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Regional cities

Our Way: Best Practices of Tourism Companies Digitalisation

Responsibility

Year-round activities

Contents South Ostrobothnia

eBike Adventures, Kauhajoki ............... 4 Valkoinen Puu (The White Tree), Kauhajoki ............................................ 6 Spa Hotel Härmä, Ylihärmä ................. 8

Kanta-Häme

Forssa Museum, Forssa ....................... 10 Restaurant Pore, Forssa ....................... 12

Kymenlaakso

Vimpa Islands, Hamina ...................... 14

Lapland

Pyhätunturi, Kemijärvi, Pelkosenniemi .................................... 16

Pirkanmaa

Pyhäniemi Wellbeing, Kihniö .............. 18 Raijanholvi, Parkano............................ 20 Tuomisto Manor, Sastamala................. 22 Tyrvää Parsonage, Sastamala .............. 24 Hotel Waltikka, Valkeakoski................. 26 Sport Anglers Finland, Valkeakoski..... 28

Ostrobothnia

Hotel Krepelin, Kristiinankaupunki...... 30

North Ostrobothnia

Trade House of Lang, Raahe ................ 32 Restaurant Pikkuveli, Ylivieska ........... 34

North Savo

Hotel Golden Dome, Iisalmi ................ 36 Jokiniemen Matkailu, Lapinlahti ......... 38 Niemilomat, Varkaus .......................... 40

Päijät-Häme

Heinola Travel ..................................... 42 Vierumäki ........................................... 44

Satakunta

Ghost tour, Rauma ............................... 46 Rahgamo Resort, Huittinen ................. 48 Pitkäjärvi Recreational Center, Kokemäki ............................................. 50

Uusimaa Fiskars Village, Raasepori .......................... 52

Southwest Finland

Hotel Fjalar, Salo .................................. 54 Mathildedal, Salo ................................ 56 Muotiputiikki Helmi, Somero .............. 58 Kartanon Karkuri, Uusikaupunki ......... 60 St Olav Pilgrimage Way ........................ 62

There is a lot to learn from tourism companies in regional cities Finland is a fascinating tourist destination with a constantly evolving travel industry, thanks to active, development-minded businesses. Tourism is an important service sector as well as a growing export industry for Finland. The industry also has a significant impact on regional economies. In addition to the top destinations in Finland, regional cities have a great deal of local, quintessential and historical experiences and activities to offer. As well as companies that are true pearls in the tourism industry. The SEUTU4 project on business networks in regional cities aims to bring attention to these pearls and promote networking in tourism. The project disseminates best practices for the companies to use in their business. In 2020, best practices related to digitalisation, sociocultural, economic and environmental responsibility, and year-round activities were collected from 30 tourism companies in 21 regional cities in the project. City operators in tourism have been active experts at suggesting which companies to select. They have a good idea of which companies are pioneers in their area, producing innovative experiences and solutions that meet tourists’ needs. This e-publication, Our Way: Best Practices of Tourism Companies, is a collation of the ideas, insights, and stories of the selected companies. It is also available in English, German and Swedish, to serve international markets.

Happy reading! Riitta Forsten-Astikainen SEUTU4 project www.seutukaupunkiosaajat.fi

Through the publication, you will be able to follow the companies’ social media channels by clicking on icon links: click to channels/page->

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Digitalisation: The company’s website is its soul. It tells you clearly what the company does and what you can buy from it. eBike Adventures’ electronic booking system, route suggestions and online store with clear product packages make you look forward to your eBike outdoor experience as you book.

