ADAPTATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF VIRTUAL TOURS IN QUEZON PROVINCE IN REBUILDING TOURISM AS PERCEIVED BY THE RESIDENTS AND TOURISTS

The study aimed to analyze the respondents’ level of awareness of virtual tours. Specifically, this study identified factors that influence their decision to use virtual tours, and recognize the benefits. This quantitative study employed the descriptive method of research since it used a researcher-made survey questionnaire through Google Forms specifically designed to address the problems stated in this paper. Data was collected from a sample of 100 respondents from selected municipalities in each district of Quezon Province using the purposive sampling technique. Results reveal that people are aware that virtual tours can be utilized as an alternative mode of travel, allowing for the marketing of businesses, services, and places in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Technological factors of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, were described by the Technology Acceptance Model, are significantly related to both virtual tourist experiences and behavioral intentions. This suggests that in order to enlighten the knowledge of residents and tourists, the tourism officers and the local government units should distribute brochures or conduct seminars about the concept of a new alternative way of traveling or new strategies for rebuilding tourism. Thus, each municipality should establish more virtual tours to market and promote the beauty of Quezon Province.