Charting the role of digital platforms for cultural heritage tourism in India

Abstract

Purpose With the growth of number of smart phone users in India, digital interfaces such as android applications are easy to access and operate. While conventional websites have been in existence over the past few decades, government schemes as well as non-government entities have emerged over the recent years that create opportunities for connecting digital interfaces with cultural heritage tourism. The purpose of this study is to attempt to cover the various facets of interaction between the two dimensions, in an attempt to identify possibilities in the near future. Design/methodology/approach The research process included review of government scheme guidelines and proposal documents, and various digital interfaces as available on the World Wide Web and in the form of mobile applications. The data collection and analysis process included interviews with the founders of two mobile application developing start-ups in India. Findings India is positioned to take the leap into the creating unparalleled visitor experiences and opportunities for local communities and other stakeholders through use of technology and digital interfaces that can sustain the cultural heritage resources and create new developmental models that have not been possible otherwise. The need is to create synergies across the various opportunities, not only though time bound schemes and projects but embedding the same into the heritage management and governance model. Originality/value This paper provides an insight into the issues and opportunities in developing digital interfaces towards enhancing cultural heritage tourism in India.

How does the hospitality industry integrate heritage?

“…The potential to design the visitor experience within and outside the property is greatly facilitated by the emergence of digital technology. Products are being developed by companies such as HopOn India and Augtraveler that connect the visitor with the heritage resources in an immersive manner (Munjal, 2021). Mobile app-based heritage walks that integrate augmented reality pave the way for expanding the possibilities for creating more meaningful and engaging visitor experiences.…”

Customer Engagement with VR-enabled Tourism Activities at Cultural Heritage Sites

“…Cultural heritage is the legacy of the objects of archaeological interest and a culture's intangible attributes passed on generation to generation (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization [UNESCO], 2021). As a tourism activity, cultural heritage comprises all the travel and visits that are aimed at exploring the cultural and historic sites and destinations that harbour these objects of interest (Munjal, 2021).…”