Case Study: Virtual Reality as a Tool for Tourism Transformation – The Example of Grabovača Cave Park

Located in the scenic region of Lika in the heart of Croatia’s mountainous landscape, Grabovača Cave Park is a unique site in Europe, featuring over 30 speleological formations in a relatively small area. At the heart of its offer lies Samograd Cave – one of the first caves in Croatia to be developed for tourism.

Aiming to modernize the presentation of its content and attract as well as educate visitors, Grabovača chose to implement the VR Hotelo solution, developed in collaboration with XRPG. By introducing this innovative virtual reality system, the park gained a tool that not only boosts souvenir sales and visitor numbers but also enhances the overall visitor experience.

Key Benefits of Using the VR Hotelo App at Grabovača

1. Accessibility and Information Before Arrival

With VR headsets, visitors can virtually “walk through” Samograd Cave and explore nearby attractions in advance. A visual park map and 360° views help plan visits and reduce uncertainty – particularly useful for families with children, seniors, and international guests.

2. Multilingual Support and Inclusivity 

The app supports five languages: Croatian, English, German, French, and Italian. Changing languages is intuitive—simply look at the desired flag. This approach ensures communication with a broad international audience.

3. Education Through Storytelling

Short, engaging videos (30–60 seconds) provide insight into the park’s flora, fauna, geomorphology, and cultural events. Through VR, users can feel the breeze, hear the birds, and experience the nature walks—an emotional and lasting impression.

4. Mobile Promotion Across Europe 

The VR headset isn’t limited to in-park use—it’s a promotional tool at tourism fairs, workshops, and educational events. First reactions from the Czech Republic, where VR Grabovača was showcased, were overwhelmingly positive:  

“Grabovača’s VR glasses are a hit in the Czech Republic!” – was the feedback from one of the first exhibitions.

5. 360° and Classic Video Integration

The application includes both immersive 360° visuals and traditional 2D promo videos, providing a rich multimedia experience while making full use of existing content.

6. Branded and Visually Appealing Presentation 

The headset features the Grabovača logo, and the straps are decorated with bat symbols – a nod to the cave’s inhabitants. The headset is presented in a custom-designed cube that simulates a cave environment, further enhancing the immersive experience.

Firsthand Insights – Jelena Milković, Director of Grabovača Cave Park

“We wanted to offer visitors an experience they may never have had before.”

“People often ask us what the cave looks like, how many steps there are, whether it’s difficult… Now we can simply show them.”

“We don’t want the headset just sitting in the souvenir shop. We use it at fairs, seminars, and workshops. It’s the easiest and most effective way to present everything we offer.”

An Authentic Inside Look – 360° Video Case Study

In addition to the VR application, VR Hotelo team recorded a 360° video case study, lasting 6 minutes and 42 seconds, offering a deep yet impactful insight into their story.

In the video, park staff speak directly from authentic locations – inside the cave, from the viewpoint, and other key spots – sharing their reasons for choosing the VR Hotelo solution. They emphasize how this technology not only improves communication with visitors but also allows them to convey the atmosphere of the natural surroundings and the mystique of the underground world in a completely new way.

This video is a valuable resource and a true source of inspiration for anyone looking to digitalize their tourist offer and stand out on the market.

Conclusion: A Model for the Future – and Your Destination

By implementing the VR Hotelo solution, Grabovača Cave Park made a significant leap in digitally presenting its tourism offer. This isn’t just a presentation tool – it’s an innovation that educates, inspires, and emotionally connects visitors with the destination.

If you, too, want to modernize how you present your content and increase visibility among your visitors – contact us today.

We bring the solution. You bring the experience.

Scroll to Top