Exploring the Potential of Metaverse Marketing to Promote Sustainable Travel Practices and Reduce Overtourism
摘要
Tourism is a fast-growing global sector crucial in boosting a host country’s economy. Sustainable tourism aims to enhance benefits while minimizing negative effects associated with tourism activities. It encompasses economic, social, and environmental dimensions and promotes a more responsible way of traveling to protect the environment, preserve local cultures, and support communities. Ecological degradation, cultural loss, and strain on local resources often result from overtourism. This chapter examines the potential of Metaverse marketing to promote sustainable travel practices and reduce overtourism in popular destinations, highlighting its advantages, challenges, and limitations. The Metaverse, a virtual environment, allows travelers to explore destinations without visiting them in person. Implementing marketing strategies in the Metaverse can significantly influence tourist behavior, engagement, and interactions, raise awareness, promote sustainable tourism practices, and lead to better management of tourist numbers while preserving the cultural and environmental integrity of well-known destinations. However, virtual travel should not replace physical travel but serve as an additional tool for sustainable development and economic growth in local communities. This chapter contributes to the existing literature by examining the effects of Metaverse marketing on sustainable travel practices through a survey that explores travelers’ behaviors, experiences with overtourism, and perceptions of technology’s role in fostering sustainable choices.