Virtual Reality and Virtual Diving Technologies: Innovative Tools to Promote Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage in the Red Sea, Egypt

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

1 Tourism Studies Department, Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, Alexandria University.

2 Tourist Guidance Department, Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, Alexandria University.

Abstract

Virtual reality is a synthetic, computer-simulated experience that imitates the real world and stimulates the users’ visual and auditory senses. With the aid of developed exosomatic instruments and artificial intelligence, VR users may experience a genuine maritime and cultural heritage environment. Virtual diving (VD) refers to the application of virtual reality technology in the context of Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH). VD allows diver and non-diver tourists to explore the underwater archeological sites in Egypt, engaging them in an enjoyable experience, which provides a massive potential for diving tourism in Egypt. Therefore, this study attempts to shed light on how to take advantage of modern technology to promote the Egyptian UCH to be more reachable to large-scale tourism.
The study focused on UCH in the Red Sea which is one of the most global sites for marine biodiversity. A qualitative methodology approach was adopted through semi-structured interviews with managers and experts in some official institutions who are responsible for managing the underwater cultural heritage in Egypt.
Results revealed that VR and VD technologies can be applied in particular sites in the Red Sea compared to others due to some practical considerations such as physical environment, water condition, accessibility, the possibility of monitoring the site, safety considerations, and the risk of heritage destruction. Experts have shown great interest in VR and VD technologies, asserting that UCH in the Red Sea necessitates innovative marketing strategies. To end, some suggestions for exploiting VR and VD were proposed for policymakers to promote the Egyptian UCH.

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