Tourism is no longer just about visiting destinations—it has become an experience that connects the past, present, and future. This idea is at the heart of the Jakob Award, presented annually at the Alpe-Adria Fair to recognize the most innovative and high-quality projects in tourism. This year’s theme focused on the digitalization of natural and cultural heritage, and the prestigious award went to the Virtual Mining Museum 4. dritl in Trbovlje, a project that seamlessly blends history with modern technology.
When Mining Heritage Becomes an Interactive Experience
The Virtual Mining Museum 4. dritl, developed by the Delavski dom Trbovlje Cultural Institute, offers visitors a truly immersive journey into the mining history of the region. This is not a conventional museum exhibition—it is a time-traveling experience where guests can step into the lives of miners using holograms, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and interactive projections. Visitors can walk through an authentic reconstruction of a mining tunnel, built by retired miners, or take a virtual tour through the original mine shafts, now collapsed or flooded.
Jakob Award 2025 Finalists
A panel of heritage and digitalization experts—Prof. Dr. Janez Bogataj (Commission President), Dr. Bojana Rogelj Škafar, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tanja Lešnik Štuhec, and Aleš Pevc—reviewed all applications and selected three finalists that stood out for their innovation and sustainability-focused approach.
Alongside the Virtual Mining Museum, the shortlisted projects included:
Kurent House (City Municipality of Ptuj) – A modern interpretation of one of Slovenia’s most iconic traditions, allowing visitors to explore the world of the Kurents through interactive digital storytelling.
The Secrets of Submerged Villages (Šaleška Valley Tourism Board, Velenje) – A fascinating presentation of villages lost beneath the waters of Šaleška Lakes, brought back to life through digitalized historical displays.
The Digital Future of Tourism
The Jakob Award 2025 is further proof that digitalization is not just a trend but a powerful tool for preserving and promoting cultural heritage. Projects like the Virtual Mining Museum 4. dritl demonstrate how modern technology can bring forgotten stories back to life and make them accessible to future generations.
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