The Influence of New Productive Forces on the Evolution of Cultural Tourism and Heritage Site Management
Keywords:
Cultural Tourism; Heritage Site Management; Smart Tourism; Artificial Intelligence; Augmented RealityAbstract
The rapid integration of digital technologies is reshaping the landscape of cultural tourism and heritage site management. In cities like Hangzhou, known for their historical richness, tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, blockchain, augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR), and green technologies are redefining how heritage is experienced and preserved. This shift is particularly significant as cultural tourism faces growing pressure to balance economic growth, sustainability, and cultural integrity. However, while global studies have examined digital innovation in tourism, there is a lack of research focused on how such technologies function within the specific cultural, operational, and policy contexts of Chinese heritage cities. This study aims to investigate how new productive forces are applied in Hangzhou to enhance visitor experience, operational efficiency, and sustainability in heritage site management. Using a qualitative research design grounded in a systematic literature review guided by the PRISMA framework, this paper reviews 85 sources, narrowing to 9 key studies for thematic analysis. The findings reveal both the transformative potential of smart tourism technologies and the challenges of digital inequality and authenticity preservation. This research contributes context-specific insights to the evolving discourse on sustainable, inclusive, and culturally grounded smart tourism.
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