Why is HelloVEB a pioneering intelligent experience platform?
Why is HelloVEB a pioneering intelligent experience platform?
The HelloVEB portal system is the integrated tourism and cultural program platform of the Veszprém–Balaton region platform, which is based on the digital heritage of the European Capital of Culture (ECOC 2023). This system serves both users (visitors) and partners (event organizers) in the form of an intelligent experience platform. HelloVEB brings together the programs of Veszprém and the cultural, sporting, and community events of the Bakony-Balaton region in one place.
Below, we present what makes HelloVEB unique, how it works in the background, and what benefits it offers to users and affiliated partners.
What is the HelloVEB portal system?
HelloVEB is a regional, integrated tourism portal system covering the Veszprém and Bakony-Balaton region (covering three counties: Zala County, Veszprém County, and Somogy County) It collects all cultural, leisure, and sporting events on a single platform and makes them available to the public. Essentially, it is a public online event database-based program guide: users can discover the region's entire program offering, whether it be festivals, concerts, gastronomic events, sights, exhibitions, or even sporting events. HelloVEB is based on the digital infrastructure of the European Capital of Culture 2023: the content and technological solutions developed during the ECoC have been further developed to create a long-term sustainable, innovative tourism ecosystem.
This means that HelloVEB is not just a simple event list, but a modern, modular platform containing all the tourist data for the region.
The modules of the portal system include, among others:
- the content management system (CMS) – this manages the data of programs, venues, and organizers,
- the ticket sales system – integrated so that users can also purchase tickets directly (Jegy.HelloVEB.hu),
- as well as the city card (tourist, resident) / tourist card module – which manages discount systems, such as the Veszprém Card or the Veszprém-Balaton PASS card.
It is important to note that HelloVEB provides a consistent user experience: the same interface can be used on both computers and mobile devices via a web application, and the design can be customized (e.g., partner cities can adopt the engine with their own colors). The portal system has an open architecture, meaning that other institutions institutions can also connect to it with their own subpages, and even external systems can be integrated via APIs.
With a single user account, you can now use several related sites, such as: HelloVEB.hu, sportregio2026.hu, veszpremkartya.hu, jegy.helloveb.hu és a lehetégségek listája hamarosan további elérhetéségekkel is bővül!
Overall, the HelloVEB portal system is a central gateway to the experiences of the region: visitors can find out everything they need to know here, while organizers can showcase their programs. This unified solution reduces the need for parallel developments (everyone builds on a common platform) and helps to digitally integrate regional tourism.
What makes HelloVEB an intelligent experience platform?
HelloVEB is not simply a static program list, but an "intelligent experience platform". This is true in several respects:
- Integrated ticket and card system: The term "intelligent" also refers to the fact that the platform connects experiences and the services associated with them. For example, if tickets are available for an event, you can purchase them directly on the HelloVEB interface—the system integrates the ticket purchase module (or integrates with existing ticketing systems). Similarly, the system also monitors the use of discount cards (e.g., Veszprém-Balaton Pass): when you log into your account, you can see where you can use the card, and it will indicate if there are any card discounts for events. Such data connections enhance the user experience – no need to go to separate pages for information, everything is in one place.
- Automatic multilingualism: HelloVEB is a Hungarian-English bilingual platform. What makes it truly special is that it has a built-in DeepL machine translation system. This means that the platform automatically translates the descriptions of events and venues into English. On the partner admin interface, organizers can create an English version of the Hungarian text with the help of DeepL at the click of a button. This means that foreign tourists can also read the programs immediately, making HelloVEB a international experience platform, as the region's offerings can now be easily browsed in English. (Of course, machine translation is not always perfect, so the editorial team cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the translations, but the editors do their best to check them.)
- Real-time analytics and adaptation: In the background, the system continuously collects data—how many people clicked on which event, which category is the most popular, how many tickets were sold, etc. One of the great values of HelloVEB and the underlying TMR (Tourism Management System) is the detailed analytics that developers and partners can use. This allows them to intelligently develop their offerings: for example, if they see that there are few viewers for gastronomic events, they can plan more promotions for them. Or we can show "trend signals" through the user's profile (e.g., "There will be 5 concerts in your area this week"). The essence of the intelligent platform is that it learns from the data and uses it to provide better service.
