Role of Information Technology in heritage tourism: UNESCO World Heritage sites of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Heritage and Information Technology (IT) may seem inconsistent at first. But IT has a significant role in heritage tourism. IT provides effective resources by which heritage tourism has evolved as a modern tool without harming its cultural and heritage identity. IT applications in heritage tourism include many disciplines of computer science from workflow to archaeological discovery as well as to scientific preparation. As such, there are diverse areas of cooperation as well as interaction at different levels. The use of IT as a tool in heritage tourism has paved the way for a three-dimensional (3D) model with the use of input data such as photos and scans. At the same time, computer graphics have created accurate visual creations. Several applications of IT in heritage tourism such as 3-D Modelling, database management of records, online reservation systems, Content Management and marketing via websites and social media can be identified. In this age of Information Technology and with the fast access of information, tourists at present require fast and accurate information and they have a thirst for knowledge about the destinations they visit. Hence, it is the duty of stakeholders of heritage tourism to provide the necessary information for tourists without harming the historical and cultural nature as well as the value of the site while using modern technology and preserving heritage tourism for future generations. This paper will focus on the role of IT in heritage tourism in UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka for enriching visitor experiences at World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka during the travel cycle. At present, the majority of tourists local as well as foreign accumulate information about World Heritage sites, make reservations as well as buy services available in relevant sites using search engines.