The main purpose of the workshop was to introduce local stakeholders from rural and regional tourism sectors to innovative digital technologies through a real-life best practice – the EXPANO Interactive Center. The workshop aimed to:
- Present the EXPANO Center as an example of effective use of digital technologies (VR, AR, and interactive installations) for regional development and tourism promotion.
- Encourage knowledge transfer and inspire ideas for integrating similar approaches into rural tourism offers, particularly in the Slovenske gorice region.
- Showcase the EU-funded REVIVE project, which supports the development of community-based innovative business models and digital solutions in internal rural areas across the Mediterranean.
Content and Course of the Workshop
The workshop began at 10:00 with participant registration. This was followed by a brief presentation of the REVIVE project, outlining its goals and ongoing activities.
A representative of the EXPANO center introduced the development history, purpose, and technologies used in the center. Participants learned how AR, VR, and interactive installations are integrated into tourism storytelling and regional branding.
Then participants were guided through the exhibition space of EXPANO. The tour offered an immersive experience of the natural, culinary, and cultural attractions of the Pomurje region using digital technologies.
After a short break for refreshments and networking, the afternoon session focused on the transferability of these technologies to other regions. A moderated discussion followed on how VR/AR tools can be integrated into rural tourism in Slovenske gorice.
The final part included a wrap-up, where key ideas were summarised and opportunities for future cooperation were discussed.
Conclusions and Impressions
The workshop successfully fulfilled its purpose of providing a hands-on learning experience of digital tourism tools in practice. Participants were impressed by the depth of interactivity and the storytelling potential that the EXPANO center demonstrates.
The event encouraged regional stakeholders to consider how such technologies could enhance the visibility, accessibility, and attractiveness of rural destinations like Slovenske gorice. There was particular interest in how immersive storytelling and interactive installations could be adapted to promote wine tourism, local heritage, and agrotourism.
Participants expressed interest in further capacity-building workshops and technical support to explore how such approaches can be scaled and replicated across other regions.
