Introduction of the project
In this project virtual nature travel content made for international markets is being co-created and tested. The project’s goal is to produce (approximately) three routes to be virtually experienced (Tiilikkajärvi, Tahko, Puijo). Simultaneously the demand of digital contents and routes, as well as their distribution channels, business benefits and earning models are identified. The projectwill produce information to tourism industry to help with marketing and developing business. In this project, terms such as virtual travel and digital, remote services are mentioned. These refer to digital services that can include and apply virtual elements using XR and livestream technology. In this context the term “virtual travel” does not include (experiences provided by) virtual reality.
Objectives of the project
The objective of this project is to encourage the collaboration of nature tourism operators and suitable content creators and develop new remote and virtual nature tourism products. As a result, the recognition of virtual nature tourism products and sales towards international markets increases. Digital routes of Northern Savo is a pilot whose purpose is to develop remote, interactive nature experiences of routes pre-selected. The implementations use for example XR and livestream technology. The implementations are co-created and tested by international target audiences. Aim is to enhance reachability, especially digital kind and improve the region’s appeal with the help of remote experiences. Object is also to reach international travelers and increase international tourism in Northern Savo via these digital, remote services.
Digital routes offer an environmentally friendly choice to those who have doubts about traveling due to environmental reasons. Measures of sustainable development also bring a competitive advantage to the region. Remote nature experiences bring added value also to those who for some reason are unable to physically access nature. The content produced within this project works as a marketing tool that provides the opportunity to familiarize oneself with the destination in advance. Virtual content provides a more realistic image of the destination (instead of pictures and video). This may have a significant impact in the decision to travel and the choice of destination.
Learning possibilities are taken into account in the development of the content. This is to respond to the future travelers’ willingness to learn (new things) during their visit. The content strives to teach responsible behaviour in nature and to present the special features of our region. The content is planned so that it also has marketing elements, thus raising interest towards the opportunities of travel in nature and teaching the principles of sustainable travel. The outputs of the project are produced to proof of concept level.
Aim of the collaboration is to find outremote experiences’demand, business opportunities and earning models. Best practices and habits from different fields are observed. There are different business models that change quickly as technology develops. Furthermore, this project maps out national and international sales and distribution platforms.
This project aims to increase companies’ and other operators’ awareness (in) utilizing new technology as well as support and encourage companies to use for example XR-technology when developing their business. Increasing awareness promotes the digitalization of travel and enhances hospitality industry’s understanding of remote content and their usage within their operations. Simultaneously an overall picture of the things that help develop remote content aimed at international audiences is formed.
Collaborating with this project are Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Humak University of Applied Sciences and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. Aim of the collaboration is to compile regions’digital content and ecosystem ofnature-based travel. In collaboration with partnering projects the objective is to create national and international sustainable nature tourism network.
Work packages
WP1 Gathering knowledge and material for the development process
In this work package demand for remote content and routes as well as business opportunities is mapped out. Business model helps companies understand the possibilities of digital contents in their business. In addition, national and international sales and distribution platforms are being mapped out.
WP2 Workshops for developing digital nature tourism
Open workshops will be held for hospitality industry businesses and stakeholders. The workshops will be held as a hybrid model to enable broad participation.
WP3 Development of digital services
Our region’s special qualities are being presented on the routes. The routes are planned so that the viewer can partake as an active participant. We will also produce a livestreamed, guided hike that makes it possible for the guide and participants to interact with one another. The results are produced to POC level. The contents of the routes are planned so that they present the region’s opportunities for nature activities which could benefit the companies of the region as well as add the appeal of surrounding areas. With these experiental contents we can promote nature travel of Northern Savo both internationally and domestically.
WP4 National and international network and ecosystem work in collaboration with partner projects
Network collaboration brings together region’s companies so that it enables the formation of digital content of nature-based travel. This package aims at forming a national network of nature based tourism, linked to regional ecosystems. With the help of partnering projects and contacts the digital tourism services can be tested on international target groups. Savonia’s and partnering projects’ networks will be used to help with the gathering of material related to international consumers.
WP5 Communication
Information about this project’s stages will be available on various channels. The main channel is the project’s website. Savonia University of Applied Sciences will produce 2-4 articles that will be published on the project’s website as well as Savonia’s page: People, activities and innovations from Savonia. Communication is also done in co-operation with the stakeholders of the project. Savonia will attend national events as part of networking and sharing best practices.