- SEO and search engine friendly operation: During the development of HelloVEB, attention was also paid to search engine optimization and even modern AI-based searches (e.g., voice-controlled searches or questions asked by Google). Metadata (keywords, sharing descriptions) are filled in for every event and page, so that Google and social media sites can "understand" the content and index it well. This intelligence is not directly visible to users, but it manifests itself in the fact that if, for example, you search for "Balaton concert July 15," HelloVEB's results appear high in the rankings and show relevant information. Furthermore, structured data and keywords help AI systems such as search engine assistants to provide accurate answers based on the data available on HelloVEB.
All this makes HelloVEB a new generation, intelligent tourism platform: not just a passive repository of information, but an interactive, learning, versatile system that integrates various experiences (information, tickets, discounts) and serves them to users in a smart way (with the help of AI) to serve them to users. This is a pioneering approach in the tourism sector in Hungary, as there are few examples of so many things being implemented in a single system in a similar .
How does the integrated system work in the background?
- Central database: All content (events, locations, people, etc.) is stored in a common database. There are no separate databases for separate websites – we store everything in one place, and it can be accessed from multiple front-end interfaces. This means that when a piece of data is updated (e.g., a date is changed), it is automatically updated everywhere. This centralization is the basis of integration.
- Modular structure: TMR consists of several modules that are organically linked to each other. For example, the ticket sales module is linked to program data – if a program is a "ticketed" event, the module automatically makes a ticket purchase option available next to it. Similarly, the card system module is linked to the programs – if a partner offers a discount for the PASS card at the event, this can be checked in the admin, and the "PASS discount" badge will appear on the frontend. Among the modules, there is the CMS (Content Management System), which is the editorial interface itself, the recommender (recommender) module, the analytics module, and the open API module. The API enables data transfer to external systems, for example, if a city displays HelloVEB events in a module on its own website. One admin – multiple front-ends: The essence of integration is that multiple different websites can be managed from a single administrative interface. On the HelloVEB admin, partners can record an event and set its category, location, etc. Based on this metadata, the system automatically displays the program on all relevant pages:
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- the main HelloVEB.hu page (as it lists all events from the three counties),
- on the Sportregio2026.hu page, if the event belongs to the "active/sport" category,
- on the VeszpremBalatonPass.hu website if the event offers or is related to a card discount (e.g., museum admission),
- or even on a own installation or institutional microsite, if one has been created (e.g., a museum's own website uses this system).
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All this happens without having to upload the content multiple times. So integrated operation means: one admin, one content, one upload – countless display options. This interconnected structure forms the backbone of the system and makes administration much easier for partners.
Integrated operation means that HelloVEB is a unified infrastructure on both the frontend (user side) and the backend (admin side). There are no isolated systems; all modules communicate with each other. This results in efficiency – a modification/content can be used in many places – consistency – the same current information is displayed everywhere – and strategic data collection – through centralized analytics. This is a mature, coordinated digital environment, which is novel in the field of tourism, as separate systems are usually used to handle program lists, tickets, and cards, whereas here everything is integrated into one system.
What does "One Admin – countless interfaces – clickability" mean?
One admin, one content, one upload – countless display options!
- One Admin: As mentioned, all content uploads and management take place on a central administration interface. There is no separate admin interface for the SportRegio site and the PASS site – there is one partner portal where users can view and edit content depending on their user role. This simplifies the work: the partner logs in to one place (https://admin.helloveb.hu) and can manage everything there.
- Countless interfaces: The term "interface" here refers to public websites based on the HelloVEB database. Currently, such interfaces include, for example:
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- HelloVEB.hu – the main portal covering all programs in the entire region (Veszprém programs, Bakony-Balaton region programs) összes programját lefedi
- Sportregio2026.hu – subpage on the topic of sports and active lifestyles (it also draws on the same database, but is preset to show only "active" programs).
- VeszpremBalatonPass.hu – the tourist discount card website, which also integrates the program guide, but specifically highlights places that accept the card and discounted events.
- Institutional or location microsites – If required, a subpage can be created that lists the events of a specific city or institution (this function is available in the system, e.g. if a small town wants to list all its events only on its own website, this can also be done with the HelloVEB engine).
