Virtual Recreation Applications Analyzing Digital Tourism from the Perspective of Smart Cities

The rapid development of technology in recent years has enabled the widespread use of virtual reality and augmented reality concepts in the tourism sector. These technological innovations are leading to a significant transformation in tourism and recreational activities. In this context, the aim of this study is to determine the scope of the digital recreation concept created using virtual reality and augmented reality infrastructure and to examine virtual recreation applications in digital tourism through smart cities. In line with this aim, virtual recreation applications carried out in smart cities in Turkey have been analyzed. Virtual reality and augmented reality can be effectively used in the tourism sector, particularly in the recreation field. These technological innovations enable tourists to explore destinations before travel, experience different things during travel, and revive their memories after travel. Additionally, virtual recreation activities are considered an important leisure activity that offers social and psychological benefits for tourism. However, it has been found that the current smart city applications do not yet provide sufficient application for virtual recreation activities. Existing smart city applications in Turkey provide an important opportunity for accelerating digitalization in the tourism sector. In this context, deductions have been made on virtual recreation activities concerning the basic features of smart city applications. As a result, virtual reality and augmented realitytechnologies have a significant impact on the tourism sector. Virtual recreation applications in digital tourism through smart cities can play an important role in accelerating digitalization in the tourism sector. Therefore, effective use of these technologies by stakeholders in the tourism sector and integration of smart city applications into the digitalization process of the tourism sector are crucial.