Description
Extended Reality (XR) technologies, including Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), are transforming how tourists experience cultural heritage sites, offering new possibilities for enhancing authenticity and engagement. This research investigates the intersection of XR, authenticity, and cultural tourism experiences, addressing a critical gap in understanding how digital technologies impact perceptions of authenticity. The study explores evolving concepts of authenticity in tourism studies, from object-based definitions to subjective, experiential interpretations. We examine how XR can bridge these perspectives by overlaying digital content onto physical sites or transporting tourists to the past, potentially increasing both object-based and existential authenticity. Through case studies, we demonstrate XR's capacity to reveal hidden historical layers, artifacts, and narratives, creating a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of heritage sites.Our research showcases effective XR applications that balance academic rigour with visitor engagement. We explore how XR can transcend physical constraints, allowing users to interact with otherwise inaccessible historical elements. This approach fosters deeper connections to heritage and enhances the overall authenticity of the visitor experience. The research addresses challenges in implementing AR while maintaining site integrity, offering insights for heritage professionals navigating the digital landscape. We examine how XR can provide a broader historical context without compromising the physical authenticity of sites. Additionally, we consider how XR might expand definitions of authenticity in the digital age. By investigating XR's potential to create more authentic and meaningful heritage experiences, this research contributes to ongoing debates about technology's role in cultural preservation and interpretation. The findings have implications for heritage management, tourism development, and the future of digital cultural experiences.
| Period | 24 Oct 2024 |
|---|---|
| Event title | 17th Conference for Cultural Tourism in Europe: European Collaboration for Smart and Sustainable Cultural Tourism Destinations |
| Event type | Conference |
| Conference number | 17 |
| Location | Dublin, IrelandShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |
Keywords
- Heritage Tourism
- Extended Reality (XR)
- Authenticity
- Digital Heritage