- Embeddable widgets – part of the plan is to allow the HelloVEB program list to be embedded in independent websites in the form of a module (e.g., a "Local Programs" box on a hotel website box). This would use the same central content, but with a unique appearance.
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All of the above work from a single source, but with different images and filters. The word "countless" refers to the fact that the system can be flexibly expanded with new interfaces, and there are no technical obstacles to creating new thematic or location-based portals. In any case, the three existing main interfaces (home page, Sports, Pass) already demonstrate this capability well: one admin → three websites in parallel.
- Clickability: This term is a bit playful, but it refers to the fact that there are no blind spots or information dead ends in the system. Due to integration, all information is connected, and there are paths leading from everywhere to other relevant content (we have already touched on this in connection with the "corridor principle"). ). On a technical level, this means that any module (e.g., location data sheet) receives the necessary input to display additional information (e.g., map, opening hours, list of events at the location), rather than just a blank name. Furthermore, the navigation elements (menus, links) on each subpage are designed so that you can return to the main pages or related lists, so you are not left "on your own" on a subpage.
A simple example: if you are viewing an event on the Sports page and then become interested in a different type of program, you can navigate to the HelloVEB main page search engine with a single click (e.g., you can go to the "Family Programs" section in the menu, which is part of the main page). Similarly, microsites (e.g., a city subpage) are not isolated: the integrated menu system ensures that you can also navigate from there to the regional view or topics. With many traditional websites, a subdomain or subpage does not "recognize" the main portal – here, they have consciously ensured that everything remains integrated for the user.
So the expression "One admin – one upload – many interfaces – countless display options – all accessible"rdquo; is the motto of the HelloVEB program module, which expresses that:
- Simple operation: you only need to work with the content in one place (saving time and energy for partners).
- Multiple online presence: content is automatically published on multiple websites, reaching multiple audiences.
- Excellent user experience: visitors can find all information in a coherent manner and navigate easily, as if they were moving within a single large site (even though we are talking about several sites, this is transparent to the user because they are linked together).
Very few systems on the tourism market can offer all three of these advantages at once, which is why HelloVEB is a pioneer in this field.
Why is the "One account – countless functions" approach advantageous?
From a user's point of view, it is a huge advantage that with HelloVEB, you do not have to register or log in separately for each service.. By creating a single profile (one account) on the platform, all components become available to you, meaning you can use all functions from one place.
Let's take a closer look at what this means:
- One-time registration and synchronized profile: When you register on HelloVEB.hu (or any of its subpages), you create your personal user account. From then on, whenever you log in, that profile will be active. For example, if you log in on Sportregio2026.hu, you will automatically be logged in on the HelloVEB main page and the Pass page as well, without having to log in again. This is because a common authentication system runs in the background. All your data is stored in a single central profile, so your favorites, tickets, and cards are all in one place. This is very convenient: one account = valid everywhere.
- Multiple functions under one account: What are these functions? For example:
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- Program search and favorites: When you browse while logged in, you can mark programs as favorites (with the ⭐ icon). These are saved in a list in your profile and can be accessed from any device. The system also learns your preferences based on this (e.g., if you save a lot of music programs, it will highlight similar ones for you next time).
- Ticket purchasing: An integrated ticket purchasing system is also linked to your profile. When you buy a ticket for a concert, it will be added to your profile, where you can view or download it at any time. You don't need a separate ticket account, as your HelloVEB profile manages this in the background.
- Discount card management: If you have a Veszprém Card or Veszprém-Balaton PASS card, you can also add it to your profile (or it will appear there if you purchased it online). Your cards will be visible in your profile, along with their QR codes, validity, points, etc. So when you go to a museum, all you have to do is open your HelloVEB profile on your phone, and there's your card—no need to bother with paper or a separate app.
- Ratings, comments (if these features are included in the future) would also be linked to your profile.
- Newsletter, notifications: In your profile settings, you can indicate what kind of newsletters you want to receive (e.g., monthly program summary, or only emails about sporting events). You can manage this in one place; you don't need to go to a separate website to subscribe, because it's part of your profile.
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- Seamless switching between interfaces: Since your account is on HelloVEB and works on all of its thematic subpages, it feels like you are navigating a large site. For example, when you log in to the PASS page, you can save a discounted place as a favorite, and then find it again among your favorites on the HelloVEB main page. Or you can register for a running race on SportRégión and access your ticket in your account on the HelloVEB site. Synchronization is complete.
