Several studies have investigated the use of virtual reality (VR) in tourism, but none has taken an epidemiological outlook. This research examined the use of VR in tourism through the lenses of an extended TAM model in times of COVID-19 pandemic. The premise was that, in this context, people would prefer less risky experiences and would see VR as a substitute for traditional travel. The data used was collected through a within-subjects experiment, which proved that intention to use VR in tourism increased under the COVID-19 effect. This study tested a conceptual model that showed this intention was influenced by the perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and perceived substitutability of VR, all mediated by people’s interest in VR use in tourism. The perceived authenticity of VR experience determined the perceived substitutability of VR. This paper has theoretical and practical implications. In the long term, promoting tourism-related VR activities might reduce the risk of virus spreading, lessen the pressure imposed on this sector by such epidemic episodes, and increase its sustainability.

几项研究调查了虚拟现实 (VR) 在旅游业中的使用，但没有一项研究采用流行病学观点。这项研究在 COVID-19 大流行期间通过扩展 TAM 模型的镜头检查了 VR 在旅游业中的使用。前提是，在这种情况下，人们更喜欢风险较小的体验，并将 VR 视为传统旅行的替代品。所使用的数据是通过受试者内实验收集的，证明在 COVID-19 的影响下，在旅游中使用 VR 的意愿有所增加。这项研究测试了一个概念模型，该模型表明这种意图受到 VR 的感知易用性、感知有用性和感知可替代性的影响，所有这些都是由人们对 VR 在旅游中使用的兴趣所调节的。VR 体验的感知真实性决定了 VR 的感知可替代性。本文具有理论和实践意义。从长远来看，促进与旅游相关的 VR 活动可能会降低病毒传播的风险，减轻此类疫情对该行业造成的压力，并提高其可持续性。