“Virtual real cultural experience and virtual trip in the UNESCO Geopark (search) area on a new digital platform” is a project coordinated by the municipality of Lappajärvi and funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The aim of the project is to strengthen cultural tourism in Finland and to support cultural tourism’s revival and adaptation to the operating environmentwhich has changed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Tourism is a key sector in the Crater Lake Geopark area with a strong historical connection to the local culture. The culture at the region creates the basis of living for the local inhabitants and ithas had a diverse face from the Stone Age to the modern social media culture. The cultural locations in the Geopark area are the most significant tourism attractions.

The possibility to experience these locations virtually increases equality and sustainable development. Virtuality also aims to increase the accessibility of cultural experiences making it possible fornew target groups to enjoy them also. Using virtual technology, the producers of cultural experiences have the opportunity to get a larger share of tourism for themselves.