Virtual reality and immersive technologies merge with Sardinia's rich history and vibrant culture in the new Ogliastra Visitor Center. This center, officially inaugurated this morning at the Convitto Agrario in Tortolì, is an innovative initiative by the Industrial Consortium of the Province of Ogliastra, in collaboration with the Autonomous Region of Sardinia – Department of Tourism and the ITS Blue Zone Foundation. The goal is to explore and promote the secrets of longevity in the region, recognized as one of the world's five "blue zones," where people live longer and healthier lives.
The Visitor Center is a complex designed to immerse residents and tourists in the extraordinary lives of Ogliastra's centenarians. This Sardinian region is distinguished by an active lifestyle, a pristine and wild environment, and a healthy diet based on legumes, vegetables, meats, and cheeses from local farms. But the key to its success also seems to lie in the slow pace of small communities, where sociability, affection, and respect for the elderly are paramount.
The Visitor Center, managed by the ITS Blue Zone Foundation, offers an immersive experience using VR headsets. Visitors can explore longevity in all its aspects through digital environments that tell engaging stories. Exciting videos transport users into a unique virtual world, where they can explore and interact with the culture and lifestyle of Ogliastra's centenarians.
The heart of the center is the Immersive Room, a physical space where the virtual comes to life thanks to sensors and video projections. Here, the viewer becomes the protagonist of a 360° narrative, drawn into the nuances of the lives of Ogliastra's centenarians. The extraordinary photographs of the centenarians, captured by film photographer Romolo Eucalitto, dominate the center, a symbol of a region where time seems to pass more slowly.
The Tortolì Visitor Center offers a comprehensive experience through interactive environments, touch screens, and multimedia narration. The ultimate goal is to provide a unique experience through the use of new technologies, stimulating emotions and sensations, and encouraging action.
For further information, exclusive interviews are available with key representatives of this initiative: Franco Ammendola (President of the Industrial Consortium of the Province of Ogliastra), Gian Battista Usai (President of the ITS Blue Zone Foundation), Marcello Ladu (Mayor of Tortolì) and Costantino Tidu (Extraordinary Administrator of the Province of Nuoro).