Cyprus has one of the clearest night skies as well as optimal geographical location in the world, offering great advantages for astrotourism development. The proposed project aims in using a professional approach in astrotourism product research and development for Cyprus along with a high-end astrotourism policy and governance. The project will conduct research that will focus on “beyond the state-of-the-art” innovation in the field of astrotourism leading Cyprus to be added on the world map of the astrotourism “hot” destinations and creating the proper environment to host and offer astronomy experiences for both experts and enthusiasts at an entry level. 

The development of Astrotourism will be a tool of added value for the tourism industry of Cyprus as it aligns with other local initiatives of special interest in tourism, enriching both the product of Astrotourism and other forms of tourism. In addition, it will enable Cyprus to be included in the international space of Astrotourism destinations, thus increasing its competitiveness in a new sector which is evolving into one of the most enthusiastic travel trends.

Finally, the project aims to increase the number and quality of tourists as well as to increase local jobs in the region, thus contributing to a better quality of life.

As part of the Astrotourism project, RISE is responsible for the unit: “Thematic environment and virtual-augmented reality”. This project aims to attract tourism to people with a special interest in Astronomy. RISE Center of Excellence, which specializes in interactive media, smart systems and emerging technologies incorporates the value of virtual and augmented reality that is to live experience through it, that would be difficult to live in the real world, difficult to simulate with traditional media or dangerous and too expensive to live in physical environments. RISE comes to contribute with its expertise by simulating space experiences with virtual and augmented reality that will amaze the interested audience. 

The Project which started on June 1, 2020 and is expected to be completed on May 31, 2023. It is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the Republic of Cyprus through the Foundation for Research and Innovation.

Contractor for the development of the project:
Travel agency Top Kinisis Travel Public Ltd

Partners: RISE CoE, The University of Chicago, University of Nicosia, Adelve Research, Innovation, Consulting & Trade, 1010 Asteroskopeion, AKTI Research & Project Center, Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, Deputy Ministry of Tourism