The Hong Kong-based group has rolled out Samsung Gear VR headsets to all of its global sales offices, which can be used to view 360-degreee “immersive” videos of resorts and hotels.

So far, Shangri-La has created VR videos for more than a quarter of its 94 properties with nearly half of all hotels due to be available by January and the rest to be rolled out during 2016.

The VR tours, which are powered by virtual specialist Oculus, will be used as promotional and educational tools at trade shows, sales meetings and industry events. Agents will also be able to share the videos with customers via a website link.

Steven Taylor, chief marketing officer, said: “Shangri-La is investing significantly in technology and the future of travel content, which is why we are embracing virtual reality on this scale.

“VR is a revolutionary new sales tool. The technology has evolved so that it is now affordable, light and portable; virtual reality is on the cusp of becoming more mainstream.”

The 360-degree tours include virtual experiences such as driving through the Chinese countryside, absorbing the sights and sounds in Genghis Khan Square in the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar, or touring the presidential suite of the Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo.

Taylor added: “Travel experts play a critical role in their fields and the traveller’s decision-making process. This is why our first VR efforts are focused on them.

“Their clients depend on them to ensure holidays, business trips and meetings are enjoyable and effective. Shangri-La’s VR experiences will enhance their knowledge about our hotels and their ability to sell with confidence to their clients.”