How Virtual Tours Are Transforming Hospitality Bookings — and What Your Venue Might Be Missing

Written By Neil Sedgley

In the hospitality world, first impressions aren’t just important—they’re everything.

Whether you run a hotel, events venue, or restaurant, guests want to know what to expect before they commit. And in an age of high customer expectations and low attention spans, that means giving them more than static photos or vague descriptions.

At Virtual Tours North East, we create immersive 3D Matterport tours that allow prospective guests to explore your space online—any time, from anywhere. It’s more than marketing—it’s a tool for increasing bookings, reducing no-shows, and elevating the guest experience before they arrive.


Why Virtual Tours Drive Bookings

Hospitality decision-makers are discovering that when guests can “walk through” a venue virtually, they’re more likely to convert into paying customers.

  • Increased bookings: Guests feel more confident and emotionally committed after previewing your space.

  • Reduced no-shows: Virtual tours set accurate expectations, reducing miscommunication or last-minute cancellations.

  • Boosted SEO & engagement: Matterport embeds keep visitors on your site longer and improve Google rankings.

  • Supports accessibility: Neurodivergent guests and those with mobility needs benefit from familiarising themselves before arrival.

One hotel saw a 22% increase in direct bookings within 60 days of adding a virtual tour to their website.


What Sets Us Apart: Architectural Precision

Unlike most providers, I come to this work with 25+ years in architectural design. Through my firm 5EDGE, I’ve designed and analysed countless buildings for flow, function, and clarity.

That experience translates directly into how we plan and execute each tour. I don’t just scan a space—I understand how guests move through it, where to pause the viewer, how to create a sense of scale, and how to present each feature as part of a cohesive journey.

This architectural lens is especially valuable in hospitality, where layout influences emotion and ambience drives conversion.


Real Use Case: PTMY Morpeth

We recently worked with PTMY Morpeth, a vibrant dining and cocktail venue in Northumberland. By creating an interactive tour of their multiple seating areas and atmospheric bar setup, the team could:

  • Highlight their unique layout and decor

  • Share the tour on Google Maps and social platforms

  • Help private parties visualise event configurations in advance

As a result, the venue gained visibility, increased online engagement, and received positive feedback from guests who appreciated “knowing what to expect” before arriving.

Explore the virtual tour here - https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=nKu2NZt2osG


Where to Start

Whether you’re launching a new hotel, marketing a wedding venue, or managing a restaurant group, a virtual tour can:

  • Differentiate your brand in a crowded digital space

  • Support your sales and events teams with instant visual collateral

  • Convert browsers into buyers with confidence-driven previews

📞 Book a Free Demo

I’d love to show you what’s possible.


Click the link below or send me a message to schedule a free 15-minute Teams walkthrough. I’ll show you a real tour, answer your questions, and explore how this could work for your venue.


virtualtoursnortheast.uk
enquiries@virtualtoursnortheast.uk

Let’s make your space the easiest decision your next guest ever makes.

Best regards,
Neil Sedgley
Founder | BA (Hons), M.Arch
Virtual Tours North East

Neil Sedgley

Founder of 5EDGE and Virtual Tours North East - Architectural Designer in Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, specialising in bespoke extensions, new build houses, commercial architecture, commercial interior office fit-out, 3D visualisations, 3D virtual tours and building scanning. Huge love and interest for all things architecture and dedicated to providing exceptional services to clients.

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