From Empire to the Digital World: Catherine II’s Tauride Journey as a Resource for the Development of Historical and Cultural Tourism in Crimea

This article explores Empress Catherine II’s 1787 journey to Crimea as a significant historical and political event that played a key role in shaping imperial identity and the symbolic appropriation of newly annexed territories of the Russian Empire. The relevance of the study lies in the growing interest in reinterpreting historical events within contemporary socio-cultural and technological contexts; as well as the need to find effective tools for preserving historical memory in the era of digital transformation. Particular attention is given to the modern reinterpretation of Catherine’s Crimean voyage through the lens of digitalization in the tourism and service industries. The article examines the potential of integrating digital technologies–such as augmented reality; virtual tours; and multimedia platforms–into the development of cultural and educational tourism. The analysis reveals the prospects for using historical narratives as a resource for fostering sustained interest in Russia’s southern regions; strengthening regional identity; and promoting cultural heritage. The study concludes that combining historical context with digital formats enhances the public’s engagement with the past and encourages the growth of innovative forms of tourism and educational outreach.