Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.20867/thm.32.2.2
Metaverse traveler: An expedition beyond reality
Nepoleon PRABAKARAN
orcid.org/0000-0003-3398-5136
*
Harold Andrew PATRICK
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Purpose – The aim of this research is to discuss the influence of metaverse platforms on
travel experiences and behavioral intention: how much there are inter-relationships between
immersion, the technical aspect, and user experience in virtual travel environments. This study
proposes and empirically tests a theoretical framework incorporating perceived enjoyment
and user curiosity as mediating variables.
Methodology/Design/Approach – The sample size used in the present study was 431
undergraduate students from an Indian university. The data collection was done through a
controlled experimental design using the drivenlisten platform.
Findings – The current study has evidence for significant positive relationships between the
technical aspect, user experience, feeling of immersion, and metaverse travel experiences.
Evidence of direct influences on travel intentions and indirect influences via perceived
enjoyment and user curiosity can be seen in this study. The structural model has shown robust
fit indices. The most important predictor of the metaverse travel experience was found to be
technical aspects, pointing toward critical technological infrastructure.
Originality of the research – This study extends the presence theory by updating knowledge
on the influence of virtual environments on travel behavior. The research makes a contribution
to the theoretical understanding of how immersive virtual environment technologies mold
travel-related decision-making processes.
Keywords
Metaverse, Travel, Controlled Experiment, Immersion, Curiosity
Hrčak ID:
345118
URI
Publication date:
4.3.2026.
Visits: 278 *