VR-film 'The source of Europe'

By project TAAS

Published on 24 March 2025

Netherlands

About this good practice

Internationally, the South Limburg region positions itself as ‘the source of Europe’. This following historical facts such as the Treaty of Meerssen from the year 870 and the Maastricht Treaty in 1992. But also based on events, such as the region was ruled by the Romans, Spanish, French, Belgians, Germans and has been officially Dutch territory since 1867. A history full of stories that the VR film brings to life, so to speak.

The VR film can be viewed in a number of Visit Zuid-Limburg branches (experiences). VR glasses will be facilitated on site for guests to use. Furthermore, the VR film is offered online, so it can be viewed from home with VR glasses, or without VR glasses by looking around 360 degrees in the video with the computer mouse. The VR film initiative in South Limburg aligns with the TAAS IE project and TAAS cycle by emphasizing Technology (VR storytelling), Adoption (integrating VR in tourism hubs and online), Assessment (enthusiastic visitor feedback), and Scaling (expanding accessibility) and with TAAS vision to enhance engagement and increase co-planning levels in tourism sector.

The primary stakeholders include Visit Zuid-Limburg, local municipalities, and tourism operators in the region. The beneficiaries are both visitors and residents. Thanks to the story, they have a better sense of the region, the different themes we use to promote the area and become better ambassadors of the region.

Resources needed

- The VR film by Visit Zuid-Limburg lasts about 20 minutes and was realised for € 90,000. VR glasses should also be purchased and maintained.
- A film crew and script is needed to realise the VR film. Furthermore, extras (bit-players) should be used for several film scenes.

Evidence of success

•Everyone who watches the VR flimfilm will admits that he/she knows the region better afterwards and become an ambassador. This also creates extra traffic and distribution in the area.
•Since 2022 it estimated that the film is watched a 1.000 times (no sooner due to covid). Online the film has 488 unique visitors
•To get the total experience, VR glasses are needed. These are quite expensive and not many people have one at home. Once these become more standard, the film will have more reach.

Potential for learning or transfer

• It is a great way to tell the story of a region or city. It is a visual experience.
• It creates ambassadors for the region and extra web traffic the moment they want to know more about a particular topic.
• it is difficult to distribute such a film because people do not yet have standard VR glasses at home.
• It would be good if the film is also visible in several places. Think museums etc. But that means they need to create space for this and invest in VR glasses, among other things.