- Security and convenience: Maintaining a single account is also more secure – you don't have to remember lots of passwords, you only need to log in once, and then the system remembers you (using cookies and tokens). Of course, if you log out, you will be logged out everywhere. But overall, there is less "login friction," so it is more likely that the user is logged in and using the features (which is also the goal of the developers).
The "one account - many features" principle is the basis of HelloVEB's user-centric approach. This means that with a single registration you can access everything the system has to offer. The experience is not fragmented (e.g., you need a different app for your card, or another website for events), but everything is integrated in one place for your convenience. This is now an expectation for large platforms (think, for example, of Google, which opens everything in the Google ecosystem) HelloVEB is introducing this approach to the world of tourism portals in Hungary.
What is the HelloVEB web app good for?
During the development of HelloVEB, mobile users were also taken into consideration: the portal has a mobile-friendly web application (webapp). This is not a separate native application that can be downloaded from the App Store, but rather a version created using PWA (Progressive Web App) technology on the website. It is a version created with PWA (Progressive Web App) technology.
What does this mean in practice?
- Installable website: When you open HelloVEB.hu (or any of its subpages) on your phone, your browser may suggest that you “Add to Home Screen” (Add to home screen). If you do this, a HelloVEB icon will appear on your mobile home screen, just like an app. Launched from there, it runs in full screen mode without a browser address bar – an experience similar to using a native app, even though the website is actually running in the background.
- Offline and fast operation: The essence of PWA is that it stores certain resources (e.g., images, cookies) on the phone, so that the next time it is opened, it loads faster and can even be used offline at a basic level (e.g., you can open the event data sheet you loaded earlier even without a network connection). This is useful if, for example, the signal is weak somewhere at a festival venue, but you have already checked the program beforehand – your phone will remember it.
- Quick buttons and mobile UI: The HelloVEB web app has a special mobile interface. For example, the PWA displays a bottom menu bar with quick buttons: Programs, Discounts, Map, My Card, Profile/Tickets, etc. With a single tap, you can access the most important functions. For example, the "Map" button takes you directly to the map search engine, while "My Card" opens your discount card QR code, and "Ticket Purchase" (if available) takes you to the current ticket purchase options. This quick button bar was designed specifically for mobile convenience and works perfectly in installed web app mode. In a desktop browser, these functions are accessible from the menu, but on a mobile device, they are right at your fingertips.
- Responsive design: Naturally, the web app uses the same responsive web design as the website, so it is fully optimized for mobile screens. The PWA only adds value in that it integrates into the phone's operating system (own icon, full-screen running, notification sending capability – e.g., in the future, you will also be able to receive push notifications from the web app about new offers).
The HelloVEB web app is designed to make it faster and more convenient to access the portal's services on your mobile device. You don't have to type the address into your browser every time; just tap on an icon and the "app" will open immediately. All functions (program browsing, map view, profile, tickets, card) available on the mobile app-like interface.
This increases the frequency and comfort of use – users are more likely to return if they can launch it with a single tap than if they always have to search for the website. In addition, there is no need to develop a separate native app for each platform; PWAs work on both Android and iOS, which is an efficient and cost-effective solution, yet it provides most of the app experience.
How do programs appear on different interfaces?
We have already discussed how this works in part, but here we will focus specifically on the appearance aspect.
When a partner uploads an event to the admin interface, they set the relevant categories and data (e.g., location, type, discounts, etc.). Based on this information, the system automatically decides which portals should display the event. Here are a few examples:
- A family-oriented concert in Veszprém – will appear on the HelloVEB main page (since it is an event in Veszprém County), and if, for example, there is a separate "Family Programs" microsite later, it will also appear there. Currently, there is no separate family microsite, but the category filters on the main page highlight it. A mountain bike tour in Várpalota – this can also be seen on the main page (Veszprém County), and it can also be seen on the Sportrégió2026.hu website, as you have classified it in the active movement category. On the Sportrégió website, it will appear as if only sports programs exist, but in reality, it is only filtered from the entire selection. The same program is also included in the list on the HelloVEB main page (you can find it there using the "Sports" category filter).
