The Evolving Concept of Authenticity in Heritage and Cultural Tourism

Description

This study explores the impact of Extended Reality (XR) technologies on cultural heritage tourism, focusing on their capacity to enhance authenticity and visitor engagement. The notion of authenticity remains a contentious issue in heritage conservation and cultural tourism studies. Interpretations of what constitutes 'authentic' span a broad spectrum. At one end of this spectrum lies the view of authenticity being enshrined in the originality of an object. This perspective emphasizes the material originality of artifacts and sites, placing value on tangible, verifiable attributes. It aligns closely with conventional conservation practices that prioritize the preservation of physical integrity. In contrast, more recent constructivist and post-modernist approaches have shifted the focus to socially constructed and even entirely subjective experiences of authenticity. These interpretations recognize authenticity as a social or deeply personal phenomenon, acknowledging that perceptions of what is 'real' or 'genuine' can vary significantly among different observers or participants.

The introduction of digital technologies into this landscape has further complicated and expanded our understanding of authenticity. As tourism settings increasingly engage Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) applications, it is crucial to unravel how these digital innovations influence perceptions of authenticity and shape cultural experiences. This research addresses a significant gap in the literature by examining the complex interplay between XR technologies, evolving concepts of authenticity, and cultural tourism experiences. It looks at how XR can bridge traditional object-based authenticity with more contemporary, experiential interpretations, potentially enhancing both dimensions. Through a series of case studies, we demonstrate XR's unique ability to reveal hidden historical narratives, reconstruct past environments, and facilitate interaction with inaccessible artifacts. These experiences help visitors connect to heritage sites on a deeper level while allowing us an expanded understanding of authenticity in the digital age. This research advances our understanding of how innovative technologies can create more authentic, meaningful, and engaging heritage experiences in an increasingly digital world.

Period	4 Dec 2024
Event title	EuroMed 2024: International Conference on Digital Heritage
Event type	Conference
Conference number	10
Location	Limassol, CyprusShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International