Exploring the Metaverse: Opportunities for Tourism and Territorial Development

This article conducts a preliminary study on the possible outcomes of applying very advanced computer graphics technologies, such as Immersive Virtual Reality, Virtual Reality, and Mixed Reality, to promote tourism and an area's economy. A careful analysis of the existing literature has revealed an intense research activity that has explored the salient aspects of the interaction between modern technologies and tourism, analysing the changes resulting from their use. The Metaverse represents one of the most powerful and effective innovations in tourism. We describe a methodology for implementing metaverses and virtual scenarios using the open-source Blender modelling environment and Unity game engine and creation tool. The metaverse of Palazzo Bernabei in Assisi, the suggestive venue of the Degree Course in Tourism Economics and Management, was implemented as a use case. It is located in an area of unique interest next to the splendid and evocative Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. These technologies can improve tourism since they provide a high sense of immersion, giving the user an experience that anticipates and enriches the live visit. The user can perform the virtual visit remotely with the help of an immersive virtual reality controller. A questionnaire was carried out on a group of users to assess the user experience and the level of satisfaction with the application. The discussion of the answers in the questionnaire shows that users are fascinated by the virtual experience and become more aware of the beauty of works of art and monuments than traditional media (magazines, brochures, books) and are more attracted to the real visit.