19 Apr 2020
A long weekend city break has been the preserve of many a traveller and with that comes the ability to indulge in the cultural offerings of the chosen destination. Many of us have packed our bags to immerse ourselves in the culinary, architectural and cultural experiences of cities, both domestically and internationally. However, the onset of travel restrictions, coupled with the uncertainty overshadowing travel post the current crisis, have made this previously easily accessible pastime something that we can only look forward to, or reminisce about. Or could there be another way?
Our day to day lives have changed and with that we have all had to adjust our behaviour to operate in different ways. We have had to conduct social catch ups with friends, as well as meetings with colleagues and business associates, via various platforms (such as MS Teams, Zoom and Skype) to experience them virtually, as opposed to physically. That adaption of behaviour can be applied to travel and culture as well.
Although the culinary delights temporarily evade us, depending on your abilities in the kitchen, the cultural and architectural side can be experienced remotely.
Many of the world’s most popular museums and galleries have thrown open their virtual doors to offer visitors the opportunity to experience them from the comfort of their own home. Some even allow the virtual visitor the ability to get closer to the piece than they would be able to if they were physically present.
Institutions such as the Louvre in Paris, the Natural History Museum in London, the Picasso Museum in Barcelona, as well as the Sistine Chapel in Rome, offer the virtual tourist the chance to peruse the displays without the inconvenience of crowds and travel.
In addition, Google have an Arts and Culture application for users to download, allowing them to access museum collections from across the globe, including the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles.
And the trend seems to be gaining momentum. Recently, the Egyptian tourist board opened four virtual tours for visitors to experience, such as the tomb of Queen Meresankh III, incorporating 3D modelling by Harvard University.
Although most would argue that the virtual experience is not the same as admiring the exhibits in real life, with many parents home schooling their children and with current travel plans disrupted, it provides a way of educating and experiencing the contents of these museums whilst at home. Going forward, this represents a great opportunity for those who are unable to travel or who wish to avoid the crowds.
The tourism industry, like many others, is suffering due to the times we currently live in. The ability to still experience some of the world’s greatest cultural offerings using modern day technology is a little delight that we can all access to enhance our lives.
Stay well, stay cultured and stay safe.
Stuart Ryan, Investment Research Manager, RSMR
Looking for a whole host of informative, up-to-the-minute content from the fund rating experts? Click here to head to RSMR Connected.
This information is for UK Professional Advisers only and should not be given to retail clients.The value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up and investors may not get back the amounts originally invested.
Rayner Spencer Mills Research Limited is a limited company registered in England and Wales under Company Registration Number 5227656. Registered office: Number 20, Ryefield Business Park, Belton Road, Silsden, BD20 0EE. RSMR is a registered trademark.