Genk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Thor Park in Genk launches an immersive tourist attraction featuring VR, interactive apps, and film to highlight Limburg’s mining history and innovation legacy.
Through an immersive cinematic experience, an interactive app allows guests to re-discover the landscape, while virtual reality viewers provide exclusive insights. Only the immersive movie costs money, but it’s free for former miners.
The ‘Thor Experience’ was inaugurated in Genk, Belgium, by Mayor Wim Dries (CD&V), the deputy and Flemish Minister of Tourism Melissa Depraetere (Vooruit), and the alderman.
In addition to serving as a gateway to Hoge Kempen National Park, this brand-new visitor receiving should enhance Thor Park’s appeal as a travel destination.
38,000 individuals visited Thor Park for a walk last year. The goal of the city is to double that figure. That should be aided by three new tourism attractions. For that, the Flemish government has paid two million euros.
“A lot of things come together here,”
Says Flemish Minister of Tourism, Melissa Depraetere.
“You have the gateway to the beautiful nature, but also the rich past of the miners and that too is of incredible importance to tourism and very valuable for the whole of Flanders. I also hope that families with small children and schools will find their way here, because there is also an educational component.”
“From now on, every visit to Thor Central will start at the brand new reception point,”
Says Alderman for Tourism, Anniek Nagels (CD&V).
“In the central hall, visitors can take a seat in a specially designed box for an immersive film experience.”
“The 13-minute film takes viewers on a journey through the history and future of the site: from untouched nature to a flourishing mining site, and from industrial transformation to green innovation.”
Residents of Genk pay 5 euros, whereas visitors pay 7 euros. Free entry is granted to former miners.
Visitors use their smartphones to browse the website using the Thor app, which is available for free. They can explore interactive stories about technology, mining history, and wildlife by scanning QR codes. Visitors learn everything there is to know about the site with the help of virtual advisors Thorbotje, Mino the miner, and Q the scientist.
“The physical VR viewers at the Heritage Square and the picnic benches offer a unique extra experience,”
Alderman Nagels explains.
“As soon as visitors look into it, they travel back in time and see Thor Park as it looked decades ago. In addition, the light artwork Lichtsporen remains free of charge.”
On Thursday, Thor Experience will be open to the public. Twenty-four needy families from the area will get the opportunity to be the first to visit tomorrow due to the city of Genk. Together with Vincentius Genk-Zutendaal and the Fonds Vakantie Voor Iedereen, the day is planned.
How will the immersive film and VR boost tourism at Thor Park?
From Thor Park’s mining past to its current position as a center for technology and nature, visitors may immerse themselves in the park’s history and change through immersive movies and virtual reality experiences.
The visit becomes more significant and unforgettable as a result of the greater emotional connection and comprehension of the site’s significance that this narrative fosters.
With interactive features like time-travel simulations, guided virtual tours, and gamified activities, virtual reality and immersive film may be adapted to suit a variety of interests and age groups. Repeat business is encouraged and visitor happiness is raised by this customisation.
Thor Park offers to a broader range of people by fusing digital activities with real-world exploration, including families, tech aficionados, and educational groups.