- A wine cellar open day in Badacsony with a discount – appears on the HelloVEB main page (in Veszprém County, for example), appears on the (planned) VeszprémBalatonPass.hu website if it offers a discount on the PASS card. Here, it will be highlighted on the PASS website, as the site specifically lists attractions offering card discounts. The same event will also be marked on HelloVEB with a small icon to indicate that a PASS discount is available.
- An exhibition at a city museum – if, for example, a dedicated city page (e.g., "PapaVaros.hu" for example), it would appear there, as well as on the HelloVEB main page. The specific appearance of the microsites depends on the customization of the system, but the source of the content is the same.
A program can be seen in several places at once. The listing always depends on the theme of the given site. The HelloVEB main page is the "show everything" view. The subcategory pages (Sports, Pass) filter thematically from the same central set. This helps users who have a specific interest to go straight to it (e.g., only sports on SportRégió), while being sure that nothing is left out, because all events are recorded in the background. The format of the display is also uniform. Events are displayed on similar cards on every interface: there is a title, a date, a location, possibly a tag, and an image. Integration also helps to ensure that the design and content are consistent across all interfaces. If a partner uploads a wine label image and a short description, it can be used everywhere (of course, in line with the site's color scheme).
The essence of the HelloVEB program module is therefore: automatic publication of content on multiple platforms. This gives partners maximum visibility (more on this later), and users can encounter the event on the channel that is relevant to them.
For example, a sports fan may never visit a general-interest portal to check out other programs, but they will visit the SportRégió website – where they will see events that are of interest to them, which they might otherwise have missed among the other events.At the same time, there is no duplication of content: if you update the description of an event, it will be updated everywhere. There is no such thing as one page having different information than another. This centralized approach is a huge advantage over traditional "multi-website" solutions, where everything has to be maintained separately. Overall, HelloVEB's integrated program manager ensures that a program reaches all potential interested parties, whether they are searching on a general or specialized platform. The system ensures that no event remains hidden from the relevant audience simply because it has been listed elsewhere – everything is gathered here, and the programs "appear" in the various display windows wherever they are relevant.
What is the program recommendation module and how does it work?
The program recommendation module can also be considered the heart of the TMR (Tourism Management System), as it manages the multi-site display and content management described above.
The purpose of the program module is to enable the management of numerous thematic websites from a single administrative interface. This means that content created in the system can appear on multiple interfaces, making everything "clickable" and manageable in a unified manner.
This module is therefore a kind of multi-purpose publishing engine. It is worth reviewing its practical operation step by step:
- Content entry: The partner or editor enters new content into the admin (e.g., event).
- Meta data configuration: The input data determines for the module what this event is – e.g. category (genre), area (which county/town), whether there is a discount, who the organizer is, etc.
- Central database storage: The event is stored in the central database together with the meta-data parameters.
- Distribution to front-ends: Front-end websites query the content through the module on a daily basis. The logic of the module:
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- If the requesting interface is, for example, HelloVEB.hu (regional), then all events are returned without any area restrictions.
- If Sportregio2026.hu is requested, the module will only return those where the category = "active" (sports, hiking, etc.).
- If a city microsite (e.g. Papateszér city page) requests it, the module filters based on the area: only events in Papateszér, possibly plus the surrounding area, if enabled.
- If the Pass page requests it, events will be displayed where the "card discount" flag is set, plus the module also collects locations (e.g., museums) from the PASS card acceptance database and displays them.
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- User interface: The data returned by the module is sent to the website in a standard format, which then displays it in HTML view as cards, lists, etc. The module also takes care of sorting (e.g., it sorts events by date, or if the user filters/sorts on the interface, it handles that as well).
In addition, the program scheduling module is also responsible for special functions such as:
- Program calendar generation: The module generates a monthly/weekly calendar view, calculates how many events there are on each day, etc.
- Related content: Recommends similar programs for an event ("Have you seen this? There will be something similar there too!"). This is also provided by the module to the front-end.
- RSS or export: If someone wants to subscribe to programs in RSS, for example, the module can provide the results of a given filter (e.g., "Balatonfüred programs RSS") in a machine-readable format. This way, other systems can receive it (of course, this is more of a future possibility, but the module can be prepared for this as well).
