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New Technologies for Sustainable Cultural Heritage Tourism
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New Technologies for Sustainable Cultural Heritage Tourism

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Tourism, Culture, and Heritage".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 6316

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Georgios D. Styliaras

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Patras, 30100 Agrinio, Greece
Interests: multimedia systems; sustainable development
Dr. Stavroula Tzima

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Department of Fine Arts and Arts Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
Interests: cultural digital applications
Dr. Nota Pantzou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of History - Archaeology, University of Patras, Agrinio, Greece
Interests: archaeological and museum management with emphasis on local communities; cultural heritage management and local communities

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A highly important motivation for tourism is the visit of cultural heritage sites. However, often, these sites are separated from the overall natural and economic environment of the area in which they are situated. As we transition to a more sustainable and digital world, new technologies may play a valuable role in accustoming tourists with cultural heritage sites along with their surrounding area and their evolution over the years based on multiple socioeconomic and environmental factors. Toward this direction, visits to cultural heritage sites need to be in accordance with the economic prosperity of the local population by deploying touristic development models that ensure sustainability. In this sense, except from monuments and archaeological sites, cultural heritage comprises physical and ecological monuments; intangible heritage, such as music, rituals, life habits, and food traditions; and traditional economic procedures and commercial routes. New technologies enforced by the broad use of mobile devices that may enhance these trends include multimedia, augmented and virtual reality, web services, and the Internet of Things. Digital educational applications may also act supplementarily for both tourists and local factors of all ages and cognitive levels in the form case studies, multimedia educational material, simulations, and quizzes.

In this Special Issue, the focus is to present development models and applications, which rely mostly on new technologies and are addressed to tourists for helping them understand cultural heritage sites in all these dimensions. They may also address the needs of local cultural curators, tour operators, and inhabitants by inspiring and educating them with new approaches for handling visits in cultural heritage sites and their surrounding area; by ensuring environmental and socioeconomic sustainability; and by respecting, embracing, and projecting local traditions. In recent literature, there are guidance applications for cultural heritage sites, as well as environment-oriented and sustainability applications that support mild economic development. However, these applications do not express a complete procedure of sustainable touristic development that is combined harmonically with the underlying natural and cultural environment.

More specifically, the applications and methodologies relying on new technologies may be based on the following topics of interest, but are not limited to:

  • Cultural heritage sustainable tourism development;
  • Sustainable economic prosperity and job sustainability in a touristic area;
  • Intangible cultural heritage and tourism;
  • Environmental sustainability in touristic cultural heritage sites;
  • Educational applications for tourists and local curators and inhabitants;
  • Ecotourism in cultural heritage sites.

Conference Information：

Dr. Georgios D. Styliaras
Dr. Stavroula Tzima
Dr. Nota Pantzou
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • cultural heritage
  • sustainable tourism development
  • multimedia applications
  • educational applications
  • augmented reality
  • internet of things
  • web applications
  • environment sustainability

