Finland Tests AI Assistant at Eurovision Selection Event

Finland is turning Eurovision fans into beta testers for a smart city innovation that could change how visitors experience new places.

The city of Tampere partnered with Microsoft to create VIP Tampere, an AI assistant that acts like a knowledgeable local friend in your pocket. During Finland's Eurovision national selection finals in late February, a small group of volunteers got early access to test the voice-activated service.

Here's how it works: visitors ask questions through their phone using voice or text, and the AI responds through headphones with personalized recommendations. Want to know the best lunch spot nearby? Wondering when to arrive at the venue to avoid crowds? Curious about that historic building you just passed? VIP Tampere provides real-time answers based on your location.

The technology combines digital twins (virtual replicas of physical spaces) with AI to create context-aware suggestions. Instead of scrolling through generic tourist websites, visitors get guidance tailored to where they are and what's happening right now.

Irene Vekkeli, Tampere's Director of Economic Development and Innovation, sees bigger possibilities. "Events bring many new visitors to Tampere and increase the city's attractiveness," she explains. "I would gladly use the VIP Tampere service myself when visiting a new city or travelling abroad."

The collaboration between Tampere and Microsoft operates on a co-creation model where neither party charges the other. Petteri Lehtinen from Microsoft Oy praised Tampere's willingness to experiment, saying the city's bold innovation culture makes it an ideal development partner.

Before the Eurovision test, the team surveyed volunteers to learn what information matters most to event visitors. Based on that feedback, they loaded the system with details about local restaurants, city highlights, and Eurovision-related side events.

The Ripple Effect

This experiment could reshape tourism for cities worldwide. Smaller cities often struggle to help visitors discover local gems beyond major attractions. An AI assistant that knows about the family-owned cafe around the corner or the jazz performance happening tonight could drive business to local establishments while enriching visitor experiences.

For residents, better-served tourists mean more economic activity and a stronger reputation for their city. The technology also reduces the pressure on information centers and customer service staff during major events.

Development Manager Outi Valkama emphasizes that user feedback drives everything. "The test version and the experiences gained from it provide valuable information for future development," she notes. After Eurovision, the team will analyze feedback to refine the service before any wider rollout.

Cities investing in visitor experiences aren't just being hospitable—they're building sustainable tourism economies that benefit everyone.