Editorial

Tourism destinations, their industries and tourists are relying more and more on emerging forms of information and communication technology (ICT), cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). This kind of tourism is called smart tourism. When virtual reality and tourism combine, virtual tourism appears. It presents viewers with an immersive experience of a location, destination or activity. Virtual tourism not only provides awesome travel with huge convenience, but also has big significance on protecting cultural relics.In this issue, we will read some articles about virtual tourism. Fengxia Wang and her team reviewed research overview on the application of virtual reality technology in tourism in foreign countries. We honorably request their authorization to translate it into English and republish. Also, topics of digital protection of cultural relics and comparison of real and virtual tourism economy are contained here. Editorial board memberDr. Man-U I