Cultural Heritage Tourism and Sustainability in the Digitalization Process
Chapter from the book:
Ongun,
U.
(ed.)
2025.
Current Research in Tourism I.
Synopsis
The increasingly competitive nature of tourism has led countries to develop new and sustainable tourism products; in this process, cultural heritage tourism has become one of the fastest-growing segments. The impact of cultural heritage values on tourist movements has elevated cultural heritage to a strategic element in tourism. The ever-increasing demand for tourism, while increasing the diversity of products and services, has also brought to the forefront the necessity of protecting and sustainably using cultural heritage. This study emphasizes the subjective and dynamic nature of cultural heritage and examines the role of digital technologies in transmitting this heritage to future generations. Digital tools such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and three-dimensional applications contribute to the preservation, increased accessibility, and presentation of cultural heritage to wider audiences. In conclusion, the study reveals that digitalization is a critical tool for the sustainability, preservation, and promotion of cultural heritage tourism.
