Thanks to an exciting new initiative for promoting the island as a tourist destination via Virtual Reality and 3D imaging, Cyprus can now be seen in all its glory. The initiative in question is the project EnterCY (ENhancing Tourist ExpeRience in Cyprus), an integrated platform for promoting tourism to the island. The EnterCY platform consists of a Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) web environment in which tourists interested in visiting Cyprus can find out about its rich cultural heritage, various activities and places of interest. Frederick Research Centre is the coordinator of the consortium implementing the project. The coordinators of the project – Assistant IT Professors Dr. Andreas Constantinides and Dr. Haris Papadopoulos of Frederick University share their vision about the project results.
The EnterCY Platform
In the framework of the EnterCY project, an innovative platform is being developed, consisting of a virtual reality web environment with space-time navigation and augmented reality for smart mobile devices supported by innovative Information and Communication Technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), indoor and outdoor location awareness, big data management and Immersive Reality (IR). The first version of the platform will be ready for launch at the start of next year.
The platform offers the following:
(a) Information to potential visitors on Cyprus’ rich cultural heritage, the variety of available activities and places of interest on the island, through a spatio-temporal virtual (VR) exploration before they actually visit.
(b) An enhanced tourist experience, with video and audio guides, navigation entertainment and learning through story-telling via augmented reality during their visit to both outdoor sites and indoor spaces.
(c) An enhanced tourist experience after the visit, through the provision to each individual of a personal 360° video as a memento of his/her visit to Cyprus.
(d) The ability of tourists to share their experience in real time on socialmedia. In all stages of the EnterCY platform personalization will be employed to present content that is tailored to the interests and needs of each visitor.
Promoting Cyprus
The main objective of the project is the promotion of Cyprus as an attractive tourist destination, by informing potential visitors about the combination of nature, history, culture and the variety of activities and entertainment that the island has to offer, and by enhancing their experience and level of satisfaction before, during and after their visit to Cyprus, through the use of cutting-edge technology. In the framework of the Smart Specialisation Strategy for Cyprus (S3CY), the tourism sector has been identified as the spearhead of economic growth, due to its significant contribution to the island’s GDP.
However, the experts’ view is that the ‘sun and sea’ growth model is outdated and there is an urgent need for new strategic models aimed at the attraction of new types of tourism. In accordance with the recommendations of the experts and based on the technological and research background and expertise of the project partners, combined with their experience of using cutting-edge technology to solve significant problems in various areas, the project proposes the development of this platform for the promotion of alternative types of tourism.
From vision to implementation
The project aims to boost tourism – one the main pillars of the Cyprus economy – through research, technological development and innovation, by enhancing the tourist experience before, during and after a visit to the island. The project aspires to contribute in the achievement of the goals of Cyprus as set out in the National Tourism Strategy, via the EnterCY platform. The ultimate goal is to transform the island into a premium year-round tourist destination, by attracting greater numbers of quality visitors with higher per capita spending, and by emphasising local heritage, the cultural dimension and the natural environment.
Work on the innovative EnterCY project began in May 2019 and it has a three-year duration. EnterCY (INTEGRATED/0916/0020) Project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the Republic of Cyprus through the Research and Innovation Foundation.
Partner organisations
The partner organisations in the EnterCY project constitute the necessary quadruple helix (Academia/industry/government/citizens-users) collaboration as follows: Academia: Frederick Research Centre (coordinator) and University of Cyprus; Industry: Cyprus Research & Innovation Centre (CYRIC), Silversky 3D and IMH; Government: Deputy Ministry of Tourism and Department of Antiquities; Citizens/users: Association of Cyprus Travel Agents (ACTA) and the Cyprus Tourist Guide Association.
Tags: EnterCY
