Helsinki digitises its venues as it allows for virtual fam trips

The city of Helsinki has digitised some of its major event venues, in a new initiative called Virtual Helsinki. Senate Square, The Three Smiths Statue, the island of Lonna and Finlandia Hall can be explored for free in the virtual environment, which only requires a computer, laptop or smartphone. The technology was put together in partnership with VR studio Zoan, but a VR headset is not required. Its aim is to promote Helsinki as a destination remotely, allowing people to attend virtual fam trips while travel restrictions remain in place. Sustainability is also a key concern, according to Helsinki Marketing. Leena Lassila, director of global sales at Helsinki Marketing, said: “We believe that the Covid-19 pandemic brings permanent changes to the global event industry. Customers look for increasingly diverse opportunities to combine physical events and digital solutions. Helsinki is convinced that consumers are also increasingly aware of the climate impact of travel and want to make responsible choices. Helsinki has a great deal to offer in this competition.”