Metaverse in the tourism domain – introduction to the special issue

In times of technological innovation and digital transformation, the convergence of Metaverse and tourism emerges as a compelling and revolutionary intersection. As we stand on the edge of a new frontier in information technology, we introduce this special issue of the Journal of Information Technology and Tourism, dedicated to the multifaceted exploration of the Metaverse’s impact on the tourism industry. The Metaverse comprises interconnected digital spaces where users can engage through computer-generated environments. This convergence of cutting-edge tech- nologies, including artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, digital twins, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), blockchain, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), 3D mod- elling and simulation, cloud computing, and edge computing, defines the Metaverse’s potential. The Metaverse’s profound Influence on the tourism domain is well attested by the rigorous examinations, insightful analyses, and innovative research contributions in this issue. As we embark on this exploration, we encourage researchers, scholars, and industry experts to contribute their expertise and insights, forging a path toward a deeper understanding of the Metaverse’s implications for the future of tourism.