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Responsibility: The company gives you thorough instructions for using your bike before you take off. If you want to buy a bike, you can test it before purchasing. The selected routes highlight the history of Kauhajoki and its surroundings. The Kauhaneva-Pohjankangas National Park, Katikka Canyon and Nummijärvi village are places worth exploring on bikes.

eBike Adventures

Electric muscle

”Vastuullisuuteen sisältyy Kauhajoen ja sen ympäristön paikallishistorian esiintuominen”

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Year-round activities: Cycling is not limited to season or time of day. Nature is always changing and there to enjoy as it is. A familiar route will transform from a green haven into a winter wonderland.

eBike Adventures, Kauhajoki Katsastustie 3, 61800 Kauhajoki +358 45 171 9499 info@ebikeadventures.fi ebikeadventures.fi

4 hours

Hki

@ebikesadventuresfinland #ebikeadventures #visitlakeus #sähköpyöränvuokraus

Valkoinen Puu (The White Tree)

The American Dream “

Responsibility: Valkoinen Puu is a dream come true for the Finnish-American Kirsi and Mark Heidt in Kauhajoki. The coffeehouse is located in the historic Ollonqvist manor, built in 1883. You can taste and see Mark Heidt’s homeland in the coffeehouse’s products. They are based on traditional American and old family recipes as well as well-known classics. They follow in the footsteps of Mark’s grandfather and his American diner in the 1950’s. American treats and Finnish architecture intertwine and take customers on a delicious journey surrounded by beauty. Locally produced, clean ingredients and home-made pesto add to the responsibility of the coffeehouse.

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They don’t look for degrees in their hiring; you can be successful and build a great career with the right attitude towards work and your team. The company keeps developing its employer image, career stories and personnel remuneration. In doing so, they aim to ensure the availability of skilled personnel and their commitment to the company.

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Digitalisation: Their informative website with its attractive photography and stories is centred around customers.

“ Valkoinen Puu, Kauhajoki Topeeka 15, 61800 Kauhajoki +358 44 710 9906 kauhajoki@valkoinenpuu.fi valkoinenpuu.fi

Opening hours and contact information are highlighted, as customers usually look for them first. You can buy cakes and food through their online store.

Hki

@valkoinenpuu #helliarkeasi #valkoinenpuu #visitlakeus

Spa Hotel Härmä

A little better “

Year-round activities: Everything for everyone is a motto that works for this company. They offer everything from spa and wellness services to indoor and outdoor activities. They have taken different tastes into consideration, offering several cafés and restaurants to choose from. This is the only spa in Finland with a Kotipizza restaurant.

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Responsibility: The company provides state-run rehabilitation services, wellbeing events for businesses, and social vacation activities. Its competitive advantage is that it is the only company in Finland that offers rehabilitation services in Swedish. Local heritage and names have been utilised in its products and services, maintaining traditions in the area. Härmän häät (Härmä Wedding) and Pikkuusen Paree Buffetti (A Little Better Buffet) are authentic examples.

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Children have also been thought of in the services. There is a free, 100 m2 kids’ jungle to play in. There is also an outdoor play area with a jungle gym, swings, and a sandbox.

Härmän kylpylä, Ylihärmä Vaasantie 22, 62375 Ylihärmä Puh. +358 6 4831 111 myynti@harmankuntokeskus.fi harmankylpyla.fi

Hki

@harmankylpyla · Virkistäytymiskeskus #härmänkylpylä #visitlakeus

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Responsibility: Forssa Museum displays the history of the area and its old mill community from the 19th century until today. It particularly showcases artefacts, photography, samples, and sketches from the textile industry that began in Forssa in 1849. Visitors get to learn about the history of textile manufacturing and product development, old fabrics, and much more.

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Digitalisation: The museum has invested in an informative website. It gives you a great overview of the museum’s wide range of activities. Digital museum collections have been published in collaboration with other industrial museums at piipunjuurella.finna. fi. You can also take a virtual tour of the old mill town. The virtual history tour takes you on interesting routes through the old industrial setting. A new museum called Kuosikeskus, the Pattern Centre, opening in 2021, will be an added attraction for the museum and town.

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It will record and display the collection of industrially printed textiles from Forssa. There will be an exhibition on the history of printed fabric design, taking you through a range of different experiences and activities.