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

30 pages, 4624 KiB  
Article
AR-Based Food Traceability as a Means for Sustainable Development
by Victoria Dimou, Georgios D. Styliaras and Konstantinos Salomidis
Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 3037; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16073037 - 5 Apr 2024
Viewed by 636
Abstract
This paper focuses on traceability as a means to ensure sustainability during food development by using augmented reality and addressing the needs of farmers/producers, development and retail companies, and consumers. After reviewing related work, the needs are outlined for an application with a [...] Read more.
This paper focuses on traceability as a means to ensure sustainability during food development by using augmented reality and addressing the needs of farmers/producers, development and retail companies, and consumers. After reviewing related work, the needs are outlined for an application with a highly visual interface that lets all involved parties insert, explore, and view data about food products, starting from their origin and dietary/heritage value until their placement in a market. In this direction, the research questions examined the usability of such an application along with its validity concerning whether customers would choose healthy food products based on certain criteria, ensuring sustainability at all levels. Data are selected from predefined lists where possible and propagated without disruption from farmers to markets to avoid errors. The analysis led to the AR application, FoodTrace, whose design and prototype implementation are also presented. The evaluation was encouraging as the research goals were largely met regarding both usability and content value and will help further develop the application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Technologies for Sustainable Cultural Heritage Tourism)
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14 pages, 582 KiB  
Article
Phygital as a Lever for Value Propositions in Italian Cultural Tourism Startups
by Fabio Greco, Francesco Carignani, Laura Clemente and Francesco Bifulco
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2550; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062550 - 20 Mar 2024
Viewed by 629
Abstract
The proliferation of innovative digital technologies is increasingly evident in the domains of culture and tourism. This trend, characterized by significant a potential for experimentation and practical application, necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the emerging tools that are enhancing the cultural tourism sector. [...] Read more.
The proliferation of innovative digital technologies is increasingly evident in the domains of culture and tourism. This trend, characterized by significant a potential for experimentation and practical application, necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the emerging tools that are enhancing the cultural tourism sector. Central to this evolution is the emergence of cultural startups that are leveraging advanced technological solutions to revolutionize market dynamics. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted the cultural sector, there is a pressing need for innovation. This study combines the concept of cultural tourism startups with the notion of ‘phygital’—a blend of physical and digital realities—aiming to augment the existing, yet limited, body of research in this field. This research seeks to provide insights into the market trends shaped by cultural startups, focusing on tourism. By examining case studies of Italian cultural tourism startups that are implementing innovative and engaging ‘phygital’ strategies, we aim to offer theoretical contributions to the discourse on phygital applications in culture, as well as practical recommendations for the managers and founders of cultural tourism startups that are venturing into new business models. The selected startups are primarily engaged in enhancing the experiences of incoming tourists, improving customer and partner interactions, and promoting the conservation of Italy’s cultural heritage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Technologies for Sustainable Cultural Heritage Tourism)
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22 pages, 16953 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Cultural Sustainability: Making Rescue Excavations Accessible through Educational Applications and Virtual Reality
by Stavros Vlizos, Konstantinos Kotsopoulos and Dimitrios Christodoulou
Sustainability 2024, 16(4), 1439; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16041439 - 8 Feb 2024
Viewed by 659
Abstract
The key questions of this article concern the extent to which digital documentation, 3D scanning technologies, and VR/AR technologies contribute to the preservation, enhancement, and sustainability of cultural heritage. The purpose of this research is to present an innovative methodology through which a [...] Read more.
The key questions of this article concern the extent to which digital documentation, 3D scanning technologies, and VR/AR technologies contribute to the preservation, enhancement, and sustainability of cultural heritage. The purpose of this research is to present an innovative methodology through which a platform for the diagnosis, management, and documentation of findings, progress, and reports and projections of rescue excavations in the area of Euboea, Greece was implemented. A holistic approach is proposed with a comprehensive system of archaeological documentation and visualization, which integrates the use of digital technologies in all steps of the archaeological process, enhances the tools of the scientific community, and provides immersive experiences for both researchers and the public. The results of the method include (1) a complex toolbox of innovative technologies that allow archaeologists to plan and execute a rescue excavation in an efficient and concise manner and (2) a VR installation at the Diachronic Museum of Chalkida “Arethousa”, which allows the public to participate in virtual rescue excavations and explore archaeological sites that are no longer accessible. Through this project, the impact of new technologies on cultural heritage and, in particular, on issues of sustainability, accessibility, education, and visitor participation is highlighted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Technologies for Sustainable Cultural Heritage Tourism)
