Digital Heritage Experiences

The evolution of the Web and the expansion of social media are transforming our
heritage experiences. Social media offer an innovative element to personal travel reflections by providing digital global platforms on which tourists can create and publish their travel stories. Social media transform the traditional creative processes, distribution mechanisms and consumption patterns of these experiences. This study provides insight on how personal heritage
moments are constructed, digitalized and shared. The methodological perspective adopted draws on a constructivist epistemology (Markham 2004) and netnography (Kozinets, 2002). The social media platform analysed is TripAdvisor, which is the largest networking site focusing on tourism and travel. Study findings indicate that while heritage sites tend to promote their uniqueness and
the cultural value of their products, tourists are just as concerned about sensory impressions, imagination, practical issues and personal comfort in the immediate moment as they are about historical and cultural details. Social media provide the technological tools and platforms to communicate and share tourism imaginations, feelings and practical tips. The analysis discusses virtual tourism culture and also generic tourist interests characterized by sensuality, cultural jointaffirmation and immediacy of the experience.