Gary Bowerman on How IVT Could Change Tourism

In a recent interview on BFM 89.9’s Enterprise Explores, Gary Bowerman, co-founder of High-Yield Tourism, discussed the transformative potential of Interactive Virtual Tourism (IVT) in reshaping travel planning and experiences.

He was joined by host Richard Bradbury, and together they explored how technological advancements are influencing the tourism industry.

The Evolution of Travel Planning

Reflecting on the progression from traditional travel agencies to digital platforms, Gary noted that the industry is entering a new era, significantly influenced by technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning. These advancements are poised to revolutionize the travel booking process, offering more personalized and efficient services to consumers.

The Role of Interactive Virtual Tourism

Gary highlighted that IVT aims to enhance the organized travel sector by addressing issues such as trust and online scams. By providing immersive, virtual experiences of destinations, IVT can help travelers make more informed decisions and build confidence in their bookings. However, he emphasized that while IVT is a promising tool, its long-term impact on the industry remains to be seen.

Complementing Traditional Travel

During the discussion, host Richard Bradbury mentioned virtual tours of places like the Louvre, which allow individuals to experience cultural sites remotely. Bowerman agreed that such technologies offer valuable opportunities for exploration, especially when physical travel is not feasible. He suggested that IVT is likely to complement rather than replace traditional travel, serving as an additional resource for travelers to engage with destinations.

Conclusion

Gary Bowerman’s insights underscore the potential of Interactive Virtual Tourism to enhance the travel planning process by leveraging advanced technologies. While IVT offers innovative solutions to existing challenges in the tourism industry, its full impact will unfold as the technology continues to develop and integrate into mainstream travel experiences.