Avatar-Guided Virtual Tours for Older Adults: Emotional Design to Build Travel Confidence Entrepreneurship
Prof. Faye HAO
Assistant Professor, School of Hotel and Tourism Management
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Date: 2 March 2026 (Monday)
Time: 10:30-12:00
Venue: E22-1030
Host: Prof. Lawrence Fong, Associate Professor in Integrated Resort and Tourism Management
Abstract
Older adults often face uncertainty and stress when planning travel, which can reduce participation and widen inclusion gaps. This study examines whether avatar-guided virtual tours can strengthen older adults’ engagement and travel intentions, and which content strategy works best. Across two between-subject experiments, we compare emotion-driven versus knowledge-centric virtual tours and test two psychological pathways: building travel confidence and reducing anticipatory stress. We also examine when these effects are amplified by positive psychological cues embedded in the tour experience. Results show that emotionally engaging avatar-led tours are especially effective: they increase older adults’ willingness to travel by helping them feel more confident and less worried, with positive cues further strengthening engagement. The findings extend socioemotional selectivity theory to metaverse-enabled tourism and offer actionable guidance for designing inclusive, senior-friendly virtual experiences.
Speaker
Prof. Fei (Faye) Hao is an Assistant Professor at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). Her research, under the overarching theme of “Technology for Humanity,” is organized around two pillars: Intelligent Hospitality, which examines how AI, contactless systems, avatars, robotics, and the metaverse reshape service design and guest experience; and Human Flourishing in the Digital Age, which advances dignity, equity, and well-being through inclusive hospitality innovations. Recognized as one of the Top 2% most-cited scientists globally (Stanford-Elsevier ranking), Prof. Hao has published 40+ peer-reviewed journal articles in leading academic outlets and has accumulated 2,000+ Google Scholar citations. Her research has been supported by 22 competitive grants totaling over HKD 28 million (approximately USD 2.83 million), funded by major public bodies including the Research Grants Council, University Grants Committee, and Innovation and Technology Commission, as well as through strategic collaborations with industry partners. She is the Programme Leader of the MSc/PgD in AI in Hospitality (launching 2026/27). In parallel with her academic work, Prof. Hao delivers executive training on AI in hospitality for organizations including PATA, ICCA, Hong Kong Hotels Association, H World Group, DerbySoft, and the Rosewood Hotel Group, and she has delivered keynotes, invited talks, and guest lectures across Asia, Europe, and North America.
All are welcome!
