A workshop was held on October 2, 2021 in the framework of the research project “TExTOUR: Social Innovation and Technologies for sustainable growth through participatory cultural Tourism” (https://textour-project.eu/), which was hosted at the premises of the University of Technology Of Cyprus (TEPAK), in the building of the Rector's Office.
The organizers of the workshop were the Research Center “HERAKLITOS” (Dr. Antonis Theocharous) and the “Digital Heritage Research Lab” (Dr. Marinos Ioannidis) of the Cyprus University of Technology. The event took place both in person and online (via ZOOM) for the interested and involved bodies.
TEPAK participates in the project representing the area of Fikardo in the province of Nicosia, in collaboration with “GAIA Heritage” for the area of Anfeh (Lebanon). The village of Fikardou is one of the few traditional mountain settlements in Cyprus that still retains its character and architecture since the 18th century, maintaining its authenticity in harmony with the natural environment.
Fikardou is included in the Provisional List of UNESCO World Heritage and received the Europa Nostra award in 1987. The aim of the project specifically for Fikardou is to highlight its cultural and architectural heritage, and to validate strategies for the development of this remote area.
The main goal of the Laboratory was to network between the stakeholders and the local community, with the ultimate goal of identifying and discussing issues that exist in this area.
The event was attended by:
Local Community and Council of Fikardo Department of Antiquities Ministry of Tourism Cyprus Institute – Archaeologists Travel Agencies & Agencies Research Center “FILOKALIA” The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Energy, Commerce and Industry of GAIA Heritage – Project Team Chairman and Vice President Cyprus University of Technology
The TExTOUR project is funded by the EU. under the H2020 Program, in which 18 partners from different European countries participate, forming the 8 pilots of the project. TExTOUR uses Information and Communication Technologies (ICT's) to develop, implement, test and validate essential strategies and tools for the development of the participating remote areas, based on their cultural tourism potential (CT) potential. TExTOUR aims to work with local communities to create social, environmental and economic benefits for all stakeholders and society at large.
