{"id":2692,"date":"2025-06-07T11:36:51","date_gmt":"2025-06-07T04:36:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/digital-heritage-tourism-as-a-pathway-for-post-covid-19-recovery-and-sustainable-development\/"},"modified":"2025-06-07T11:36:51","modified_gmt":"2025-06-07T04:36:51","slug":"digital-heritage-tourism-as-a-pathway-for-post-covid-19-recovery-and-sustainable-development","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/digital-heritage-tourism-as-a-pathway-for-post-covid-19-recovery-and-sustainable-development\/","title":{"rendered":"Digital Heritage Tourism as a Pathway for Post-COVID-19 Recovery and Sustainable Development"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"390\" data-end=\"667\"><em><strong data-start=\"390\" data-end=\"667\">In the post-COVID-19 context, the global tourism industry\u2014especially tourism in heritage cities\u2014faces a pivotal turning point. Digital technology, once a supporting tool, has now become central to strategies for recovery and sustainable development. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"674\" data-end=\"734\">COVID-19 Pandemic: A Storm that Exposed Core Issues<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"736\" data-end=\"1067\">Not merely a health crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic rendered cultural tourism centers silent, cutting off their primary source of income from visitors. The once-bustling streets of Venice, Khiva, or Puebla (Mexico) became desolate, spreading anxiety among communities dependent on tourism <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1069\" data-end=\"1415\">However, amid this crisis, a new phenomenon emerged: a surge in demand for cultural and heritage access through digital platforms. Some World Heritage sites recorded more than a 30% increase in website traffic and social media interaction\u2014opening a rare \u201cwindow of opportunity\u201d for the global tourism sector, especially in heritage cities. <\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Webinar: Leveraging Digital Innovation in Promoting Tourism Development in World Heritage Cities\" width=\"1020\" height=\"574\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ZauqsxXc59k?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1422\" data-end=\"1481\">Digitalization: From Supporting Tool to Strategic Platform<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1483\" data-end=\"1827\">An international seminar organized by the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) brought together experts from UNESCO, UNWTO, and representatives of heritage cities such as Venice (Italy) and Khiva (Uzbekistan) to discuss a key question: How can digital innovation become the key to developing more sustainable heritage tourism?<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1829\" data-end=\"1872\">Some exemplary initiatives were shared:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1874\" data-end=\"2977\">\n<li data-start=\"1874\" data-end=\"2167\">\n<p data-start=\"1876\" data-end=\"2167\">UNESCO expanded its <em data-start=\"1913\" data-end=\"1938\">World Heritage Journeys<\/em> platform, providing in-depth digital content on heritage and cultural routes. Notably, the collaboration with Expedia in the<em data-start=\"2063\" data-end=\"2098\"> UNESCO Sustainable Tourism Pledge<\/em> established a digital ecosystem to promote responsible tourism. <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2169\" data-end=\"2504\">\n<p data-start=\"2171\" data-end=\"2504\">Venice, long burdened by overtourism, invested heavily in Wi-Fi and fiber-optic networks to monitor real-time visitor flows. The city is transitioning toward \u201csmart tourism,\u201d utilizing VR and AR to enhance experiences\u2014enabling remote planning and exploration. <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2506\" data-end=\"2720\">\n<p data-start=\"2508\" data-end=\"2720\">Khiva, with its distinctive Islamic architectural heritage, introduced the <em data-start=\"2581\" data-end=\"2596\">Uzbekistan360<\/em> platform, offering immersive 360-degree virtual tours\u2014a stepping stone toward deeper VR\/AR applications. <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2722\" data-end=\"2977\">\n<p data-start=\"2724\" data-end=\"2977\">The Association of Mexican World Heritage Cities focused on supporting small enterprises\u2014hotels, restaurants, and tour guides\u2014via a two-tier digital platform offering promotions and incentives to stimulate domestic demand.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2979\" data-end=\"3188\">These initiatives not only kept cities connected with tourists but also promoted inclusion\u2014helping people with disabilities, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups access cultural heritage more easily.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"3195\" data-end=\"3251\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1840\" src=\"https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Du-lich-so-di-san-dan-loi-cho-su-phuc-hoi-va-phat-trien-ben-vung-hau-COVID-19-2-min.jpg\" alt=\"Du l\u1ecbch s\u1ed1 di s\u1ea3n d\u1eabn l\u1ed1i cho s\u1ef1 ph\u1ee5c h\u1ed3i v\u00e0 ph\u00e1t tri\u1ec3n b\u1ec1n v\u1eefng h\u1eadu COVID-19 2-min\" width=\"866\" height=\"541\" srcset=\"https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Du-lich-so-di-san-dan-loi-cho-su-phuc-hoi-va-phat-trien-ben-vung-hau-COVID-19-2-min.jpg 866w, https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Du-lich-so-di-san-dan-loi-cho-su-phuc-hoi-va-phat-trien-ben-vung-hau-COVID-19-2-min-300x187.jpg 300w, https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Du-lich-so-di-san-dan-loi-cho-su-phuc-hoi-va-phat-trien-ben-vung-hau-COVID-19-2-min-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 866px) 100vw, 866px\" \/>Digital Is Not a &#8220;Silver Bullet&#8221;<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3253\" data-end=\"3350\">Despite its vast potential, digital transformation in heritage cities faces several obstacles:<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3352\" data-end=\"3555\">First is the challenge of balancing economics and preservation. As digital platforms expand access, how can we avoid the over-consumption or commodification of heritage? <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3557\" data-end=\"3769\">Second, there is a lack of quantitative and qualitative data. UNWTO warns that tourism policy cannot be effectively developed without accurate data on visitor behavior and expectations in the digital age. <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3771\" data-end=\"4025\">Another issue lies in the vulnerability of informal workers. In many regions, artisans, street performers, and freelance guides lack formal contracts\u2014raising questions about income equity in virtual tourism models. <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4027\" data-end=\"4194\">In Khiva, local authorities reported a lack of information and resources to access international investment funds, causing many promising digital startups to be overlooked.