ABSTRACT
Technological advances in the digital era emerged with new innovations that combined the Internet of Things (IoT) with tourism. At present, tourism is being challenged on how to survive amid a pandemic. Due to the outbreak which occurred around the globe, it makes people aware that they should keep their distance, stop travelling, maintain cleanliness, and avoid crowds. As a result, it decreased visitors’ numbers and weakened tourism service providers. In dealing with this condition, virtual tours utilized the Internet network as an answer so that the tourism sector sub-section can survive. A virtual tour realm is not something new, but the pandemic outbreak has triggered virtual tour providers in cyberspace vigorously. This paper aimed to illustrate tourists’ necessities, who choose virtual tours, which began to increase from March to June 2020. Netnography is a research method used in analyzing 12 netizen comments and interviews with 8 virtual tourists. Comments were identified into two categories, positive and negative comments. These comments were responses toward virtual tours which were provided by two Instagram accounts. The study’s result describe virtual tourism’s management in accordance with market share based on attractions, amenities, and activities. Virtual tours do not replace tourist experiences in reality. But it has potential, due to the public enthusiasts, as well as to help economic recovery in the new normal era.
