In order to enhance the competitiveness of the entire metropolitan area, Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa have drafted together a Tourism Action Plan for 2009-2012. To implement the plan funding of 350,000 euros has been granted by the European Regional Development Fund and Uusimaa Regional Council for 2010-2011. The aim of the action plan is to develop a co-operation model for tourism actors in Helsinki Region that supports the marketing and development of the region and that serves both enterprises and tourists. The attractiveness of the region shall be enhanced by improving the productisation of services and focusing on new marketing channels.
A new international concept has been created within the project. Helsinki Region will test this concept for the first time at Shanghai Expo 2010 and at the international “Look at Finland” sales event in Vantaa. The project will enhance the productisation and social media expertise of regional travel industry companies. Common sales channels will also be sought. The first practical example of the closer regional co-operation was the opening of the Helsinki Region Tourist Information at Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport in August 2009.
Helsinki Region is the engine of tourism in Finland
According to the Helsinki Region Tourism Sector Report, which has just been published, 51 percent of the turnover of the entire Finnish travel industry is generated within Helsinki Region. Travel industry companies have almost 6000 offices or outlets in Helsinki Region and employ 33,000 people. The combined net sales of these companies increased to almost 7 billion euros in 2007. The report, which was compiled by Culminatum Innovation and Haaga-Perho, reveals that tourism in Helsinki Region increased significantly from 2005 to 2008.
The ongoing economic recession has resulted in a drop in business travel since summer 2008, and the number of overnight stays (bednights) at accommodation outlets in Helsinki Region is expected to have diminished by around six percent in 2009 compared with 2008. Tourism in Helsinki Region is expected to begin recovering this year.
Further information
Tuulikki Becker, Deputy Tourist Director, Helsinki City Tourist & Convention Bureau
tel. +358 (0)50 3750 841, tuulikki.becker@hel.fi
Jaana Tuomi, Managing Director, Espoo Convention and Marketing
tel. +358 (0)40 579 4727, jaana.tuomi@espoo.fi
Raimo Koskenkanto, Business Development Manager, Vantaa City Business Services
tel. +358 (0)40 581 1174, raimo.koskenkanto@vantaa.fi
Juha Kemppainen, Product Manager, Haaga-Perho Research Services
tel. +358 (0)50 505 5369, juha.kemppainen@haagaperho.fi
Vesa Gran, Programme Manager, Culminatum Innovation Oy Ltd (ERDF)
tel. +358 (0)50 442 8285, vesa.gran@culminatum.fi
”Tourism in Helsinki Region: Euros, companies, tourists, Sector Report 2002-2008”, online at
www.visithelsinki.fi > Media > Research
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