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20 pages, 715 KiB  
Article
Alternative Forms of Tourism: A Comparative Study of Website Effectiveness in Promoting UNESCO Global Geoparks and International Dark Sky Parks
by Michael Xanthakis, Androniki Simatou, Nikos Antonopoulos, Andreas Kanavos and Naoum Mylonas
Sustainability 2024, 16(2), 864; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020864 - 19 Jan 2024
Viewed by 886
Abstract
In the digital age, effective website promotion plays a pivotal role in attracting visitors to alternative forms of tourism. This study examines the websites of 177 UNESCO Global Geoparks and 190 International Dark Sky Parks, employing specific evaluation criteria essential for enhancing the [...] Read more.
In the digital age, effective website promotion plays a pivotal role in attracting visitors to alternative forms of tourism. This study examines the websites of 177 UNESCO Global Geoparks and 190 International Dark Sky Parks, employing specific evaluation criteria essential for enhancing the promotion of alternative tourism forms such as geotourism and astronomical tourism. Our findings reveal that geopark websites adeptly promote geotourism through a diverse array of digital tools, with the potential for minor enhancements. In contrast, the majority of dark sky park websites exhibit limited visibility in the promotion of astronomical tourism. These identified criteria and results serve as crucial benchmarks for optimizing the websites of UNESCO Global Geoparks and International Dark Sky Parks, thus ensuring the comprehensive fulfillment of established promotional standards for alternative tourism destinations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Technologies for Sustainable Cultural Heritage Tourism)
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23 pages, 3124 KiB  
Article
Combining Cultural Heritage and Gaming Experiences: Enhancing Location-Based Games for Generation Z
by Hyeyoung Yun
Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13777; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813777 - 15 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1195
Abstract
Location-based games (LBGs) are an effective tool to enhance engagement in cultural heritage experiences. Especially for digital natives (i.e., Generation Z), LBGs are a new way to experience cultural heritage. However, combining the heterogeneous experiences of cultural heritage and gaming without losing control [...] Read more.
Location-based games (LBGs) are an effective tool to enhance engagement in cultural heritage experiences. Especially for digital natives (i.e., Generation Z), LBGs are a new way to experience cultural heritage. However, combining the heterogeneous experiences of cultural heritage and gaming without losing control of the game is a challenge for LBG development. This qualitative study proposes a model for combining cultural heritage experiences and gaming in LBGs based on the experiences of Generation Z. Fifteen research participants were asked to play-test the LBG Jungdong Milseo, and the findings were derived through the methodology of the constructivist grounded theory. The study focused on two research questions: “How can the heterogeneous experiences of cultural heritage and gaming be combined in LBG?” and “How does Generation Z perceive cultural heritage experiences through LBG?” The findings revealed that Generation Z wanted LBGs to include historical and cultural information that can only be experienced through games. This study, which combines cultural heritage experiences and games in LBG based on the experiences of Generation Z, proposes a model centered on the elements of site-based play, loose story, and mutually pervasive environment, and is expected to serve as a practical guide for LBG development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Technologies for Sustainable Cultural Heritage Tourism)
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17 pages, 2124 KiB  
Article
Heritage Enhancement through Digital Tools for Sustainable Fruition—A Conceptual Framework
by Federica Maietti
Sustainability 2023, 15(15), 11799; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511799 - 31 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1340
Abstract
Digital technologies are becoming increasingly relevant in the processes of documenting, surveying, enhancing, and preserving cultural heritage, including through applications that are becoming more and more optimized and oriented toward new data management and accessibility processes. This great potential can find significant levels [...] Read more.
Digital technologies are becoming increasingly relevant in the processes of documenting, surveying, enhancing, and preserving cultural heritage, including through applications that are becoming more and more optimized and oriented toward new data management and accessibility processes. This great potential can find significant levels of application in the tourism sector, seeking new strategies to access, discover, and understand cultural assets. In this direction, many digital applications have already found interesting outcomes in the tourism sector, but there is large room for improvement in the applications for “minor”, small, or neglected cultural sites, not included in conventional tourism routes, which play a key role in social inclusion and territorial cohesion, as well as for the development of social, economic, and environmental sustainability. The paper presents a conceptual framework or possible outline to foster the use of digital technologies through a set of integrated bottom-up and top-down actions, to facilitate connections of minor sites into larger networks, contributing to the search for new forms of sustainable and active fruition and social participation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Technologies for Sustainable Cultural Heritage Tourism)
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