VR-Helsinki to become service platform for sustainable tourism

Friday, November 30, 2018

VR-Helsinki is hoping to become the service platform for sustainable tourism. The unique virtual city experience has been developed by the City of Helsinki along with its partner VR-studio ZOAN. Virtual Helsinki will be presented at Slush, the world’s leading startup event, on 4-5 December.

Virtual Helsinki is a digital twin of Helsinki that has been created by 3D modelling. The aim is to make Helsinki a centre of VR/AR expertise, along with attracting a million virtual visitors to Helsinki in 2019.

“Virtual tourism is a globally interesting and growing theme. Consumers are increasingly aware of the climate impacts of tourism and are keen to make responsible decisions.

Virtual tourism also supports Helsinki’s own goal of being a pioneer in sustainable tourism while reinforcing our reputation as a city that utilises the latest digital innovations,” said Laura Aalto, the CEO of Helsinki Marketing.

Helsinki recently won the European Commission’s new European Capital of Smart Tourism  competition. The assessment criteria included the sustainable development of tourism, the use of digitalization in tourism services, an interesting cultural heritage and innovative tourism offerings. VR-Helsinki combines the same themes.

In the virtual city experience presented at Slush, visitors can enjoy an exciting tour of Senate Square, the home of legendary Finnish architect Alvar Aalto in Munkkiniemi and the recreational island of Lonna. The tour is accompanied by music and changing seasons.

VR-Helsinki allows visitors to move freely in the computer simulation of Helsinki. Various additional experiences can also be created. In the future, VR-Helsinki will serve as a digital platform enabling service providers to run their businesses.

VR-Helsinki will be available as of next year, for example, from VR content stores and at various events and venues around the world.

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