ABSTRACT This study combines generativity theory with narrative transportation theory to examine how narrative design influences tourists’ perceptions in virtual dark heritage tourism. Using a 2x3 between-subjects experimental design, it explores the effects of narrative format (text-only, audio-only, video) and narrative perspective (first-person, third-person) on perceived social generativity, a psychological construct that reflects concern for future generations. Results show that audio-only narratives are most effective, followed by text and video, with third-person perspectives enhancing these effects. Perceived social generativity, in turn, significantly mediates the relationships between narrative format and tourists’ life satisfaction as well as their citizenship behavioural intentions. By shifting focus from emotional reactions to generativity-driven outcomes, the study demonstrates how virtual heritage narratives can inspire reflection, civic engagement, and intergenerational responsibility. These findings advance generativity theory within digital heritage contexts and provide practical implications for designing interpretation strategies that transform dark heritage from spaces of remembrance into catalysts for prosocial values and behaviours.

ABSTRACT Virtual museums often prioritise access and digitisation over emotional engagement, frequently overlooking the nuanced, affective connections that physical heritage spaces can evoke. This has been influenced by culture and digital platform power, in addition to the cognitive bias of this moment. This article addresses that gap by introducing the concept of digital intimacy, defined as the emotional resonance that emerges when digital environments are designed to preserve personal memory, attachment, and embodied subjectivity. Through a hybrid methodology combining autoethnography, critical inquiry, and digital spatial analysis, the study explores how virtual representations of domestic objects and spaces can replicate, translate, or disrupt intimate experience. Drawing on comparative data from a personal domestic environment and The Glasgow Tenement House Museum, the research examines how physical and virtual museum spaces can be combined to create affective meaning. It argues that digital intimacy is not merely a technical effect but a curatorial and ethical imperative – central to rethinking how memory, care, and lived experience are communicated in virtual heritage spaces.

ABSTRACT The city archives of ‘s-Hertogenbosch (the Netherlands) hold extensive World War II heritage, including diaries, letters, and photographs. To bring these stories to life an interactive exhibit was developed entitled ‘Encounters in Wartime’. This mobile, interactive exhibit, uses speech recognition technology to enable visitors to engage with three WWII-era characters through interactive dialogues. Using the four-stage conceptual model of virtual heritage preservation for visitor experience as a framework, this case study describes the design and development process of the exhibit, highlighting the challenges of applying storytelling tools and interactive technology to intangible heritage. We report on a pilot version of the exhibit, which was tested with visitors to a public event in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. The findings indicate high visitor engagement and emotional connection with the characters as a result of the digital presentation. The study concludes with practical implications for integrating interactive technology and storytelling in the context of intangible heritage.

This article examines the methodological challenges inherent in the digital 3D reconstructions of historical buildings using archival documentation. Unlike photogrammetry or laser scanning, archival-based modeling is crucial for buildings that never existed, no longer exist, or have undergone extensive modifications. Present research insights from a pilot educational project where 65 university students reconstructed 70 heritage buildings from Budapest (Hungary) in Archicad based solely on archival sources. In total, 75% of the buildings lacked at least one façade drawing, while nearly 20% showed contradictions between different plans (e.g., floor plan and section). Common challenges were identified, including missing drawings, contradictory plans, stylistic uncertainty, and software constraints, and their patterns were analyzed. To enhance modeling transparency, structured methods for recording paradata were proposed. Findings contribute to methodological rigor in virtual heritage reconstruction and support the reuse of archival models in architectural practice, research, and conservation. This study is among the first to propose a structured paradata framework tailored explicitly to archival-based 3D reconstructions, bridging methodological gaps between educational practice and professional heritage research.

