Forget Pokémon, Cyprus has dragons

The Deputy Ministry of Tourism has launched an immersive experience called Heartland of Legends (HoL), which uses augmented reality (AR) technology to promote tourism in rural, mountainous and border areas.

As announced by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, the trail winds through rural, mountainous and border areas, offering authentic experiences that connect visitors with Cypriot nature, traditions and the Cypriot way of life.

To further encourage visits to the hinterland via this route, the ministry has developed the mobile app “Dragon Game”, an AR-based discovery game. Users can install the app on their smartphones and scan specific fountains in Heartland of Legends villages to discover “digital dragons.”

Visitors can explore the 20 villages with their characteristic fountains, open the app and scan the designated fountain. A unique digital dragon will appear on the app, accompanied by a short story highlighting the traditions, folktales, legends or unique local features of each village.

The designs and ‘dragons’ are inspired by the unique work of Cypriot engraver Hambis Tsangaris, a recipient of the Heritage Award / Europa Nostra.

The project was carried out in collaboration with the CYENS Center of Excellence and the “Hambis” Engraving Museum, and co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.