In the digital age, the border between local and global is fading. Now, people from all over the world can connect and interact from their homes, even on platforms. Online events are a clear example of this convergence. Poker tournaments and eSports championships bring together fans from various parts of the world. In addition, they offer a unique opportunity to showcase a country’s local culture.
These events can be designed with music, virtual backgrounds and thematic bonuses. Cultural elements are integrated, creating a “digital door” that invites participants to learn more about the destination. Thus, their interest in visiting it in person is aroused.
Online events as new cultural showcases
Digital events have gained great popularity. Today, millions of people connect to watch or participate in eSports competitions and online poker tournaments. These events not only attract players and spectators; they have also become platforms for cultural marketing. By tailoring events with cultural touches, organizers can offer a “taste” of what a country has to offer.
For example, an online poker tournament from Mexico could include mariachi music and virtual backgrounds with landscapes such as Teotihuacán or the beaches of Cancún. Similarly, eSports championships can add prizes or bonuses inspired by local culture, such as traditional foods or historical figures. This creates an immersive and educational experience for participants. Thus, they feel more connected to the host country, even if they are thousands of miles away.
Increasing tourist interest through virtual experiences
The COVID-19 pandemic spurred the development of virtual experiences that simulate aspects of daily life and culture in different places. Although the health emergency has diminished, interest in these digital events is still present. Many people are looking for online alternatives to explore other countries safely and economically. These experiences can be key to the tourism industry. They allow users to get to know a destination before visiting it in person.
Culturally-focused online events help people discover places or traditions they may not have known about. An eSports tournament in Japan, for example, could include a special section to showcase ancient temples, traditional festivals, or local cuisine. All done through interactive activities or promotional videos. These virtual experiences can be so engaging that viewers feel the desire to visit those places and experience the culture firsthand.
Personalization of the experience: a unique touch for each event
Personalization is a great advantage of online events. Organizers can tailor the atmosphere and content to different audiences and themes, something that is harder to achieve at physical events. For example, an online poker tournament set in Italy could include Italian classical music, virtual backgrounds of Rome or Venice, and even prizes inspired by the colors of the flag or typical Italian dishes.
eSports, which tend to attract a younger audience, can take advantage of an interactive approach. Participants could choose from different experiences within the same event. Not only does this promote local culture in a fun way, but it also makes players feel more connected and interested in getting to know the host country.
Untapped potential
Although the inclusion of cultural elements in online events has gained popularity, there is still much to explore. With advances in technology, especially in virtual and augmented reality, the opportunities to create immersive and enriching experiences are immense. In the future, these events could offer virtual city tours, guided tours of museums, and even interactions with virtual “hosts” who authentically represent local culture.
The integration of local culture into online events is just beginning. But it has great potential to connect people from all over the world and promote tourism in an innovative way. These events can become true “digital gateways” to fascinating destinations, awakening in participants the desire to visit in person the places and traditions they discover online. Ultimately, online events adapted to local culture benefit not only organizers and participants, but also the tourism industry and the cultural heritage of each country.