## 1 Introduction
Digital technologies have facilitated the shift from a solitary, \"lone scholar\" model of CH analysis and knowledge sharing via publications, to interdisciplinary remote collaboration, allowing for unprecedented reach and precision in the DCH preservation and sharing domains. With a future of continuous real-time data sharing and near-ubiquitous internet access, users can engage with XR-based DCH experiences that bridge physical and virtual worlds, almost from anywhere, anytime. Examples like \"Metaverse Seoul\" [17] and Madrid's 360-degree virtual tour demonstrate how these technologies expand access and engagement. Advanced XR technologies not only create realistic replicas that enhance learning [18; 19; 20; 21], but they also address the previously found shortcomings in graphical detail and simulation quality that limited the use of early VR applications in education [22; 23; 24]. Furthermore, XR enables interactive, shared experiences that traditional methods simply cannot provide [25; 26], while also improving accessibility for individuals with unique needs [27] and supporting the representation of complex historical and cultural information [28; 29; 30]. XR-based tools have democratized access to cultural heritage by enabling virtual visits to inaccessible sites. For example, the CHISel platform allowed collaborative annotation of artifacts, ensuring that users worldwide could engage with digital reconstructions regardless of physical limitations [31]. The PLUGGY platform showed that XR applications emphasizing user-generated content and community interaction can foster a sense of ownership and active participation among users, broadening the reach of cultural heritage projects [32]. These examples showcase the ability of XR technologies to democratize access to CH, evidenced by the fact that these applications reach diverse audiences. Mediacape XR [33] enables real-time interaction with digital artifacts via social VR, effectively overcoming geographical barriers. [PERSON] [34] further demonstrated the potential of tangible user interfaces (TUIs) to create affordable and accessible smartphone-based XR experiences, particularly benefiting individuals in remote or underserved areas. Applications such as the 'Museum Time Machine' [35] and the Seowon UNESCO World Heritage AR guide [35] exemplify how AR applications can provide immersive, interactive ways to explore and understand architectural evolution and historical narratives. The media project 'Valle d'Aosta', reported by [PERSON] [36], illustrates how digital storytelling and innovative media can preserve and promote local heritage while strengthening cultural identity and community engagement. Although developed in 2016, its approach remains relevant today and could be expanded through Web3 technologies, including blockchain and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), to authenticate and protect digital heritage content and foster decentralized participation and exchange. Technology acceptance of blockchain and NFTs remains uneven due to steep learning curves and financial barriers, despite the digital revolution significantly enhancing learning and information dissemination. This underscores the importance of creating user-friendly, transparent systems, using HCI methods in ensuring high usability. This is particularly important while digital learning media adoption continues to lag behind the pace of technological advancement [37; 38; 39; 40; 41]. Integrating CH XR and blockchain technologies into tourism and hospitality not only has the potential to enhance CH experiences, but can also help implement solutions for the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Pre-visit virtual excursions allow exploration of virtual replicas of sites, reducing travel emissions (SDG 13: Climate Action) and ensuring accessibility for all, including those with disabilities (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities).