The Tourism Ministry has developed an augmented reality (AR) application called "Heartland of Legends" (HoL), designed to promote tourism in rural and mountainous regions.

According to a statement from the Tourism Ministry, the route traverses through various rural, mountainous, and border areas, offering authentic experiences that connect visitors with Cypriot nature, tradition, and local lifestyles.

To encourage visits to these regions, the ministry created the electronic application "Dragon Game," which uses augmented reality to provide a discovery game. Users who install the app on their smartphones can find "digital dragons" hidden at village fountains within the Heartland of Legends trail.

Visitors can explore 20 villages with distinct fountains, open the app, and scan the specified fountain. A unique digital dragon will appear through the application, accompanied by a short story that highlights the traditions, folklore, legends, or unique characteristics of each village.

The designs and "dragons" are inspired by the works of Cypriot engraver Hambis Tsangaris, a recipient of the Heritage Award / Europa Nostra.

This project was implemented in collaboration with the CYENS Centre of Excellence and the Hambis Printmaking Museum. It was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.