It is important to understand that the program recommendation module is not a separate software installation, but part of the HelloVEB system – a kind of "brain" that coordinates the display of content on multiple channels. This makes TMR modular: the program scheduling module works together with the other modules (e.g., the ticket system module reports how many tickets have been sold for an event; the analytics of the program scheduling module also sees this, etc.).A simple analogy: if we compare the HelloVEB portal system to a newspaper publishing company, then the program scheduling module is the editorial system where articles (events) and decide in which section (web page) they should appear, while the web pages themselves are the different newspapers or sections. An article can appear in more than one section, but it is only written once. The module has the same task as the editorial office: to get the right content to the right place, in the best possible way.
The program recommendation module is innovative in that it allows templates created in the previous EKF system to be used in multiple places. This means that any themed website can be launched quickly with its help (e.g., a GasztroRégió.hu page for gastronomic events, if there is a need for it), without having to start from scratch. Furthermore, the module is also open to serving different pages with unique designs (e.g., a settlement microsite with the city's logo colors, but the module remains the same behind the scenes).
How does HelloVEB help with "discovery"?
By "discovery," we mean when the user does not know specifically what they are looking for, but rather browses, finds inspiration, and finds new experiences for themselves.
HelloVEB supports this process on several levels:
- Detailed and intuitive search: HelloVEB's search system allows visitors to search for programs in a targeted manner (see location, category, date filter), but also allows for browser-like use. For example, someone might visit the site and only know that they are "in Veszprém next weekend." In the calendar view, they can quickly browse the events happening that day. Or they can use the free text search, type in "kids," and the site will list the kids' programs. This effective search is already half the battle when it comes to discovery—because if you can filter accurately, it's easier to find what you're looking for.
- Map search – geographical discovery: One of the site's most striking features is the map search, which visually displays the region and the events taking place there. This plays an important role in experience-based browsing. Many people prefer to "browse" a map, zoom in on an area, and see what's there, rather than reading a list. In HelloVEB's map view, users can roam freely: for example, they can zoom in on the Balaton Uplands and, hey presto, you can see that there are three museums and two concert icons there. Click on them to find out what they are. This also gives you the opportunity to make random discoveries – you may notice a program on the map that you would never have thought to search for. The map search is not just about "finding," but also about the joy of discovery: it's like leafing through a digital catalog. What's more, it is integrated with filter criteria: for example, if you set it to only show free programs, only those will appear in the catalog— so you can search consciously, but still visually.
- Thematic articles, collections: The HelloVEB Magazine section (if there is one, as mentioned in previous tasks) can also help you discover new things. For example, there may be articles such as "10 unmissable experiences at Lake Balaton in spring" or "Museum tour in the Bakony Mountains." – these are inspirational pieces based on data from the program module. Such edited content can serve as a guide for visitors and direct them to what is worth seeing. These articles can also be embedded with links that point to events in the database (again, clickable!). This way, the user reads something and with one click they can access the data sheet of the specific program.
- Gamification and interesting features: Although this has not yet been implemented, the system may be suitable for future challenges, such as collection games, which encourage exploration. (E.g., "Collect points for visiting 5 different museums" passive challenges that you can see in your profile). The teaching material also points out that the card system and the platform's gamification can maintain interest.
In short: HelloVEB provides tools for everything from planned browsing to spontaneous discovery. The user:
- can search (if they know what they want),
- can filter,
- browse by location (if you want to find something based on location or just browse),
- get recommendations (if you are open to new ideas),
- read summaries (if you are looking for inspiration).
This makes the site not just a database, but a true experience discovery portalstrong> that adapts to your preferences and helps you find new experiences in your region.
How is DeepL Translator integrated into the HelloVEB administrative interface and how does it support multilingualism?
DeepL Translator is an artificial intelligence-based, highly advanced machine translation service that HelloVEB uses in an integrated manner to make content available in multiple languages.
Since the Veszprém-Balaton region attracts significant international tourist traffic, it was essential that the portal be available in English for foreign users.This is where DeepL comes in:
- Automatic English translation: When a partner fills out a Hungarian-language description (be it an event, location, or even a news item) on the HelloVEB admin interface, the system offers the option "Translate to English" option with the help of DeepL. With the click of a button, the module sends the Hungarian text to the DeepL API, which returns an English translation. The editor can then check and refine it before saving it. And that's it, you have your English version.
