR experiences influence psychological well-being and meaning in life as influenced by sustainable VR experiences. Our findings reveal that VR travel enhances engagement, fosters cultural appreciation, and provides an alternative to high-emission tourism, thus contributing to environmental sustainability-driven business transformations in tourism. The study offers managerial and policy implications for tourism stakeholders seeking to integrate digital transformation strategies into sustainable tourism development.

Keywords: sustainable tourism; digital innovation; virtual reality; low-carbon travel; cultural heritage preservation; well-being; meaning in life (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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