Lina Mendoni Concludes Twin it! Part II, Promoting 3D Digitization of EU Heritage and Driving Research, Education and Cultural Tourism Growth in Europe

The Greek Minister of Culture and Sports, Lina Mendoni, attended the high-profile event in Europe, which took place at the close of “Twin it! Part II,” an extension of the larger program “Twin it! 3D for Europe’s Culture.” Backed by the European Commission and the Europeana Initiative, the project seeks to develop high-resolution 3D digital representations of cultural heritage sites in Europe, accessible for purposes of study, teaching, innovation, and tourism. This example shows the potential of modern technology in heritage management and cultural tourism promotion.

Expanding Reach and Sustainability in Twin it! Part II

The second phase of the project, Twin it! Part II, builds on earlier successes by increasing the sustainable use of digital cultural assets. The programme emphasizes interoperability and reuse of 3D data, supporting researchers, educators, and tourism operators in developing cultural experiences that are both engaging and sustainable.

Lina Mendoni highlighted the initiative’s alignment with EU objectives to create a shared cultural heritage data space, promoting high-quality digitization standards and encouraging the use of 3D models to enhance cultural tourism offerings.

Showcasing Dilos Through 3D Technology

As part of the campaign, the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports (YPPO) unveiled a 3D model of the archaeological site of Dilos, focusing on the holy of Apollo and the surrounding area near the Holy Lake. This digital reconstruction enables virtual tourism experiences, providing visitors and researchers worldwide with access to the site while preserving its delicate environment.

By offering immersive digital tours, the project supports cultural tourism growth by attracting new audiences, enhancing visitor engagement, and integrating heritage sites into educational and travel platforms.

Supporting Research, Education, and Tourism Innovation

The Twin it! initiative provides valuable resources for scholars, educators, and creative industries. Standardized 3D digital assets allow for cross-border research collaboration, educational programs, and interactive digital content that enriches visitor experiences at cultural sites.

Tourism operators can leverage this data to develop guided experiences, virtual exhibitions, and augmented reality applications, enhancing cultural tourism offerings while respecting the integrity of historical sites. This contributes to both tourism revenue growth and the long-term sustainability of heritage destinations.

Engaging Communities and Visitors for Sustainable Cultural Tourism

A central component of the project is community and visitor engagement. Local stakeholders, including schools and tourism operators, participate in training sessions that promote responsible site use and awareness of cultural heritage value. Educational activities, such as workshops for children and school programs, introduce young audiences to archaeological sites and their significance, cultivating future generations of heritage advocates. Interactive experiences for tourists, such as exploring 3D reconstructions of sites like Dilos, provide a unique way to learn about European cultural history while supporting responsible tourism practices.

Promoting Sustainable Digital Heritage Practices

A core focus of the initiative is the sustainable management of digital cultural assets. By promoting practices that ensure the long-term usability and accessibility of 3D data, Twin it! Part II supports a responsible approach to digital cultural preservation, balancing technological advancement with heritage protection.

This effort aligns with the EU’s strategic objectives to foster innovation in the cultural sector, enabling museums, libraries, and research centres to develop interactive applications, 3D publications, and educational platforms that are sustainable and widely accessible.

Driving Sustainable Cultural Tourism Growth

By integrating science-based digital preservation with tourism engagement, Twin it! Part II illustrates how the cultural sector can grow sustainably. Digitized assets expand access to heritage while enabling tourism operators to develop innovative visitor experiences, supporting economic development in heritage-rich regions. The programme shows that digital cultural heritage is not just a preservation tool but also a catalyst for cultural tourism growth, strengthening local economies and enhancing Europe’s global cultural appeal.

Strengthening Europe’s Shared Cultural Heritage

As a result of cooperation between Twin it! Part II and the Europeana Initiative and the European Commission, it creates a more coordinated European infrastructure for digital culture that allows the sharing and reuse of 3D heritage data. This will ensure that places like Dilos gain increased exposure not only virtually but also physically, thus opening new opportunities for tourism. The whole project showcases how digital innovations can be used not only for the conservation of monuments and sites but also for enhancing the experience of tourists.

Image Source: Ministry of Tourism, Greece