Integrating Virtual Reality with Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things: A Four-Layer Architecture for Smart Tourism

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a strategic component in smart tourism, yet most existing studies approach it in isolation without integration with related technologies. This paper proposes a four-layer architecture combining VR with artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), encompassing sensing, AI processing, VR rendering, and user experience. The framework enables real-time reconstruction, personalized journeys, and enhanced destination management for sustainability. A comparative analysis with traditional VR highlights the advantages of the integrated system in terms of immersion, scalability, and reduced latency supported by 5G/6G networks. The study contributes a theoretical basis for understanding VR as part of a broader ecosystem in smart tourism and offers practical implications for applications in cultural heritage and sustainable destination development.