Tools commonly used in the Virtual Tours industry for day-to-day tasks and operations.

• 360-degree cameras
• Virtual tour software (e.g. Matterport, Tour Creator)
• Tripods and stabilizers
• Lighting equipment
• Editing software (e.g. Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom)
• Virtual reality headsets
• Drones
• Floor plan software
• Audio recording equipment
• Web development tools (e.g. HTML, CSS)

Common products and services typical of NAICS Code 561520-15, illustrating the main business activities and contributions to the market.

• Real estate virtual tours
• Museum virtual tours
• Hotel virtual tours
• College campus virtual tours
• Theme park virtual tours
• Wedding venue virtual tours
• Cruise ship virtual tours
• Car dealership virtual tours
• Restaurant virtual tours
• National park virtual tours

The specific certifications, permits, licenses, and regulatory compliance requirements within the United States for this industry.

• Certified Virtual Tour Professional: This certification is offered by the International Virtual Reality Photography Association (IVRPA) and is designed for professionals who create virtual tours. It covers topics such as photography, software, and hardware used in virtual tours.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate: This certification is required for commercial drone pilots in the US. Virtual tour operators who use drones to capture aerial footage for their tours need to have this certification.
• Google Street View Trusted Photographer: This certification is offered by Google and is designed for photographers who create virtual tours for Google Street View. It covers topics such as photography, software, and hardware used in virtual tours.
• OSHA General Industry Training: This training is required for virtual tour operators who have employees. It covers topics such as hazard communication, personal protective equipment, and emergency action plans.
• ADA Compliance: Virtual tour operators need to ensure that their tours are accessible to people with disabilities. They need to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines for web accessibility.

A concise historical narrative of NAICS Code 561520-15 covering global milestones and recent developments within the United States.

• Virtual Tours have been around since the early 1990s when Apple introduced QuickTime VR. This technology allowed users to view 360-degree panoramic images of various locations. In the early 2000s, companies like IPIX and 0-360 started offering virtual tours to businesses. These tours were created by stitching together multiple images to create a virtual environment. In recent years, advancements in technology have made virtual tours more accessible and affordable. The COVID-19 pandemic has also increased the demand for virtual tours as people are unable to travel. In the United States, virtual tours have been used by real estate agents, museums, and universities to showcase their properties and facilities. For example, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History offers virtual tours of its exhibits, allowing people from all over the world to experience the museum without leaving their homes.

The anticipated future trajectory of the NAICS 561520-15 industry in the USA, offering insights into potential trends, innovations, and challenges expected to shape its landscape.

• Growth Prediction: Growing

  The virtual tours industry in the USA is expected to grow in the coming years due to the increasing demand for virtual experiences. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of virtual tours as a way to explore destinations and attractions without leaving home. The industry is expected to continue to innovate and improve the quality of virtual experiences, including the use of virtual reality and augmented reality technologies. Additionally, the industry is expected to expand into new markets and offer more diverse virtual experiences, such as virtual museum tours, virtual real estate tours, and virtual theme park rides.

Recent groundbreaking advancements and milestones in the Virtual Tours industry, reflecting notable innovations that have reshaped its landscape.

• Virtual Reality Tours: Virtual reality technology has allowed for more immersive and interactive virtual tours, providing a more realistic experience for users.
• Live Virtual Tours: Some virtual tour providers now offer live virtual tours, allowing users to interact with a tour guide in real-time.
• 360-Degree Tours: 360-degree tours provide a more comprehensive view of a destination or attraction, allowing users to explore every angle.
• Virtual Real Estate Tours: Virtual tours are increasingly being used in the real estate industry to showcase properties to potential buyers.
• Virtual Museum Tours: Many museums now offer virtual tours, allowing users to explore exhibits and collections from anywhere in the world.
• Virtual Theme Park Rides: Some theme parks now offer virtual reality versions of their rides, allowing users to experience the thrill of the ride from home.
• Augmented Reality Tours: Augmented reality technology is being used to enhance virtual tours, providing users with additional information and interactive elements.
• Virtual Nature Tours: Virtual tours of national parks and other natural attractions allow users to explore the great outdoors from home.
• Virtual Food Tours: Virtual food tours allow users to explore different cuisines and culinary traditions from around the world.
• Virtual Concerts and Events: Virtual tours are being used to provide access to concerts and other events that users may not be able to attend in person.