2026: Proceedings of MMIT'26 International Conference
915-921
2026-06-06
Open Access

INCLUSIVE GROWTH MECHANISMS OF WORLD HERITAGE SITE TOURISM UNDER DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF SAMARKAND

ZHIBO WEI
https://doi.org/10.61587/

Received: 2026-05-24

Published: 2026-06-06

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Abstract

Digital transformation is fundamentally reshaping the cultural tourism ecosystem of World Heritage destinations. Focusing on Samarkand, Uzbekistan, this exploratory study unpacks the structural mechanisms governing inclusive growth in heritage tourism under the digital lens. Our analysis of public policy documents and digital platform communication reveals a stark paradox: while digitization markedly amplifies Samarkand’s global visibility, its underlying algorithmic structures and traffic distribution mechanisms trigger a "platform-centric concentration." This asymmetry skews tourism revenues and narrative authority heavily toward iconic, high-traffic attractions, structurally sidelining local traditional communities into digital invisibility and economic marginalization. To address these structural frictions, we articulate a four-dimensional co-symbiotic framework—spanning cultural, economic, social, and governance domains—to chart a more equitable path for digital growth in developing-world heritage sites.

Keywords

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About the Authors

ZHIBO WEI
wzbhero@gmail.com
Department of Tourism, "Silk Road" International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0775-4567

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How to Cite

INCLUSIVE GROWTH MECHANISMS OF WORLD HERITAGE SITE TOURISM UNDER DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF SAMARKAND. (2026). MMIT Proceedings, 915-921. https://doi.org/10.61587/

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