This article forms part of a series of publications under MEDUSA project, where we present projects related to ours around the Mediterranean (“sister projects”). We always aim to join forces, find synergies and make a change all together!

The series of Medusa sister project presentations goes on… This time we are proud to present you Due Mari project funded by the Interreg IPA CBC Italy-Albania-Montenegro Programme 2014/2020 that aims to develop a joint enhancement of cultural and natural heritage by promoting sustainable tourism development through smart technologies.

Puglia Region - Department of Tourism, Economy of Culture and Valorization of Territory is partner beneficiary of the project with a budget of € 444.718,80. The other project partners are Ministria e Turizmit dhe Mjedisit (AL), Molise Region (IT), Innovapuglia S.P.A. (IT), Ministarstvo održivog razvoja iturizma (MON) and Nacionalna turistička organizacija Crne Gore (MON).

Due Mari approach is based on the integration of different uses of promoting tourism (itineraries, technology and marketing) with a new cross-border platform centred in 360° virtual reality. Due Mari approach systematic use of innovative IT technology (Virtual reality) in order to reinforce competitiveness of the programme area by developing new touristic products (new regional cultural heritage routes), boost the existing ones to be chosen by tourists at any moment during the year and develop thematic itineraries, expanding potential audience to a much wider target groups. 

All cantered in the use and spread of the Virtual reality platform, smart mobile applications, holographic demos, interactive projections, training/capacity building. The described approach will contribute to the promotion of quality improvement in tourism management, as well in reducing seasonality of the regional tourism offer. Virtual reality will provide for visitors a unique “on site” experience from comfort of their own living room.

The project aims to:

• Aggregate the data and create the common interactive platform;
• Analyse the regional resources to be promoted through the platform;
• Develop common cultural paths through the recognition of certified itineraries (eg UNESCO);
• Educate on the use of innovative technologies which will be jointly managed at institutional and partner level;
• Promote the development of cultural events.

Differently from existing technologies, the users do not only have the view in this project but also, by clicking the point of interest, they will be able to get information about the place they choose to visit; a castle, a cave, underwater world, mosques, churches: an authentic experience!