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4027\" data-end=\"4194\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-1841\" src=\"https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Du-lich-so-di-san-dan-loi-cho-su-phuc-hoi-va-phat-trien-ben-vung-hau-COVID-19-min-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Du l\u1ecbch s\u1ed1 di s\u1ea3n d\u1eabn l\u1ed1i cho s\u1ef1 ph\u1ee5c h\u1ed3i v\u00e0 ph\u00e1t tri\u1ec3n b\u1ec1n v\u1eefng h\u1eadu COVID-19 2-min\" width=\"1020\" height=\"680\" srcset=\"https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Du-lich-so-di-san-dan-loi-cho-su-phuc-hoi-va-phat-trien-ben-vung-hau-COVID-19-min-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Du-lich-so-di-san-dan-loi-cho-su-phuc-hoi-va-phat-trien-ben-vung-hau-COVID-19-min-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Du-lich-so-di-san-dan-loi-cho-su-phuc-hoi-va-phat-trien-ben-vung-hau-COVID-19-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Du-lich-so-di-san-dan-loi-cho-su-phuc-hoi-va-phat-trien-ben-vung-hau-COVID-19-min.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"4201\" data-end=\"4269\">The Road Ahead: Not Just Recovery, But Restructuring<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4271\" data-end=\"4417\">From extensive discussions, experts proposed strategic directions for the future of heritage cities post-pandemic:<\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"4419\" data-end=\"5509\">\n<li data-start=\"4419\" data-end=\"4571\">\n<p data-start=\"4422\" data-end=\"4571\">\u201cBuild Back Better\u201d: Rather than reverting to old models, aim for a smarter, greener, and more resilient tourism industry.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4573\" data-end=\"4758\">\n<p data-start=\"4576\" data-end=\"4758\">People-Centered Focus: Integrate youth, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities into the tourism value chain through digital skill training and entrepreneurship support.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4760\" data-end=\"4929\">\n<p data-start=\"4763\" data-end=\"4929\">Rehabilitating the Tourism Workforce: Reskill, upskill, and ensure sustainable forms of employment\u2014especially in creative cultural sectors.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4931\" data-end=\"5119\">\n<p data-start=\"4934\" data-end=\"5119\">Promoting South-South Cooperation: Enhance data and knowledge sharing among developing countries to build stronger support networks for small and medium-sized heritage cities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5121\" data-end=\"5316\">\n<p data-start=\"5124\" data-end=\"5316\">Participatory Governance: Involve city governments, local communities, cultural organizations, and experts in building joint strategies grounded in dialogue and consensus.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5318\" data-end=\"5509\">\n<p data-start=\"5321\" data-end=\"5509\">New Legal Frameworks: Update outdated tourism and heritage preservation laws to reflect the digital era and ensure greater social responsibility from local authorities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1842\" src=\"https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Du-lich-so-di-san-dan-loi-cho-su-phuc-hoi-va-phat-trien-ben-vung-hau-COVID-19-3.jpg\" alt=\"Du l\u1ecbch s\u1ed1 di s\u1ea3n d\u1eabn l\u1ed1i cho s\u1ef1 ph\u1ee5c h\u1ed3i v\u00e0 ph\u00e1t tri\u1ec3n b\u1ec1n v\u1eefng h\u1eadu COVID-19 2-min\" width=\"850\" height=\"478\" srcset=\"https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Du-lich-so-di-san-dan-loi-cho-su-phuc-hoi-va-phat-trien-ben-vung-hau-COVID-19-3.jpg 850w, https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Du-lich-so-di-san-dan-loi-cho-su-phuc-hoi-va-phat-trien-ben-vung-hau-COVID-19-3-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/riat.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Du-lich-so-di-san-dan-loi-cho-su-phuc-hoi-va-phat-trien-ben-vung-hau-COVID-19-3-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"5516\" data-end=\"5583\">Digital Is Just a Tool \u2013 People Are the True Drivers<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5585\" data-end=\"5810\">The seminar concluded with a unified message: Digital innovation is not the destination, but a means to bring people closer to heritage\u2014in more inclusive, flexible, and personalized ways.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5812\" data-end=\"6028\">If the post-COVID-19 tourism sector truly wishes to recover sustainably, it must become a shared space\u2014where local residents are the protagonists of the journey, and technology is an enabler, not the leader.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6030\" data-end=\"6251\">As a catalytic intermediary, UNOSSC commits to continue supporting heritage cities worldwide by connecting partners, sharing knowledge, and collectively advancing toward a more inclusive, intelligent, and humane tourism future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the post-COVID-19 context, the global tourism industry\u2014especially tourism in heritage cities\u2014faces a pivotal turning point. Digital technology, once a supporting tool, has now become central to strategies for recovery and sustainable development. COVID-19 Pandemic: A Storm that Exposed Core Issues Not merely a health crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic rendered cultural tourism centers silent, cutting&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2477,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[346],"tags":[371],"class_list":["post-2692","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-digital-tourism-technologies-en","tag-digital-heritage-tourism"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2692","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2692"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2692\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2477"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2692"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2692"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/riat.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2692"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}