Two western Cyprus municipalities are joining forces to develop an AI-powered digital tourism ecosystem for the region, with backing from the government’s digital policy arm.
Polis Chrysochous and Akamas municipalities are studying the wider area as a single tourism unit under the brand “The West Land of Cyprus,” with the aim of creating a model for smart tourism that could eventually be rolled out across the island.
In late January, the two municipalities held their first meeting with Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou, where they presented a vision for a digital ecosystem using modern technologies and artificial intelligence to enhance the visitor experience. Akamas Mayor Marinos Lambrou, Polis Mayor Yiotis Papachristofis, and the tourism committee chairs of both municipalities, Xenios Xenofоntos and Chrysanthos Pafitis, attended the meeting.
The initiative goes beyond a standard tourism website or promotional app, according to the municipalities. The goal is a fully integrated digital platform capable of evolving over time, processing data, incorporating new technologies, and delivering personalised experiences to visitors.
Damianos responded positively and committed to providing technical support through a specialist adviser, to ensure the project is built on sound technological architecture. The project will also be developed in coordination with the Deputy Ministry of Tourism’s own initiatives, linking the digital element to the national tourism strategy.
The two municipalities say they hope the project will serve as a blueprint for smart tourism collaboration between local government, businesses, and visitors that other areas of Cyprus could adopt.