Since the launch of the Jharkhand Mining Tourism Circuit under the Memorandum of Understanding between the Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation (JTDC) and Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), mining tourism has recently become a forefront aspect of destination development in Jharkhand. The initiative’s long-term success depends on integrating digital and smart-tourism capabilities that improve accessibility, safety, and tourist engagement, even as it aims to turn industrial heritage into an educational and experiential asset. This study explores the impact of smart-tourism methods in advancing Jharkhand’s mining tourism strategy using secondary data collected from government reports, media coverage, academic research, and international standards of excellence. According to the findings, digital pathways may significantly boost the circuit’s appeal. This includes online booking, mobile applications, GIS mapping, virtual tours, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), and digital safety briefings. Mining heritage sites’ evidence shows immersive technology may improve educational outreach while providing an efficient alternative to risky or restricted areas. According to an analysis of recent publications, Jharkhand has a strong institutional base thanks to the JTDC–CCL partnership. Still, it lacks an adequate digital transformation strategy, sufficient financing sources, and local capacity to adopt modern technologies. According to the report, digital tool integration into the mining circuit is a structural necessity for sustainability, safety, and inclusivity rather than just an advertising strategy. With a focus on collaborations with Indian virtual heritage companies, safety-first procedures, and community engagement in digital storytelling, it concludes with a proposed framework for progressive digital integration. Such initiatives could establish Jharkhand as India’s competent industrial heritage tourism leader.

Abstract. In the past decade, Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM) has become a valuable tool for digitally documenting and conserving Cultural Heritage (CH). However, while HBIM excels in precision and archival value, it often remains static, complex, and inaccessible to non-expert users. This limits its broader potential in public outreach, education, and engagement. In contrast, Virtual Reality (VR) offers immersive environments that can transform HBIM from a technical dataset into a compelling virtual heritage experience. Serious Games (SGs) and gamification present an effective strategy to combine education and entertainment, enhancing user interaction, motivation and comprehension. Yet, despite growing interest, structured and integrative applications of HBIM within gamified VR environments have remained relatively limited. This research therefore aims to explore the map of SGs and gamification implemented in HBIM-based VR systems. The paper is structured into three parts: (1) analyzing gamification approaches in CH and their impact on behavior and usability; (2) conducting a bibliometric analysis of the current research on HBIM-based VR for SGs; and (3) addressing key questions regarding tools used, game design dimensions, conveyed knowledge, project goals, effectiveness, and future directions.

Abstract. The proliferation of hydropower dams has submerged numerous cultural heritage sites, posing significant challenges to their preservation and study due to physical inaccessibility and accelerated deterioration. This paper explores the potential of digital technology in documenting and reconstructing such submerged cultural heritage, specifically focusing on the Daegok-ri Bronze Age site in South Korea. Utilizing GIS-based landscape analysis, 3D visualization, and real-time rendering engines, this paper digitally reconstructs the site's historical landscape and the spatial context of its features.This digital reconstruction clarifies the relationships between dwellings and tombs, providing crucial archaeological insight. These outcomes also facilitate virtual heritage applications for educational programs, museum exhibits, and virtual tourism through VR/AR. Ultimately, this approach demonstrates digital preservation as a sustainable solution to record, protect, and reimagine submerged heritage through immersive virtual environments.

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the intersection between heritage tourism and digital technology, highlighting prevailing trends, dominant themes, and emerging frontiers in the field. As heritage tourism increasingly integrates digital technologies to enhance preservation, interpretation, and visitor engagement, it becomes essential to map the scholarly landscape to inform future research and practice. Despite growing academic interest, a systematic and data-driven overview of this interdisciplinary domain remains limited. Addressing this gap, the study analysed 229 publications retrieved from the Scopus database, focusing on works published between 1997 and 2025. Using a combination of Scopus Analyser for initial data filtering, OpenRefine for data cleaning and standardisation, and VOSviewer for network visualisation, the research identified key authors, influential journals, collaborative networks, and thematic clusters. The analysis revealed a sharp increase in scholarly output over the last decade, with significant contributions from countries such as China, the United Kingdom, and Italy. Core research themes include virtual heritage, Augmented Reality (AR), smart tourism, and digital storytelling, with a notable rise in interdisciplinary collaboration. Citation and co-authorship analyses further highlighted strong international research linkages and the emergence of digital innovation as a pivotal axis in the discourse of heritage tourism. The study concludes that digital technology is not only transforming heritage tourism experiences but also reshaping scholarly dialogue through the evolution of research networks and conceptual frameworks. These findings provide valuable insights for academics, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to understand and contribute to this dynamic and rapidly evolving research frontier.

