Rhodes Harbour Virtual Tour (app)

The Rhodes Harbour Virtual Tour app addresses the challenge of promoting tourism in Rhodes, particularly during off-peak seasons when visitor numbers decline. Triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted travel and local economies, the app aims to enhance visitor engagement and showcase the island's rich cultural and historical heritage without requiring physical presence.
The app achieves its objectives through immersive 3D technology, offering users virtual explorations of the harbour and key landmarks (in line with TAAS project goals for shifting tourism in the smart era). Features include detailed historical narratives, interactive maps, and augmented reality elements that enrich user experience. Implementation involves collaboration with local historians/archaeologists, tourism boards, and tech developers to ensure accurate content and a user-friendly interface, thereby fostering a seamless virtual exploration.
Key stakeholders include the Ministry of Culture-Service of Modern Monuments and Technical Works of Dodecanese, Rhodes municipality, tourism organizations, local businesses, and cultural institutions. The primary beneficiaries are tourists, who gain a unique way to experience Rhodes remotely, and local stakeholders who benefit from increased visibility and interest in the destination. By enhancing digital tourism, the app also supports economic recovery for the local community, driving future physical visits and sustainable tourism development.