Digital Heritage of the Polish-Lithuanian Multicultural Borderland: Between Memory Preservation and Tourism Commodification

Abstract

Goal – The aim of the article is to analyse the digital use of multicultural heritage in the Polish-Lithuanian borderland, with particular attention to the balance between preserving authenticity and the risk of commodification in the context of cultural tourism. Research methodology – The analysis is based on a qualitative approach, combining case studies with the desk research method. Sources include project documentation, institutional reports, scientific literature, and online resources. Selected examples cover the activities of the Borderland Centre of Arts Cultures Nations in Sejny, the Tatar Trail in Kruszyniany, Lithuanian culture in Puńsk and the Polish culture in the Vilnius region, as well as cross border initiatives supported under the Interreg Poland–Lithuania Programme. Score/results – The findings show that digitisation strengthens the visibility of multicultural heritage and enhances its economic potential by supporting regional branding, tourism development and small business growth. At the same time, it exposes traditions to risks of simplification and market driven reinterpretation. Digital storytelling, mobile applications and online archives make heritage accessible globally, but they may also reduce its complexity to easily consumable narratives. Originality/value – The article contributes to the debate on digital heritage by linking it to the specific context of a multicultural borderland. It demonstrates that digitisation functions both as a memory preservation tool and as a mechanism of commodification. The analysis highlights the dual role of digital technologies, offering insights into how peripheral regions can use cultural resources for development without losing authenticity.