4 Virtual Reality in Visitor Attractions: A Dark Tourism Journey
Dr Sinéad O'Leary and Dr Noëlle O'Connor
Programme: Business Studies with Travel and Tourism Management
Module: Special Interest Tourism
Year: 2
Aim: to introduce Travel and Tourism students to VR apps that offer a different tourism journey.
Learning Outcomes linked to the VR activity:
- Explore the context within which special interest tourism has developed and expanded.
- Discuss the characteristics of a diverse range of special interest tourism products.
- Describe tourist motivations for a variety of special interest products and services.
- Evaluate key issues associated with the development of special interest tourism.
Description of the VR activity:
During a one-hour introductory session, a short briefing about the research project was conducted with students, and they were asked about their knowledge of Virtual Reality – this varied within the group. This was followed by some ‘games’ to increase confidence and familiarity with the technology before a VR tour of the Anne Frank House using the The Secret Annexe VR app. This is a free app which provides a virtual walkthrough (with interactions) of the secret annexe.
Student Reflections:
“It was very easy to get the hang of, it felt so real and I think it’s a very innovative idea.”
Lecturer’s Reflections:
“The VR experience was an excellent learning opportunity for students – it was a very practical and stimulating exercise. To maximise engagement, it would be good the use the technology on a more regular basis to enhance familiarity and move into deeper learning opportunities e.g. students research and select alternative VR tours, etc”.
