MetaTourism: December News, Remote Teams, AI, Future of Learning
Dtravel Funding, SITE Network ready for take off and AI Agents
Welcome MetaTourists,
We are delighted to bring you the latest news from the MTA and give you insights into some of the travel technology trends we are seeing today. As always, thank you being here as we navigate the hybrid future of tourism together.
This month we are researching future-proof skills and why learning about immersive technologies and online social environments will be key to all networking in a globalised economy. From virtual classrooms where history comes alive to 3D models that enhance medical and emergency training, these technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for education and skill development.
However, as the digital revolution advances, Europe faces a significant digital skills gap, with 42% of its population lacking basic digital skills and a stark gender disparity among ICT professionals. Addressing these gaps is critical, as the potential of immersive technologies in fields like healthcare, education, and disaster response can only be fully realized with a workforce equipped to leverage these tools. Investing in digital skills is key to ensuring social equity, economic competitiveness, and adaptability in an increasingly digital world.
Could the Metaverse help to bring remote employees together?
This week I asked a friend if he had done any virtual team building experiences that were worth a try? He responded that everybody just wants to get off zoom and are sick of looking at themselves on a daily basis. He also said that although the virtual escape rooms were a disaster he enjoyed the poker tournament. And perhaps there in lies the key. We are not offering truly immersive environments and the physical connection is still too strong while on zoom. Gamifying these experiences allows us to act within the game, put on a new skin, create an avatar and enjoy an escape from the norm.
The metaverse offers an exciting way for us to redefine entertainment and collaboration, especially for remote employees. Imagine team-building in a virtual escape room, attending immersive concerts with colleagues, or hosting brainstorming sessions on a digital beach—all from different corners of the world. By combining entertainment and collaboration, the metaverse can turn mundane interactions into memorable adventures.
If you missed it, we spoke about the importance of culture when creating virtual worlds at the Gatherverse Virtual Summit. You can watch a recording here.
Spotlight - Resonance Security in the Metaverse
Considering our cyber vulnerabilities has never been as important. With so many individuals and businesses being targeted by cyber criminals it is a great time to take control of our online security, keep our digital assets safe and protect ourselves as we continue to explore a whole new world of virtual opportunitiies. Without robust security measures, individuals are vulnerable to cyber threats like identity theft, hacking, and financial fraud, which can erode trust and hinder widespread adoption.
Additionally, secure systems are essential for protecting intellectual property, ensuring equitable governance, and fostering a safe space for creativity, commerce, and social interaction. As the metaverse grows and we continue to engage in digital economies, prioritizing security is vital to building a resilient and inclusive digital future. Reach out to the team at Resonance or Visit the Resonance HQ in the Decentraland metaverse is at coordinates -21, 70
Member News - Dtravel Strategic Funding Round
Congratulations to MTA Founding Member Dtravel on their impressive strategic funding round, backed by Escape Velocity Crypto (EV3)! This milestone highlights Dtravel's groundbreaking work in reshaping vacation rentals through blockchain-powered, decentralized technology. With support from EV3, renowned for championing Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN), and other visionary investors, Dtravel is set to revolutionize the industry by empowering hosts as owners in a truly peer-to-peer ecosystem. This partnership signifies a shared commitment to innovation and a decentralized future for travel. Here’s to Dtravel’s continued success in making decentralized travel more accessible, rewarding, and trusted.
Member announcement - SITE Network ready for take-off
Another Founding Member is gaining momentum with their recent token sale. SITEnetworks is excited to announce the XPEDITION Token (XPED) sale, a transformative step in their mission to reshape tourism through blockchain, AI, and immersive technologies. With a focus on sustainability and community empowerment. XPED aims to revolutionize tourism from a consumption-driven model to a community-centric ecosystem. Piloting in Edinburgh’s historic hub, SITEnetworks enables locals to create authentic 3D digital replicas of their heritage sites, ensuring they retain control over their narratives and economic benefits. Join SITEnetworks in redefining travel for a more authentic and sustainable future!
IN THE NEWS
Welsh Tourism Tax at 1.27 per night by 2027
How Gaming Built the Metaverse while Big Tech Wasn’t Looking
Stepping into the World of AR Travel
5 Ways Travelers are using GenAI
What Travel Tech Leaders want from the Trump Administration
RECOMMENDED READS
A new Study - Drivers of Global Tourism Carbon Emissions
History of Human Travel Motivations
METAVERSE & WEB3 TRAVEL JOBS
Decentraland - Part-time partnerships co-ordinator
Ready Player Me - 3D Software Engineer
JOIN US
At the MTA we believe in the hybrid future of tourism and want to help carve out what that may look like. We welcome all who are interested in the business of travel to join us at the MTA and work together to ignite, inform and inspire the hybrid future of travel. The MTA is committed to exploring and developing a greater understanding of the potential that advanced technologies offer when creating new tourism business models and enhancing existing travel services.
Feel free to share your Metaverse or Travel news. We love to hear from members and people thinking about the future of travel.