Testing of a virtual nature travel product : In cooperation with Lauhanvuori-Hämeenkangas UNESCO Global Geopark
Riihimäki, Olli (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202405069517
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202405069517
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of this study was to conduct and document a market testing for a virtual travel product. Before the actual testing, the concepts of virtual reality and virtual travel were defined and discussed. As the commissioners of the study were closely involved with Lauhanvuori-Hämeenkangas UNESCO Global Geopark, the concepts of geotourism and nature tourism were introduced as well.
The virtual travel product, consisting of live and pre-edited video footage, was initially created as a student project for SAMK EduTravel incoming travel agency. A test group of a total of 10 participants was put together for a market testing in November 2023. After witnessing and taking part in the entire virtual travel product, the participants filled an online questionnaire containing 25 questions.
The survey results contained both quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data was analysed by finding out the averages and medians in numerical data, whereas content analysis was used for qualitative data. Based on the analysis of questionnaire data, the participants were satisfied with the host who handled the live segments, whereas the pre-edited video segments received a more mixed response. When asked about what to add to the experience, the participants had several suggestions to offer.
According to the survey results, the virtual product could be improved in a variety of ways. Although the suggestions were sometimes contradicting each other, utilizing them would be possible. More resources, especially monetary, would be required for turning the virtual travel product into a commercial success.
The virtual travel product, consisting of live and pre-edited video footage, was initially created as a student project for SAMK EduTravel incoming travel agency. A test group of a total of 10 participants was put together for a market testing in November 2023. After witnessing and taking part in the entire virtual travel product, the participants filled an online questionnaire containing 25 questions.
The survey results contained both quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data was analysed by finding out the averages and medians in numerical data, whereas content analysis was used for qualitative data. Based on the analysis of questionnaire data, the participants were satisfied with the host who handled the live segments, whereas the pre-edited video segments received a more mixed response. When asked about what to add to the experience, the participants had several suggestions to offer.
According to the survey results, the virtual product could be improved in a variety of ways. Although the suggestions were sometimes contradicting each other, utilizing them would be possible. More resources, especially monetary, would be required for turning the virtual travel product into a commercial success.