Paphos tourism board launches app promoting Aphrodite myth

The Paphos Regional Tourism Board (Etap) this week introduced a new application that brings the myth of Aphrodite to life using audiovisual means, after it had previously identified a need to leverage technology in a more substantial manner.

This innovative project features seven key locations associated with the goddess Aphrodite, offering both local and international visitors an enhanced experience through augmented reality.

Visitors can now witness Aphrodite emerging from the sea foam at Petra tou Romiou and bathing at the Baths of Aphrodite in a vivid, real-world environment.

The app also allows users to view processions and events in the sacred gardens of Geroskipou and at Palaepaphos in Kouklia.

According to Etap director Nasos Hadjigeorgiou, “this is the only comprehensive technological application that is technologically advanced and very user-friendly”.

“It covers the entire spectrum of Aphrodite’s birth and life, including both well-known and lesser-known aspects,” he stated, adding that “the application is now complete and available for public use”.

Hadjigeorgiou also said that the application covers all seven points related to the myth, incorporating technological innovations and augmented reality at four key sites, including Petra tou Romiou, the sacred gardens in Geroskipou, Palaepaphos, and the Baths of Aphrodite.

“With augmented reality technology, users can enjoy scenes from the goddess’s life at these four sites via their smart devices in a real-world environment,” he explained.

For instance, users can watch Aphrodite emerging from the waves at Petra tou Romiou, attending processions and events in the sacred gardens and Palaepaphos, and bathing with her lover Adonis at the Baths of Aphrodite.

Hadjigeorgiou noted that today’s individual tourists are tech-savvy and seek tools on their mobile devices.

Etap, Hadjigeorgiou explained, has responded to this need by implementing various actions for the digital upgrade of the destination.

He added that previously, visitors did not feel they were in the places where Aphrodite once lived.

Kyriakos Drousiotis, President of Etap, pointed out that the application also offers users the ability to choose from five languages, including Greek, English, French, German, and Russian.

In addition, it includes audio tours, 360-degree virtual tours, and rich video content, among other features. Users can even take photos with the goddess Aphrodite.

“The information provided is comprehensive, covering the goddess and her myth. It allows anyone interested to explore Aphrodite and the lesser-known aspects of her life,” said Drousiotis.

The app includes details about her connection to Paphos, her names and epithets, her character, plants and shells associated with her, and even nature trails.

Drousiotis also emphasised that Paphos has significantly increased its digital presence in recent years, adapting to the needs of modern individual visitors.

He also said that Paphos systematically invests in new technologies and innovative practices as part of its strategy to compete effectively on the global tourism stage.

Moreover, Etap is also considering the adoption of AI technologies in its services, in collaboration with a team of partners.

The smart application showcasing the myth of Aphrodite was recently presented at Etap’s offices.