- Mandatory bilingual content: The system is set up so that an event can only be made public if the English fields are also filled in. This quasi forces bilingualism, but thanks to DeepL, it is not a big burden. The translation is ready in a few seconds, so there is no need for a separate person to translate everything. Of course, partners can also provide their own translations if they insist, but most are happy to use the automatic solution.
- Real-time switching for users: On the HelloVEB interface, visitors can switch to English with a simple 🇭🇺/🇬🇧 switch. When they do so, all content elements (uploaded by partners) are displayed from the English fields. This means that the database is built in parallel in Hungarian and English. If something is not translated, in theory it would not appear, but since translation is mandatory, almost all content is available in English. This means that the site is fully accessible to users in English, and there is no need to maintain a separate English-language website. With DeepL integration, HelloVEB takes care of informing international visitors. This is a huge competitive advantage over other regional program providers, where information is often only available in Hungarian. The system clearly indicates (e.g., with a small flag icon or comment) when machine translation is used, but given DeepL's reputation, the translation quality is very high, often close to human level. This way, foreign readers have a good chance of understanding what an event is about.
- Responsibility and control: Automatic translations are thoroughly checked by HelloVEB editors, but they cannot take 100% responsibility for the accuracy of every sentence (they usually indicate this).. However, key information—date, location, address— are understandable regardless of language, and even if the description is a little clumsy in places, it is still better than having nothing in English. In the future, if necessary, fine-tune the terminology (e.g., so that DeepL consistently translates place names and institutions) consistently).
How does the system ensure visibility for partners?
One of HelloVEB's goals for its partners is to increase the visibility of their programs – the news will reach more people than if they only advertised on their own channels.
There are several reasons and tools for this in the system:
- Centralized, well-known platform: HelloVEB is the official social media platform of the VEB2023 project, so it already had a well-established name in the region when it was launched. For visitors, it is a reliable, "official" program source that many will visit first when looking for a program. If a partner posts their event here, it will be on the most visited program search interface in the region which in itself means a larger audience than if they had just shared the program on their own Facebook page.
- Wide-ranging online coverage: As discussed earlier, the content will appear on multiple fronts. This means that a partner's event will not only be visible on the HelloVEB homepage, but also on thematic pages, if relevant, and even on county/municipality pages. This allows the partner to reach several different audiences at once: e.g. those with general interests, sports enthusiasts, card-holding tourists, etc. Thanks to these "crossed audiences", people who would not have encountered your event through a narrower channel may also find it.
- Built-in SEO optimization: The system requests an SEO title and sharing description for each event. This ensures that the event appears well in Google's search results (with a meaningful title and description). The HelloVEB website itself has an SEO-friendly structure: it is fast, mobile-friendly, and uses structured data. All of these contribute to the partner's event appearing higher in Google than if it were on a less optimized website. In addition, the authority of the HelloVEB domain will also increase, which will improve the search ranking of all subpages. Keyword-rich content (e.g., categories, articles, FAQs) helps search engines direct more organic visitors to the site. For example, if someone searches for "Free children's event in Veszprém," they are likely to click on the HelloVEB result, where they will then see the partner's event.
- Featured listings: HelloVEB editors highlight certain events on the main page (e.g., in banners, in the "Recommended" section). Partners who provide extra value to the community are given priority in the highlights, e.g., by offering discounts to Veszprém Card or PASS card holders. This is also a kind of incentive: if a museum offers a 50% discount on admission for PASS card holders, for example, it will receive more advertising on the portal in return. This means that all partners have the opportunity to gain promotional space in addition to their basic listing, This usually requires offering some extra content that is of value to visitors (discounts, prize draws, etc.). However, it is now common for the HelloVEB editorial team to share selected events on their Facebook page, increasing their reach.
- Marketing collaboration: The VEB2023 team, which operates HelloVEB, continuously runs marketing campaigns, newsletters, and social media content about its regional programs. Of course, these communications rely on the content available on HelloVEB. For example, when they send out their monthly newsletter on the topic of "This happened and this is expected," their partners' events are also featured there.," the events of the partners are also visible there (the newsletter links to the HelloVEB page, i.e., the partner's event data sheet). The same is true on Facebook: appearing in a selection post (e.g., "Weekend tips") brings great exposure. The events on HelloVEB form the basis for these selections, so joining = a chance to be included in extended marketing.
