According to the World Economic Forum, a working metaverse has three key components: presence, interoperability, and standardization. While virtual and augmented experiences get more immersive by the day, interoperability and standardization should be wired into the metaverse's DNA from day one, to avoid silos and walled gardens. So how can we construct the foundation of an open, utopic metaverse in which the travel and hospitality industries can flourish without being paralyzed by the same Web 2.0 paradigms?