Virtual reality and mixed reality for second chance tourism. (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bec, Alexandra; Moyle, Brent; Schaffer, Vikki; Timms, Ken
• Is Part Of: Tourism management. Volume 83(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: Second chance tourism -- Augmented reality -- Virtual reality -- Over-tourism -- Mixed reality; Tourism -- Periodicals; 338.4791
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tourman.2020.104256
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0261-5177

Abstract

Abstract: The deterioration of attractions, landmarks, artefacts and destinations is a critical issue facing tourism across the world. The closure of tourism sites and attractions is increasingly more common due to the difficulty and expense of managing preservation with onsite tourism engagement. However, the closure or destruction of tourism sites presents challenges for tourism development. The inability to foster meaningful visitor engagement at sites has implications for the local communities. This paper aims to explore the efficacy of creating tourism experiences in destinations and sites that have succumbed to over-tourism, resultant deterioration and even, destruction. To achieve this objective, the paper introduces the concept of second chance tourism and the role of innovative preservation methods such as virtual and mixed reality. Based on the proposed framework, the collation of data will provide indications on site preservation and impact mitigation via a second chance to reduce pressure on inherently fragile destinations. Highlights: Explores immersive technology for the management of heritage and immersive tourism experiences. A contribution of this paper is the introduction of the concept of second chance tourism. Second chance tourism proposes a second 'life' to destroyed or deteriorated destinations, attractions, sites or artefacts. Introduction of a conceptual model of in-ex situ second chance tourism, for testing in empirical research.