The one-day training titled “Digital Technologies for SMEs – Interactive Content and Virtual Assistants in Support of Rural Tourism” aimed to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), tourist providers, cultural institutions, and rural stakeholders in strengthening their visibility and interaction with visitors using accessible digital tools.
The main objectives were to introduce user-friendly technological solutions such as interactive QR-coded info boards, virtual assistants, and holographic presentations, and to encourage participants to explore their application in the rural tourism context. The training supported knowledge transfer and local capacity-building through practical guidance and examples of good practice.
The training started at the Štajerska hiša glasbe and the presentation of Alfi Nipič Museum in Jarenina with a presentation of the REVIVE project, which promotes innovative, community-based business models in the Mediterranean’s internal rural areas.
The session focused on interactive information boards with QR codes, showcasing how tourist farms, museums, and local attractions can enrich visitor experiences by linking to videos, audio guides, and local storytelling (explained on a practical LAG project KULAK).
Participants also explored the potential of holograms and virtual assistants as tools for real-time communication and visitor engagement, either on websites or physical info points.
Practical guidance followed on how SMEs can implement such tools, covering technical needs, funding opportunities (including EU grants), and collaboration with local providers. The event concluded with a joint brainstorming session where participants contributed ideas for immersive digital content development in the Slovenske gorice region.
Training Sessions Included
- Registration of participants and presentation of the REVIVE project
- Interactive boards with QR codes: Enhancing visitor inclusion with accessible tools
- Holograms, virtual assistants & real-time communication – Future of digital support
- How to get started – practical advice for SMEs (technology, funding, local partners)
- Group discussion: What could be developed in Slovenske gorice?
- Guided tour of the Alfi Nipič Museum, Kostnica and Štajerska hiša glasbe
The workshop succeeded in raising awareness among rural SMEs about the opportunities digital technologies offer in improving tourist experiences and visibility. Participants appreciated the focus on practical, low-threshold tools suitable for rural settings, such as interactive boards that connect to films or local stories, and the inclusion of modern solutions like virtual assistants and holograms.
The guided discussion and exchange of ideas proved particularly valuable, with many attendees expressing interest in developing similar experiences in their communities. The visit to the Alfi Nipič Museum and interactive boards and hologram, which already implements some digital storytelling elements, served as a good practice case and inspiration. Future steps will include continued support for pilot implementation of such tools in the Slovenske gorice region, especially in connection with the REVIVE project and its digital innovation goals.