<p><a name="_Hlk197335251"></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">The Lejja Archaeological Site showcases Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage, highlighting its historical significance through its unique features. Despite its cultural asset, the site remains unexamined in the context of tourism. The neglect is primarily due to issues like inadequate infrastructure, poor accessibility, low digital visibility, and lack of coordinated stakeholder engagement in its development and promotion. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">The study explores the harnessing and marketing of Lejja Archaeological Site for sustainable tourism destination in Nigeria. The study adopt qualitative research design and data sourcing, which includes in-depth interviews, semi structured interviews, and site observations for data collection. Six</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> people were interviewed in the course of the study. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">The data was analysed using descriptive approach. However, the findings identify the site’s features with tourist potentials and strategies on how to harness them. Additionally, the marketing strategies tailored to target audiences, including branding, digital marketing, and cultural events were analyzed. This article provides insights into sustainable tourism development that motivates policymakers and stakeholders to support the sustainable development of Lejja Archaeological Site. Ultimately, by harnessing and effectively marketing this cultural gem, Nigeria can unlock economic opportunities, preserve its heritage, and enrich the tourism landscape.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> Future study recommended to investigate community-based tourism and indigenous knowledge, plan for upgrading tourism infrastructure, digital and virtual heritage tourism, and comparative heritage site analysis.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> </span></p>

This research crafts and tests a Roblox-based Acehnese cultural learning environment showcasing virtual tours of key heritage landmarks, including the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, traditional Rumoh Aceh houses, and coastal ecological zones. Following a Research and Development approach with two-phase testing, the platform weaves together folklore-driven quests, dance reconstruction challenges, artifact recognition activities, and team-based puzzles. Findings reveal strong quest completion rates (85%) alongside marked improvements in cultural knowledge (from 32% to 76%) among the 100 teenage participants. The multiplayer design fostered genuine social connections, averaging 3.2 group problem-solving moments per session, while nearly two-thirds of players expressed desire to visit the actual locations. The adaptive difficulty system kept challenges engaging without overwhelming players. The project demonstrates how thoughtfully designed virtual environments serve as living cultural spaces where heritage breathes through active participation rather than passive observation, building bridges across generations and geography.

ABSTRACTProcedural modeling methods are used to automatically generate virtual scenes. There is a large number of available top‐down methods for generating partial content for specific purposes. However, little research was done on enabling the generation of content in the presence of manually modeled elements, from the bottom‐up direction, or without significant assistance from the user. No existing approach provides a platform that can combine the results of different methods, which leaves them isolated. This paper presents an integration approach that generates complete virtual space organizations by combining the usage of top‐down and bottom‐up procedural generation of content, with support for the placement of manually modeled content. The integration is made possible by using shape conversion to match the input and output shape types of different methods. The evaluation of the proposed approach was performed on a 2D polygon dataset by using four different scenarios, validating that it works as intended. Additional testing was performed by using a case study of organizing 3D virtual space around the manually modeled element of virtual heritage Tašlihan to demonstrate all capabilities of the integration approach and the different outputs depending on the level of user interaction and the desired results.

The emergence of cyberspace has fundamentally altered how societies construct, preserve, and interact with historical narratives. This paper examines the dialectical relationship between digital technologies and historical consciousness, arguing that cyberspace functions not merely as a repository for historical information but as an active agent in reshaping temporal perception and collective memory. Through analysis of digital archives, social media historiography, and virtual heritage sites, this study demonstrates how cyberspace creates new forms of historical agency while simultaneously fragmenting traditional chronological frameworks. The research employs a mixed-method approach, combining digital humanities methodologies with critical theory to explore how networked technologies reconfigure the relationship between past, present, and future. Findings suggest that cyberspace generates what we term "palimpsestic temporality"—a layered temporal structure where multiple historical moments coexist and interact in non-linear configurations. This transformation carries profound implications for historical epistemology, public memory, and the democratic functions of historical knowledge in contemporary society.

