Metaverse-driven sustainable tourism: a horizon 2050 paper

Purpose This study aims to delve into the transformative potential of metaverse-driven sustainable tourism (MDST) to envision a sustainable and inclusive future for the tourism industry. Design/methodology/approach The author uses a forward-looking approach by drawing insights from existing literature, visionary articles and an analysis of technological developments to project the MDST trajectory to 2050, aligning with sustainable development goals (SDGs). Findings The study highlights the profound potential of MDST as a crucial force in sustainable tourism, identifying key components – immersive experiences, artificial intelligence integration, blockchain and collaborative platforms – that will drive MDST’s evolution. The alignment with SDGs demonstrates MDST’s capacity to facilitate global collaboration, cultural exchange and community engagement, especially in uncertain situations (e.g. pandemic). Research limitations/implications While presenting an exploration of MDST, there is a need for empirical evidence in response to the dynamic tourism environment. Practical implications Tourism policymakers, businesses and technology developers can leverage MDST to drive sustainable practices, enhance user experiences and contribute to economic growth. The findings offer actionable insights for the practical implementation of MDST initiatives, aligning with the importance of SDGs. Originality/value The value of this study lies in its forward-looking perspective, envisioning the role of MDST in the year 2050. The author proposes ten foci for MDST development, contributing to the discourse on sustainable tourism.