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Impacts of tourism commodification are multifaceted. On one hand, it has made heritage more
accessible, boosting the local economy, and broadening the audience for cultural experiences. On the
other hand, concerns exist about oversimplification, distortion, and the potential loss of authenticity.
Striking a balance between engagement and cultural significance is vital to ensuring that the depth and
context of heritage are preserved. Furthermore, the role of technology and smart tourism in shaping the
tourism landscape cannot be overstated. While some stakeholders express apprehension about the shift
towards smart tourism, others recognize its positive impact on enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and
visitor experience. Digital tools, including virtual tours and convenient booking systems, offer new avenues
for engaging tourists while preserving cultural authenticity. A recurring theme throughout the interviews
is the dissonance between tourists' digital expectations and their on-ground experiences. This underscores
the importance of responsible and accurate digital promotion. Managing tourists' expectations effectively
is essential for ensuring that the promises made in digital portrayals align with the reality experienced by
tourists.

In conclusion, the impact of tourism digitalization on local wisdom and historical identity is a
complex phenomenon with far-reaching implications. To navigate this digital landscape successfully,
tourism destinations like Malacca must strike a delicate balance between digital promotion and the
preservation of cultural authenticity. By managing tourists' expectations responsibly and ensuring that
digital portrayals align with on-ground realities, destinations can harness the benefits of tourism
digitalization while safeguarding their heritage for future generations. Preserving Malacca's local wisdom
and historical identity is crucial for ensuring the sustainability and meaningfulness of tourism experiences
in this heritage-rich city, while embracing digital advancements to enhance the visitor experience. This
delicate balance will not only benefit the local economy but also enrich the cultural development of
Malacca for generations to come.

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Alves, G. M., Sousa, B. M., & Machado, A. (2020). The role of digital marketing and online relationship
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Amat, R. C. (2019). Historic Cities of The Straits of Malacca UNESCO World Heritage Site: Threats and
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Bintang H., Maximiliano E.K., (2017) Place Brand Authenticity in Social Media Interaction: A Postmodern
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Boorstin, O. J. (1964). The image: A guide to pseudo-events in America. New York: Harper and Row.
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