Meta Launches VR Travel App for Virtual Tours of Global Landmarks
(Meta Launches Vr Travel Application To Support Virtual Tours Of Global Attractions)
Meta announced the release of a new virtual reality application designed to let users explore famous global attractions from home. The app, named Meta Travel, offers immersive 360-degree views of landmarks, museums, and natural wonders. It aims to provide an accessible alternative for people unable to visit these locations in person.
The app includes guided tours of sites like the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, and the Grand Canyon. Users can navigate these locations using VR headsets or smartphones. Meta developed the technology in partnership with tourism boards and cultural organizations. The company stated the app will expand to include over 100 destinations by early 2025.
Meta’s CEO highlighted the app’s potential to connect people with global culture. “Travel barriers like cost or physical limitations shouldn’t stop anyone from experiencing the world,” he said. The app also features educational content, with historians and local guides providing context during tours.
The platform supports group experiences, allowing friends or families to explore virtual spaces together. Users can interact through avatars and share reactions in real time. Meta emphasized privacy safeguards, noting that user data from the app will not be used for advertising.
Downloads for Meta Travel begin next month on iOS, Android, and Meta Quest devices. A free version offers limited access, while a subscription unlocks full content. Partners include UNESCO and National Geographic, ensuring accuracy in cultural and historical details.
The launch aligns with Meta’s broader push into VR and augmented reality. Earlier this year, the company invested heavily in metaverse development. Analysts say this app could attract users beyond gaming, positioning VR as a tool for education and tourism.
Meta Travel enters a competitive market, with similar apps offering virtual museum tours and travel simulations. However, Meta’s large user base and partnerships may give it an edge. The company plans to add user-generated content features, letting people create and share their own virtual tours.
(Meta Launches Vr Travel Application To Support Virtual Tours Of Global Attractions)
Current efforts focus on refining the app’s performance on lower-end devices. Meta confirmed plans to integrate augmented reality features in future updates.
