This study investigates the potential of integrating Digital Twin (DT) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies to address the multifaceted challenges faced by Bali’s tourism industry, including safety, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. A VR-based evacuation drill involving 19 university students demonstrated significant improvements in evacuation behavior, reducing anxiety and confusion while enhancing clarity in navigating emergency scenarios. The study also included an Eco-DRR workshop, emphasizing the ecological and protective roles of mangroves and the use of advanced technologies like VR and AR for disaster risk reduction and community engagement. The workshop fostered collaboration among communities, policymakers, and researchers, identifying actionable strategies for integrating environmental conservation with disaster preparedness and sustainable tourism planning. The results highlight the effectiveness of VR in enhancing disaster resilience and propose a comprehensive framework leveraging DT and VR technologies for real-time monitoring, predictive modeling, and immersive training. By addressing the vulnerabilities of Bali’s tourism sector, this approach aims to create a resilient, sustainable, and culturally sensitive tourism model, ensuring safety while preserving the island’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations. © The Author(s) 2026.