Although the transformative impact of the metaverse on tourism and its marketing has been widely discussed, little is known about the metaverse in tourism marketing. In this study, in-depth interviews with 19 representative metaverse tourism stakeholders from multiple categories are conducted. Based on a modified conceptual model of destination competitiveness and stakeholder theory, this study reveals that the factors driving the development of metaverse tourism are planning and management; economic, sociocultural, and technological factors; and recognition and acceptance, whereas the hindrances stem mainly from the government, industry, tourists, local communities, and educational institutions. Accordingly, theoretical and practical contributions are provided.