Contribution of the Digitisation of Cultural Tourism to the Resilience of Local Communities in the Face of Global Crises: An Integrative Review

Abstract

The use of digital technologies offers communities opportunities to strengthen their economic and social resilience, preserve their cultural heritage, and sustain tourism activity in times of crisis. However, its adoption remains uneven, limiting the development of community-based tourism and influencing visitor behaviour. This paper critically analyses how the digitalisation of cultural tourism contributes to the resilience of local communities in the face of pandemics, natural disasters, and social conflicts. An integrative literature review was conducted through an exhaustive search of the Scopus databases; high-impact articles (Q1 and Q2) published in the last five years and available in English were prioritised. The information was organised into an analytical matrix and synthesised by theme to identify convergences, gaps and practical guidelines. The findings indicate that geographic information systems, digital platforms, and immersive content (augmented reality and 360-degree video) are driving the transformation of cultural destinations. These tools improve heritage management and protection, guide data-driven conservation and adaptation strategies, and support authentic narratives that reinforce local identity. They also democratise access to culture, strengthen community empowerment and diversify income through digital channels, raising visibility in the recovery. Digital communication influences the image of the destination and travel decisions, while spatial planning allows risks to be anticipated and interventions to be prioritised. Limitations remain: connectivity and capacity gaps, uncertain financial sustainability and low visitor awareness. Policies and training are needed that integrate digital inclusion, collaborative governance, and indicators of authenticity and accessibility. In conclusion, the digitalisation of cultural tourism acts as a catalyst for a more resilient, sustainable and participatory tourism model, in line with SDG 11. Its consolidation requires investment in a technological base that enables secure connection and data exchange between different systems using open standards, content co-created with communities, and rigorous evaluation of results, with special attention to rural destinations and the effectiveness of emerging technologies.