Digital Transformation of Tourism: Moscow DIT Analysis on Metaverses and VR Technologies

The digital transformation of the tourism industry has reached a critical juncture where physical and virtual spaces intertwine into a unified ecosystem continuum. A study conducted by the Moscow Department of Information Technologies in 2026 demonstrates a systematic paradigm shift: tourism is evolving from passive consumption to immersive interaction.

Analysis of global experience reveals that cities implementing metaverses and digital twins gain a competitive advantage not only in attracting tourists but also in creating sustainable digital assets. VR technologies have ceased to be merely an entertainment element—they have become an infrastructural component ensuring preview, navigation, and post-touristic engagement.

The study’s key finding lies in the formation of a hybrid consumption model, where digital services do not replace physical travel but expand its temporal and spatial boundaries. This creates new economic opportunities: monetization of digital impressions, sales of NFT souvenirs, and subscriptions to exclusive virtual content.

For Moscow and other megacities, the strategic significance lies in integrating these technologies into a unified smart city ecosystem. Success depends not on the quantity of implemented solutions, but on their seamless integration with existing tourist infrastructure.

The global trend points toward market consolidation around platform solutions, where cities become not just locations but active participants in creating digital content. This requires revising approaches to urban planning, investing in digital infrastructure, and training personnel.