Research Information System
The Journal of Lifestyle and SDGs Review, vol.5, no.4, pp.1-22, 2025 (Scopus)
Objective: This study explores how VR, AR, and AI enhance social media marketing for historical sites in Turkey and support sustainable heritage preservation by reducing tourism’s environmental impact (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production), improving digital access (SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and fostering educational innovation (SDG 4: Quality Education). It also examines how New Media and Communication departments integrate these technologies for sustainable marketing and heritage conservation, contributing to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Theoretical Framework: This research is based on digital media, immersive technology, and sustainable development theories, framing the intersection of technology, education, and heritage preservation. It examines how emerging technologies reshape media education and tourism marketing, emphasizing their role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Method: This study employs a qualitative approach, analyzing curricula, industry applications, and case studies to evaluate VR, AR, and AI in heritage marketing and media education. Document analysis and expert interviews assess educational programs and best practices in digital heritage preservation, particularly regarding their alignment with sustainability goals.
Results and Discussion: VR, AR, and AI enhance heritage marketing by increasing accessibility and reducing over-tourism, thereby promoting sustainable tourism (SDG 12) and minimizing the environmental footprint of cultural heritage sites. However, Turkish media programs lack the necessary integration of these technologies, requiring enhanced collaboration and curriculum updates to address training and infrastructure challenges (SDG 9).
Research Implications: This research offers practical and theoretical insights for media education, tourism, and cultural heritage sectors. The findings emphasize the necessity of sustainability-focused curriculum updates (SDG 4) and greater integration of AI-driven heritage marketing and immersive media applications to ensure responsible tourism and digital heritage preservation (SDG 11).
Originality/Value: This study advances digital media education by linking sustainable tourism, education, and heritage conservation. It provides insights for academia, cultural institutions, and tourism industries, illustrating how immersive technologies contribute to SDG-aligned sustainability efforts.