Digital experience and bare-hand interaction (BHI) technique support users to engage with cultural heritage (CH) proactively. Humans perceive by following an interactive process, a fact that is particularly true in relation to the understanding, analysis and cognition of CH. We develop a BHI-based digital reconstruction and interactive narrative system for the central pagoda in Yungang Grottoes to enhance public accessibility. Furthermore, we devise an evaluation method for virtual heritage experiences, measuring cognitive load and usability using five metrics: brain region HbO2 data, NASA-TLX scores, performance, user satisfaction, and immersion. Results demonstrate that employing specific narrative strategies and BHI models for CH digital experiences effectively reduce cognitive load, consequently improving system usability and immersion. The subjective-objective combination of user experience evaluation method is universal and can effectively optimize the design strategies, which brings good insights and references for CH digital experience design and human-computer interaction research.

In the context of sustainable architecture, buildings are no longer isolated entities but are integral components of a broader built environment that shapes and responds to human life. As part of this evolving architectural landscape, immersive digital cultural heritage spaces—such as virtual museums—are emerging as dynamic environments that contribute not only to cultural preservation but also to human well-being. This study examines how multisensory spatial design in virtual heritage environments can meet the physical, psychological, and emotional needs of users, aligning with the principles of smart, responsive architecture. A total of 325 participants experienced three immersive VR scenarios integrating different sensory inputs: visual–auditory, visual–auditory–tactile, and visual–auditory–olfactory. Through factor analyses, a three-dimensional model of user experience was identified, encompassing immersion, cultural engagement, and personalization. Structural equation modeling revealed that informational clarity significantly enhanced immersion (β = 0.617, p < 0.001), while emotional resonance was central to personalization (β = 0.571, p < 0.001). Moreover, ANOVA results indicated significant experiential differences among sensory conditions (F = 4.324, p = 0.014), with the visual–auditory modality receiving the highest user ratings. These findings demonstrate how digital cultural spaces—when designed with human sensory systems in mind—can foster emotionally rich, informative, and sustainable environments. By extending the role of architecture into the digital domain, this study offers insight into how technology, when guided by human-centered design, can create smart environments that support both ecological responsibility and enhanced human experience.

The intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and virtual or immersive technologies transformed the representation and preservation of cultural heritage by providing interactive means of interacting with historical accounts. Pakistan, a nation that is proverbially rich in varied cultural heritages, oral traditions, and architectural heritage, presents opportunities for reimagining and preserving its culture using AI-powered virtual heritage. This review critically discusses the AI contribution in creating immersive experiences that recreate, conserve, and interpret Pakistani cultural narratives using virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and machine learning (ML). In analyzing the latest developments in AI-based digital reconstructions, interactive narrative, and virtual curation of museums, this paper discusses how such technologies promote accessibility, learning, and cultural continuity. It examines the ethical and epistemological issues of digital heritage, such as authenticity, data bias, and the digital divide. Overall, this research emphasizes how immersive experiences powered by AI can close the gap between past and present, reshaping cultural experience for generations to come

In recent years, Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a powerful tool for disseminating Cultural Heritage (CH), often incorporating Virtual Humans (VHs) to guide users through historical recreations. The advent of Large Language Models (LLMs) now enables natural, unscripted communication with these VHs, even on limited devices. This paper details a natural interaction system for VHs within a VR application of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our system integrates Speech-to-Text, LLM-based dialogue generation, and Text-to-Speech synthesis. Adhering to user-centered design (UCD) principles, we conducted two studies: a preliminary study revealing user interest in historically adapted language, and a qualitative test that identified key user experience improvements, such as incorporating feedback mechanisms and gender selection for VHs. The project successfully developed a prioritized user experience, focusing on usability evaluation, immersion, and dialogue quality. We propose a generalist methodology and recommendations for integrating unscripted VH dialogue in VR. However, limitations include dialogue generation latency and reduced quality in non-English languages. While a formative usability test evaluated the process, the small sample size restricts broad generalizations about user behavior.

