A Cyprus-developed virtual reality documentary has been named a finalist in a major European award for sustainable cultural tourism. Lost Spaces, which offers an immersive VR journey into the Buffer Zone of Nicosia, is competing in the Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Awards 2026, organised by the European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN).
About the project
Lost Spaces was developed by the ITICA/Museum Lab research group at the CYENS Centre of Excellence. The documentary combines personal testimonies, archival material, 360° imagery, point clouds and 3D reconstructions to preserve memories connected to the divided city's Buffer Zone, an area that has remained largely closed to the public since 1974.
Through immersive storytelling, the experience allows audiences to walk through abandoned streets and buildings while hearing the voices of people who once lived and worked there. The project is intended to highlight both tangible and intangible cultural heritage and to demonstrate how digital technologies can create new forms of engagement with contested or inaccessible spaces.
Award category and competition
Lost Spaces is competing in the Digitalisation in Smart Tourism – Enhancing Visitor Experiences category, which recognises initiatives using digital technologies to improve access to and understanding of Europe's cultural heritage.
The ECTN Awards recognise projects that combine heritage conservation, innovation, accessibility and community engagement. Alongside the jury award, a Public Choice Award allows members of the public to vote for their preferred project online.
Previous exhibition in Brussels
Earlier this year, Lost Spaces was presented at the BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels, as part of the cultural programme accompanying the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The installation introduced international audiences to Cyprus' divided heritage through a recreation of aspects of the Buffer Zone.
How to vote
Members of the public can support the project by voting at the link HERE
The winners of the Destination of Sustainable Cultural Tourism Awards 2026 will be announced at the ECTN Awards Ceremony in Skiathos, Greece, in September 2026.
