VR and Football – Enhancing Sport Experience in Qatar 2022

The hospitality industry has always looked for new trends to increase sales and revenue. This year, with FIFA 2022 set to be held in Qatar, it has been their most significant free marketing event. 

However, how well can markets outside Qatar use this as an excuse to attract visitors?

Due to the high cost of flights and entrance tickets, this year’s football season has disappointed fans who wanted to watch the games in person. On the other hand, technology has exploded into almost every situation, acting as a perfect solution. 

Furthermore, with FIFA announcing its preference for the 2026 Football World Cup to be held in the metaverse, the potential of this new technology in the sports industry—and, by extension, the hospitality industry—has become a current hot topic for VR and football fans. 

Metaverse guide is a keyword whose search volume skyrocketed in the past months, and VR and football is no exception for a good reason. 

According to PR Newswire, the metaverse market will be worth $824.53 billion by 2030, a figure that no innovative industry can afford to ignore. Could this mean that, in comparison to previous FIFA games, the metaverse will provide better hands-on experiences and opportunities for fans this year?

What is the relationship between the metaverse and the hotel industry? 

It’s no secret that one of the best ways for hotels to generate non-room revenue is through popular local events. Hotels that take advantage of this opportunity will be able to move forward without having to wait until 2026 for metaverse games.

What can hoteliers do about FIFA 2022?

This year, VR and football fans are expected to go all-in on the metaverse platform. According to research commissioned by telecoms software vendor Amdocs, fans want to interact with the FIFA fandom through 360° video, real-time insights, and virtual reality (VR). Furthermore, this year’s games were reportedly the final World Cup for Messi and Ronaldo star players. Seeing these stars take one final bow on the world stage is a fantastic opportunity for fans who are unable to travel physically.

The hotel industry can also benefit from this major sports phenomenon by providing a complimentary metaverse football experience to complement its traditional services. However, how well the competition against hoteliers will be in providing the best cutting-edge setups to watch the games is only a matter of fact.

Give fans all over the world a chance

The metaverse can make it possible for all of us to participate in various types of tournaments hosted by organizations all over the world, covering a wide range of topics such as sports, games, and music. Fans can participate in or watch these tournaments by simply logging in, extending the event’s reach beyond geographical boundaries. 

This will give hotels numerous opportunities to attract new prospects and travelers worldwide. The metaverse fascinates visitors because it does not violate geographical boundaries. 

In addition, hotels in other countries can work with their crews or partners in the host country to provide equipment with metaverse compatibility as part of standard room amenities, giving global fans an unlimited number of viewing options.

Make a viewing experience unlike any other

Bringing hotel services into the metaverse not only increases the possibility of fan viewing opportunities but also elevates the experience to a new level: almost a futuristic adventure that can leave guests speechless. 

This opportunity can be extended to fans who could not obtain tickets but still wish to watch with other fans, those who are eager to experience the metaverse or those who prefer a more relaxed viewing experience from the comfort of their hotel. This is also ideal for guests with health concerns who prefer a more private viewing experience away from large crowds and stadiums.

Increase audience participation

According to Mckinsey, 79% of metaverse consumers have made a purchase. That being said, an engaging audience is every brand’s dream, and those who know the trade know that novelty is essential to keeping their audience loyal and engaged.

The metaverse increases fan engagement with sports and, as a result, with host hotels that enable them to interact with the metaverse. For example, a hotel that uses VR technology allows fans to gather in virtual rooms to celebrate the victories of their favorite teams or athletes is more likely to receive fan bookings.

Virtual fan events enable VR and football fans to interact with one another in real-time and participate in other complementary events, such as chatting with mutual fans during a match, sharing their thoughts on the game, or exploring the stadium with an avatar. 

It also allows guests to live the entire FIFA experience from wherever they are, and the hotel can establish a reputation for exceeding guest expectations with first-rate service.

Modern consumers expect novelty and change. Furthermore, the metaverse will be opened up not only for FIFA but also for other international games such as the Olympics, Cricket World Cup, and others. However, will the metaverse significantly reduce physical spectators to events, leaving the hospitality industry thriving with exciting new opportunities and services for guests?

However, this is debatable because seasonal events generate enormous revenue for countries and hotels as international visitors fly in to watch in person. The hospitality industry relies heavily on seasonal events to boost profits because it is a never-to-be-missed opportunity. 

Although the metaverse generates revenue for non-seasonal events in other countries, it can harm the revenue generated by in-house events.

The metaverse concept will undoubtedly disrupt many industries in the coming years, including the hotel industry. Nonetheless, the metaverse will provide numerous potential opportunities for hotels, as they can use virtual reality, augmented reality, and other next-generation technology to provide space for memorable virtual interactions. 

In fact, it is a technology that will bridge the physical divide that has existed between hotels and guests for years. The hotel industry is one of the most resilient in terms of a quick recovery and will be challenged yearly by new technologies, events, and so on. This is what drives the industry’s competitiveness and innovation, resulting in faster visitor attractions.