Virtual Reality (VR) enriches learning and instruction, while background music (BGM) is widely employed to modulate attention and cognition. Understanding how BGM influences learning in VR is essential for optimizing VR learning environments and has the potential to improve educational outcomes, yet this area remains largely unexplored. This study collected fifty-two participants’ self-reports, electroencephalogram signals, eye movements, heart rates, and interview responses to explore their attention and cognition during studying virtual heritage sites with and without BGM, while considering individual traits as influential factors. Results showed that with BGM, participants reported higher levels of engagement and demonstrated longer fixation duration on heritage sites’ image regions, than without BGM. Moreover, participants’ self-reported familiarity with the cultural heritage site and BGM listening frequency moderated the effect of BGM on attention and cognition in VR. This study offers implications for incorporating BGM for learning in VR, and designing personalized VR learning environments.

Virtual heritage tours aim to recreate historical environments, offering immersive experiences that allow tourists to explore cultural and architectural landmarks remotely. These tours enhance the quality of the tourism experience by presenting visually engaging content and providing educational insights into the heritage and unique features of historical sites. Such virtual experiences create a sense of on-site presence, closely mimicking the authenticity of physical visits. This research investigates virtual heritage tour programs in Malaysia during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The study has two (2) key objectives: first, to assess the efforts of travel agencies in developing virtual tour programs, and second, to evaluate the experiences and satisfaction of virtual tourists participating in these programs. The research classifies virtual heritage tours into three (3) main types: Virtual Reality (VR) tours, live experience tours, and pre-recorded tours. Data was collected by analysing travel agency websites offering virtual heritage services and surveys distributed to participants who experienced the tours. Two (2) travel agencies were selected as case studies. In addition, a survey was administered, targeting 100 respondents, with 72% (72 respondents) completing the questionnaire. The findings provide insights into the types of virtual technologies travel agencies use and highlight the levels of appreciation and engagement among virtual tourists during the pandemic lockdown. This study contributes to understanding the role and impact of virtual heritage tours in maintaining cultural engagement during restricted travel.

Madokaran merupakan bagian dari program “Denpasar Heritage City Tour” yang bertujuan untuk mengenalkan objek-objek wisata di Kota Denpasar, terutama keberadaannya sebagai Kota Pusaka. Namun masih terdapat kendala yang dihadapi oleh masyarakat dan wisatawan mengenai informasi program Madokaran pada media informasinya secara visual. Dinas Pariwisata Kota Denpasar menyampaikan belum memiliki media informasi secara visual mengenai program ini. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk: 1) menghasilkan media informasi edukasi secara visual dalam program Madokaran khususnya pada rute A Terminal Tegal, terutama sejarah dokar itu sendiri dan pengenalan pada objek-objek wisata heritage tourism di Kota Denpasar yang dilalui oleh pengunjung, 2) untuk mengetahui respon pengguna terhadap “Virtual Heritage City Tour Madokaran Denpasar”. Adapun metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah Research and Development (R&D) dengan model penelitian Multimedia Development Life Cycle (MDLC) yang terdiri dari enam tahapan yaitu pengonsepan (concept), perancangan (design), pengumpulan bahan (material collecting), pembuatan (assembly), pengujian (testing), distribusi (distribution). Hasil pengujian yang telah dilakukan dengan uji ahli isi dan uji ahli media menunjukkan nilai koefisien validitas 1.00 dengan tingkat validitas “Sangat Tinggi” dan hasil uji respon pengguna yang melibatkan 30 pengunjung memperoleh hasil rata-rata untuk skor respon pengunjung yaitu 45.50 dengan kriteria penggolongan responden yaitu “Sangat Baik”.

Enhancing HBIM-to-VR workflows: Semi-automatic generation of virtual heritage experiences using enriched IFC files