VR tourism: EEG insights into relaxation & detachment
Annals of Tourism Research, vol.118, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 118
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.annals.2026.104138
- Journal Name: Annals of Tourism Research
- Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, ABI/INFORM, Geobase, Hospitality & Tourism Complete, Hospitality & Tourism Index, Index Islamicus, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index
- Keywords: Alpha power, Beta power, EEG, Psychological detachment, Relaxation, VR tourism experience
- Süleyman Demirel University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Although the restorative effects of virtual reality (VR) tourism experiences are widely recognized, knowledge of the neural mechanisms of different VR experiences and mental recovery processes is limited. This study investigated the effects of nature-based (relaxing) and adventure-oriented VR tourism experiences on psychological detachment and relaxation. Sixty participants were randomly assigned to three VR groups: relaxing, adventure, and control. Electroencephalography (EEG) measurements were recorded while participants watched the 360-degree videos. Time-resolved, frequency-specific EEG oscillations revealed the effects of the videos on brain activity. Adventure VR enhanced detachment and increased beta power through an attention-based mechanism. In contrast, relaxing VR enhanced relaxation and increased alpha power by reducing physiological arousal. Three-minute VR tourism experiences are an effective tool for supporting recovery.