Would You Pay to Visit a Place That Doesn’t Exist?

— by vishal Sambyal

Virtual tourism and digital destinations are redefining travel. Would you pay to visit a place that only exists in pixels and imagination?

Introduction: The Allure of the Unreal

Imagine packing your bags not for Paris, Bali, or New York—but for a city that doesn’t exist on any map. No airports, no borders, no weather forecasts—just pixels and code. Welcome to the world of virtual destinations, where people are beginning to pay real money to explore places born entirely in the digital realm. The question is no longer can we create these experiences, but will travelers actually pay to visit a place that exists only in imagination?

Context & Background: From Maps to Metaverses

Tourism has always been about discovery. In the past century, travel evolved from cruise liners and rail journeys to budget airlines and space tourism trials. Now, the frontier has shifted again—to metaverse tourism and AI-generated destinations.

Companies are already building virtual cities where you can book a stay in a digital hotel, attend concerts, or even “walk” along beaches that no satellite has ever photographed. These aren’t video games but immersive, interactive environments designed for exploration and cultural exchange.

This rise coincides with a broader shift in how people consume experiences. NFT-based art galleries, digital concerts by pop stars, and VR-based museum tours have paved the way for virtual tourism. What was once science fiction is fast becoming an industry worth billions.

Main Developments: The Business of Virtual Destinations

Startups and travel-tech giants are experimenting with paid access to imaginary locations. Here’s how it works:

  • VR Tourism Platforms: Some companies sell tickets for virtual tours of digital-only landscapes, offering interactive guides, storytelling, and cultural immersion.
  • Exclusive Digital Resorts: Hotels and hospitality brands are investing in creating luxury resorts that exist only in the metaverse, complete with private villas and ocean views—without the carbon footprint.
  • Hybrid Packages: Travel agencies are beginning to offer hybrid experiences, such as pairing a real-world trip to Greece with a virtual extension to a “mythical” city inspired by Greek legends.

For businesses, the model is attractive. Virtual destinations avoid the limits of geography, visas, or infrastructure, and they tap into a global audience seeking novelty. For travelers, they promise a cheaper, greener, and accessible way to “see the world”—or even worlds that never existed.

Expert Insight & Public Reaction

Experts are divided.

“Virtual destinations will democratize travel,” says Dr. Alicia Moreno, a digital anthropology researcher. “People who may never afford Paris or Tokyo can still experience wonder in virtual environments. It’s cultural access without physical barriers.”

But others are skeptical. Mark Peters, a hospitality consultant, argues, “Travel isn’t just about sights—it’s about smells, tastes, human encounters. A virtual Venice cannot replace the feeling of getting lost in its alleys.”

Public reaction mirrors this divide. Younger generations, especially Gen Z, are more open to paying for immersive digital experiences. Online forums already see debates where users brag about visiting metaverse concerts or virtual islands, while critics dismiss them as expensive “video games.”

Impact & Implications: Who Wins, Who Loses?

If virtual tourism catches on, the ripple effects could be significant:

  • Travel Industry Shift: Airlines and hotels may face competition from entirely digital “destinations.”
  • Accessibility Boost: Elderly, disabled, or financially limited travelers could gain access to rich travel experiences from home.
  • Cultural Creation: Artists and architects could design worlds unbounded by physics, creating new forms of cultural heritage.
  • Environmental Relief: Fewer flights could reduce emissions, aligning with global climate goals.

However, there are risks too. Virtual experiences may widen the gap between those seeking “authentic” physical travel and those content with digital substitutes. Ethical questions also arise—can cultural sites recreated in VR dilute or distort real-world heritage?

Conclusion: The Future of Imaginary Travel

The question “Would you pay to visit a place that doesn’t exist?” once sounded absurd. Today, it’s a serious business proposition. The future of tourism may not lie in distant beaches or historic cities, but in destinations crafted by algorithms and imagination.

Whether virtual travel becomes a supplement or a replacement to traditional journeys remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: in the coming decade, our definition of where we can go will expand beyond maps and into worlds that only exist because we dreamt them into being.

Disclaimer :This article explores trends in virtual tourism and does not endorse any specific platforms, products, or investments.