- Analytics feedback: Although not a direct visibility factor, partners can see from the statistics where visitors to their program come from (e.g., Google, Facebook, direct search). From this, they can learn how to further improve their own marketing. For example, if they see that 100 people clicked from the HelloVEB newsletter, but only 5 from Facebook, it may be worth focusing on the newsletter instead. So the system not only provides passive visibility, but also active feedback on where the partner can reach a lot of people.
In total, HelloVEB provides its partners with a greater online presence by:
- featuring them on a widely visited aggregator site,
- distributing their news on several thematic channels,
- providing strong SEO and sharing support,
- Involves them in central marketing.
- Rewards cooperating partners with highlights.
The result is that the partner's programs reach more people and their traffic increases – which ultimately benefits both the partner (more guests, ticket sales) and the region (more satisfied tourists, livelier events). This win-win situation is one of the main advantages of the HelloVEB platform for its members.
How can I join the system as a partner?
Any organization, institution, or event organizer operating in the region that wishes to publish programs can join the HelloVEB portal system.
- Contact and registration: First, you must express your intention to join. The easiest way to do this is on the HelloVEB website's HelloVEB Portal System page. (At the URL https://helloveb.hu/helloveb, there is a membership form where you need to provide some information e.g. organization name, contact person, email address – and you must accept the General Terms and Conditions, data management, etc.). By doing so, you are essentially requesting to be registered as a partner.
- Partner approval and access: The operators of HelloVEB (the team at VEB2023 Zrt.) will review your application. This is usually a formality, as they welcome all local partners. If everything is in order, they will create a partner admin account for you in the background. You will then receive an invitation or confirmation email containing the login link to the admin interface (e.g., admin.helloveb.hu) and your initial password.
- Using the admin interface – Getting started: Once you have received access, you can log in to the admin interface with your email address and password. When logging in for the first time, it is worth reading the editing principles page (available in the header or via a separate link), which summarizes how to upload content in a uniform format. The HelloVEB team often holds a quick training session for new partners (either in person or via video or PPT). Here, they walk you through what we summarized earlier from a technical standpoint: how to create an event, location, what to pay attention to (e.g., image size, English translation, category selection), how to use the DeepL button, etc.
- Free operation: Connection and program uploading are completely free for partners. There is no one-time entry fee or annual maintenance fee. This is important to emphasize because many people don't believe it at first: the model here is that the VEB2023 project has created an infrastructure that is used on a public basis in the region. Of course, the partner has to allocate resources to upload and maintain its own programs, but in return, they receive visibility and all the benefits of an integrated system.
- Continuous connection: There is no registration deadline or anything like that. You can join at any time during the year (e.g., if a new gallery opens in 2026, it can easily join the system). The team is happy to expand the circle. The "continuous joining option" is also highlighted, indicating that this is an open platform for everyone, not a closed club.
- Support and community: You will not be left on your own after joining. There is a dedicated email address for the editorial team ([email protected]) where you can ask questions and request help. They also organize joint workshops and meetings for partners. This creates a community around the platform where participants can share their experiences. This is more of an informal aspect, but it may happen, for example, that the HelloVEB team sends a newsletter to partners about new features that have been released and what they should pay attention to (e.g., "new filter: air-conditioned venue, now you can check the locations").
The connection process is easy and free:
- You register (fill out an online form),
- You will receive a login,
- Upload your programs.
From here on, you can enjoy the benefits of the system: you are on the regional smart experience platform. If you agree to keep your information up to date on a regular basis, HelloVEB will almost become your marketing manager, as it connects you with the public. This partnership is valuable for both parties: the portal gains rich content, while the partner gains more visitors.
HelloVEB, as a pioneering intelligent experience platform, is not only a technological innovation, but also a new type of cooperation model between players in the field. It simultaneously meets the needs of the digital age (in one place, personalized, also available on mobile devices, in multiple languages), while strengthening the community network in the field of tourism and culture (everyone works in one system, for a common goal).
By answering the above FAQ questions, we hope you have gained a clearer picture of what makes HelloVEB so special, and how you can make the most of it whether as a visitor or a partner – the benefits of this intelligent platform.