User:UPV Tourism Research Team/sandbox

= Avatar Tourist Visit = Avatar Tourist Visit is a visiting model that consists of live-streaming experiences of online interpretative tourist guidance (visits) in heritage sites led by human guide-interpreters in a real environment and transmitted to remote visitors.

The model is built on the concept of "remote presence", human tour guides the when the individuals that do not share the same physical space.

The visit is based on tools associated with Heritage Interpretation, Interpersonal Communication, Filmmaking, Audio-Visual Language, Information and Communication Technologies. The practical application of this visiting model includes tourism, education, business, as well as other adjacent areas.

Etymology
The term “avatar” comes from the Sanskrit avatâra, referring to an incarnation, embodiment, or manifestation of a person or idea.

Avatar Guide-Interpreter
A person responsible for guidance of ... and interpretation of a natural/cultural heritage site. The responsibilities of the guide-interpreter coincide with that of

prepare the visit and discuss the text with the operator.

Camera operator
A person filming the visit serving as the "eyes" for the visitor. That is the main reason why, apart from the mechanical task of filming, the operator

After becoming acquainted with the text and the interpretative route, the operator visits the site to

Remote visitor
The audience. A person or group of people who take part in the visit remotely.

Live streaming meeting organizer
A person in charge of organizing the visit and also providing technical support during the streaming.

Communication process
The communication in the Avatar Tourist Visit model is made between the streamer (the avatar guide, who is assisted by a camera operator) and the receiver (the remote visitors).

Information and communication technologies
The minimum prerequisites for both parties of the live-streaming experience are a smart device and the internet connection for streaming (upload speed) and watching (download speed). Both are measured in bitrates. Streamers need a sufficient upload speed to ensure that the livestream remains stable during the transmission, while the viewers should make sure their download speed is sufficient and stable to receive the image and audio without interruptions.

The two most common live-streaming options are:


 * live-streaming platforms (Twitch, Facebook Live, Instagram Live, YouTube Live, etc.),
 * videoconferencing software (Zoom, MS Teams, Skype, GoToMeeting, etc.).

The videoconferencing software is more suitable for the Avatar Tourist Visit owing to the fact that it ensures that both parties can engage in verbal communication through audio or video. It should be considered that the software operates on a fixed bandwidth.

Pre-visit tasks
Preparing the context

Developing the main interpretative theme

Drafting the storytelling/ narrative of the interpretative program

designing the touring pattern

Filming the Live-Stream Visit
The following film shooting types are recommended to be used by the operator: