Thessaly Moving Forward with Digital Transformation of Tourism, Culture Services

Meteora, Central Greece. Photo Source: GNTO / D. Rozaki

The Region of Thessaly is moving forward with the digital transformation of its services in a number of fields, Thessaly Governor Kostas Agorastos has announced.

Speaking during the “Smart Cities – City Connect Conference & Expo 2022” in Athens in May, Agorastos said the region was focusing on digitally transforming services in the fields of health, the environment, entrepreneurship and tourism through award-winning European projects that would add value, promote sustainable development and support employment.

“Digital transformation is changing the way citizens interact with public administration,” he said.

“By offering quality, efficiency, flexible and fast services the region aims to save human and financial resources, decrease its environmental impact, reduce bureaucracy and increase productivity.”

Thessaly Governor Kostas Agorastos

Agorastos presented the region’s initiatives in the following areas:

• Tourism and culture

The region’s scheme includes projects for the digital transformation of its transport directorates as well as for the creation of a digital map that would showcase Thesaly’s rich gastronomy.

Also, the Alonissos Underwater Museum will soon incorporate new cutting-edge technology including the NOUS system of underwater cameras which will offer live feedback from the Peristera shipwreck.

The museum will also acquire an advanced diving system featuring special tablets and 3D digital imaging that will allow users to virtually dive and see the wreck from Alonissos’ info center.

Photo source: @Municipality of Alonissos

The Region of Thessaly has also created a digital museum to promote the unique areas of Meteora and Mount Olympus.

Furthermore, it has produced a VR-360 video promoting its tourism destinations, while its has partnered with Google to offer digital marketing seminars focusing on tourism.

• Environment

The region has created a Climate Change Monitoring Station in the University Forest of Pertouli and installed “smart” fire detection systems.

Pertouli, Thessaly

It has also proceeded with the energy upgrade of 83 public buildings; replaced street lighting with led-type bulbs in the entire road network under its supervision; and installed remote control systems to monitor its water supply networks.

Other “smart” solutions adopted by the Thessaly region include the operation of the IRIDA electronic document handling system; the revamp of its website (thessaly.gov.gr); the development of a digital health platform (thess-entaxis.gr); the installation of the ISPS integrated safety system at the port of Volos; and the creation of a digital innovation hub for the digital transformation of 300 middle-sized enterprises active in the fields of health and medicine.