Background of the study
Tourism is a significant economic driver, yet many cultural and natural attractions remain underexplored due to accessibility challenges. Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State is renowned for its diverse wildlife and natural beauty; however, its physical location and limited infrastructure can restrict visitor engagement. A Virtual Reality (VR)-based interactive tourism guide offers an innovative solution by providing immersive, interactive experiences that showcase the reserve’s attractions in a virtual environment. By simulating real-life tours and interactive exhibits, VR can bring the experience of Yankari Game Reserve to potential visitors, allowing them to explore landscapes, observe wildlife, and learn about conservation efforts from anywhere in the world (Adeola, 2023; Ibrahim, 2024). The system integrates 3D models, interactive maps, and multimedia content to create a comprehensive virtual tour that enhances user engagement and educates the public about the reserve’s ecological significance. Despite its promise, challenges such as high VR equipment costs, technical complexities in creating realistic simulations, and ensuring the system is user-friendly remain. This study aims to design and implement a VR-based interactive tourism guide for Yankari Game Reserve, evaluate its impact on user engagement and tourism awareness, and propose strategies to optimize its performance and scalability (Chinaza, 2023).
Statement of the problem
Yankari Game Reserve faces challenges in attracting a broader audience due to its remote location and limited visitor infrastructure. Traditional tourism experiences are constrained by physical accessibility, resulting in lower visitor numbers and reduced revenue. Although a VR-based interactive tourism guide can potentially overcome these barriers by offering an immersive, virtual experience of the reserve, its implementation is hindered by high development costs, technical challenges in producing lifelike simulations, and potential user accessibility issues. In addition, limited digital literacy among potential users and inconsistent internet connectivity may further restrict the system’s reach and effectiveness. These challenges contribute to the underutilization of digital tools in promoting tourism and preserving the cultural and ecological heritage of Yankari Game Reserve. This study seeks to investigate the effectiveness of a VR-based tourism guide in enhancing visitor engagement and awareness, identify key technical and operational obstacles, and recommend strategies to optimize the system for broader public adoption (Ibrahim, 2024; Adeola, 2023).
Objectives of the study
• To design and implement a VR-based interactive tourism guide for Yankari Game Reserve.
• To evaluate its impact on user engagement and tourism awareness.
• To identify challenges and propose optimization strategies for scalability.
Research questions
• How does VR-based tourism enhance visitor engagement and awareness?
• What technical challenges affect the realism and accessibility of the VR guide?
• How can the system be optimized for broader public adoption?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it offers an innovative approach to promoting tourism through VR technology, potentially increasing visitor interest and economic benefits for Yankari Game Reserve while preserving its heritage digitally (Adeola, 2023; Ibrahim, 2024).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is confined to the design and evaluation of a VR tourism guide for Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State. Limitations include high production costs and limited user digital literacy.
Definitions of terms
• Virtual Reality (VR): An immersive technology that simulates real-world environments digitally.
• Interactive Tourism Guide: A digital tool that provides virtual tours and interactive exhibits.
• Scalability: The capacity to expand or adapt a system for a larger user base.
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