Goran Macanović new general manager of Novotel Zagreb: Focus on business guests and events
Zagreb has become richer for an entirely new concept of entertainment and experiential tourism. Wandia, a next-generation destination that combines virtual reality (VR), interactive storytelling and a shared experience into a never-before-seen entertainment format for all generations, has opened at 9 Vlaška Street, next to European Square. Alongside VR and interactive adventures in which participants become part of the story, it is also designed for corporate clients looking for different options for teambuilding, corporate gatherings and group programs.
Virtual reality as a shared experience
Wandia is based on the concept of immersive entertainment, an experiential form of entertainment where visitors actively participate in the virtual world rather than observing content from the sidelines. Through so-called free-roam VR, participants can move freely within specially designed arenas, explore the virtual environment and go through the story together.
Two experiences are currently available: "Evolution of Life", which shows 3.5 billion years of the development of life on Earth, and "Land of the Pharaohs: The Secret of the Cheops Pyramid", which takes visitors on an exploration of history and the hidden areas of one of the ancient world's most famous structures. Both experiences are available in five languages, making them suitable for international groups as well. The content was developed in collaboration with experts from the fields of history, archaeology and science, with Croatian voiceover provided by Ida Prester, Đina Damjanović and actors Ana Begić Tahiri, Jan Kerekeš and Tara Thaller.
For business event organizers, this format opens up the possibility of designing a shared activity that does not depend on the participants' prior knowledge or their preference for traditional team games. Virtual adventures can be part of a teambuilding program, incentive trip or an informal post-conference gathering, with an emphasis on collaboration and a shared experience.
VR arena becomes an event venue
Wandia features over 600 square meters of space and two specially equipped VR arenas with a capacity for more than 60 participants simultaneously. The venue can be booked for private group visits and business events, with options to organize catering, networking and social gatherings.
The ground-floor space of around 300 square meters can accommodate up to 30 people for a VR experience, up to 150 people in a cocktail setup, or up to 100 people in a conference layout. With additional space in the basement, organizers have options to combine the experiential program with other parts of the event, depending on their needs and chosen schedule.
Special group rates are provided for larger groups, and the program can be tailored to the requirements of an individual company. This makes Wandia a potentially interesting option for small and medium-sized corporate groups, as well as for organizers seeking an additional activity as part of a broader program in Zagreb. The city-center location is very convenient, and combined with nearby restaurants, hotels and other city amenities, the VR experience can form part of a more comprehensive program for business guests.
Accessibility and development of new content
The concept is intended for different age groups and visitors without previous experience with VR technology. Special attention has been paid to accessibility, allowing participation for people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users. Two wheelchairs and two elevators are available at the venue, facilitating access to different levels of the building.
Wandia was launched by entrepreneurs and investors Maja Jelisić Cooper and Jonathan Cooper, known for production projects such as Klasik TV, DOX TV and Cluville, as well as the international expansion of the Museum of Illusions. "Over the years, we have worked on projects that changed the way people experience content, entertainment and education. Following the success of Klasik TV, the Museum of Illusions and Cluville, we wanted to take the next step and offer the audience an experience that literally takes them into new worlds. Wandia is a fusion of adventure, imagination and technology. We believe it will become a new favorite destination for everyone looking for unforgettable experiences and wanting to step beyond the boundaries of everyday life, even if just for a moment," emphasized Maja Jelisić Cooper.
The plan is to introduce approximately four new VR experiences per year, including content related to Croatia. The continuous expansion of the offer could also be important for corporate clients looking for new programs for return visits, incentive groups or different participant profiles.
With the opening of its first center, Bright Entertainment Group announces the continued development of the concept, new experiences and further expansion beyond Croatia. By the end of the year, Wandia will already be present on another continent, giving this Zagreb project an international dimension.
