Why consider the purchase of a Virtual Tour - According to a study conducted by Harris Interactive between October 27 and 31, 2005 among a nationwide sample of 2,931 online U.S. adults, online travelers rated visuals of accommodations as very important or important 69% of the time, second only to a vacation property or hotel's written description (71%). (When consideration of price and location was excluded.) Consumers are showing an appetite for interactive visuals in their shopping and purchase paths.
Nearly three in five online travelers (59%) say a 360 degree virtual tour would be "useful" or "very useful" in helping them select lodging that matches their preferences and expectations. The expectations of online travelers for both vacation rental homes and hotel visuals are not being met. Only 41% of online travelers who research and/or book lodging online report being "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the quantity of visuals online.
It is important that you review the quality and quantity of your visuals online. Doing so may result in increased consumer satisfaction and a likely higher propensity to book a specific property online.
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