Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Combination as a Holistic Application for Heritage Preservation in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Melaka

Abstract

Issues relating to the importance and purpose of heritage preservation have been widely discussed in tourism research. Due to natural degradation, development activities, and the overcrowding effect, heritage preservation efforts are becoming more critical to ensure the sustainability of heritage sites. UNESCO's world heritage committee listed 38 heritage sites and properties as being in danger. In response to the problems, numerous advancement in digital technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) now offer useful applications in heritage preservation. The efforts in preserving heritage sites and objects through VR is not something new as more and more heritage sites and objects from around the world are rendered as 3D models and made virtually accessible. However, a combination of VR and AR may provide alternative form of access to threatened heritage sites and objects that lessen the impacts of visitors' overcrowding effect but at the same time heightens the overall experience. As such, this conceptual paper aims to propose a conceptual model of VR-AR technological combination as a holistic application for heritage tourism and preservation within the context of the UNESCO world heritage site in Melaka as well as the framework for determining the technology's potential.