Tivat launches HOT CHAI project to digitize cultural heritage

The Municipality of Tivat has launched the HOT CHAI (Heritage Oriented Tourism preparing for Challenges of AI driven era) project, an international initiative aimed at enhancing sustainable and inclusive cultural tourism through digital technology. The project is part of the Interreg VI-A IPA cross-border cooperation program involving Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.

The total value of the project is 2.24 million euros. Tivat’s contribution is 473,004 euros, with the European Union providing 85% co-financing. A primary focus for Tivat is the digital transformation of the Museum and Gallery Tivat using augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) to create interactive experiences, such as a medieval naval battle and the history of the Buća family summer residence.

In addition to digitalization, the project aims to improve accessibility for visually impaired individuals, implement artificial intelligence tools, and provide technical training for staff. Tivat is partnering with the Šibenik Culture Fortress as the lead partner, alongside the Agency for Cultural, Historical, and Natural Heritage and Tourism Development of Jajce and the City of Vrlica.