Press release · Tourism and digital solutions
Varakļānu attīstībai hands over its digital tourism guide to the local administration
FacebookVarakļānu attīstībai has developed the digital tourism information system “Varakļāni — digital tourism guide”. It is being handed over free of charge for use by the Varakļāni Area Administration.
Designed for a tourist information kiosk, the guide will bring together places to visit, events, routes, dining and accommodation options, and local institutions. Visitors will be able to use an interactive map, view distances and driving times to a selected destination, and continue a route on their phone using a QR code.
An administration interface has also been developed. It allows staff to change text and images, add events, set opening hours, manage publication periods and view kiosk usage statistics. Information can therefore be updated regularly without involving a programmer in everyday tasks.
The administration interface is being handed over to the Varakļāni Area Administration, while day-to-day content management will be entrusted to the Varakļāni Tourist Information Centre and Cultural Centre. Residents, businesses, institutions and event organisers will be able to contact them to correct information or add new content to the guide.
The guide is planned in four languages: Latvian, Latgalian, English and German. The Latgalian content will continue to be refined with input from local speakers.
According to the association’s preliminary estimate, an equivalent bespoke solution would have a market value of approximately EUR 25,000–40,000 excluding VAT. This estimate is based on the system’s functions, technical scope and the work required to develop a comparable solution. Varakļānu attīstībai invested its own funds, time and expertise in the project.
“I wanted to create more than an attractive screen: a living, practical guide that helps visitors discover Varakļāni and its surroundings. It is currently intended for a tourist kiosk, but we plan to make the guide easily accessible on phones too — both for people already in Varakļāni and for travellers near and far who are still planning their visit,” says the project’s initiator and developer, Viktors Vilkaušs of Varakļānu attīstībai.
Artificial intelligence technologies were also used as development tools, but the association was responsible for the system’s structure, content, testing and final decisions. Tourism content also drew on information available at www.visitmadona.lv.
Open the digital tourism guide ↗
Press release sent to the media on 1 October 2026. The text reflects the project’s plans and assessment at the time it was prepared. The guide’s home-screen image is dated 14 October 2026. English translation of the Latvian release.
Further information: Varakļānu attīstībai Association