Forssa Museum

The legacy of a mill community lives on

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You can also take a virtual tour of the old mill town. The virtual history tour takes you on interesting routes through the old industrial setting.

Forssan museo, Forssa Wahreninkatu 12, 30100 Forssa +358 3 414 15100 +358 3 414 15840 forssanmuseo.fi

1,5 hours

Hki

@forssanmuseo · Historiamuseo #forssanmuseo #museot #forssa

Restaurant Pore

Bags full of treats “

Responsibility: Krista Mänttäri from Forssa came up with a great food service. Through the online service, you can order a five-star meal to eat at home. You can pick up your bag full of treats on Fridays. Krista makes the four-course dinners with locally produced ingredients. The contents of the bag vary by week and season. Her company operates in a historic old foundry on the Forssa spinning mill grounds. The spacious and gritty industrial setting is perfect for producing the bags and enables a future expansion into a deli. In designing the bag of treats, Krista looks at what other local restaurants are serving in order to avoid similar dishes.

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Year-round activities: The entrepreneur is also a highly regarded sommelier and Champagne expert (l´Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne). Pore also offers wine tastings, which perfect the delicious, top-quality cuisine.

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Digitalisation: You can find the menu of the bag of treats of the week on the website and order by e-mail. The company uses OP Kassa for digital help with invoicing and orders.

Ravintola Pore, Forssa Uittotie 2, 30100 Forssa +358 40 867 1562 krista@poretta.fi https://poretta.fi

Hki

@poretta.fi #porettalautaselle #pore #forssa

Vimpa Islands

In the footste of the Viking

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Responsibility: Historical time travel is an art which Vimpa Islands masters. Corporate customers can hold meetings in the footsteps of the Vikings on the Rakinkotka Viking island off the coast of Hamina. Based on the Viking burial grounds found in the area, the island was a popular place to stop by for Vikings on their way through Russia to Constantinople and all the way to China. Vimpa Islands has focused on environmental friendliness. The buildings are old log houses decorated with recycled, second-hand furniture and tableware. They produce their own electricity through solar power. They get their ingredients for food from local producers, fish for their fish, grow their own greens and get their eggs from their henhouse. Their Viking dinner is a unique food journey back in time.

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Year-round activities: The island features a sauna boat, bathing tub and cottages and motor boats for rent. In between meetings, visitors can enjoy ancient Viking trails or fishing trips in Viking waters.

eps gs

“

Vimpasaari is open yearround.

Vimpa Islands, Hamina Vimparaitti 29, 49400 Hamina +358 40 055 5475 pertti.illi@vimpa.com vimpa.fi

Hki

@VimpaIslands #SuomenLuonto #Visit Kotka-Hamina #Retkipaikka

Pyhätunturi

Aiming to be the cleanest ski resort in the world

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Environmental programme and responsibility: Pyhätunturi is the first carbon-neutral ski resort in the Nordic countries and its goal is to be the cleanest ski resort in the world. Their recycling is efficient. They capture snow with the help of snow barriers, use renewable energy, and have stopped setting off fireworks, among other initiatives. They especially support skiing as a hobby for children and young people. 10-year-olds in surrounding municipalities get a free season ticket and other residents get discount. 75% of the company’s result is invested back into business development.

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Year-round activities: The oldest national park in Finland, Pyhä-Luosto, is right nextdoor. It offers the opportunity for year-round camping in the cleanest air in the world. There are so many things to do there, from off-track skiing to trekking in the midnight sun.

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Digitalisation: Their website is appealing, informative and customer-oriented. Nothing has been overlooked; you can even find the weather forecast for the day. One of the newest services in experience tourism is the Aurora Alert Realtime system, which is in use in autumn/winter, and alerts you about northern lights through your mobile device.

Pyhätunturi, Kemijärvi Pelkosenniemi Kultakeronkatu 21, 98530 Pyhätunturi +358 88 600 500 info@pyha.fi https://pyha.fi/

10,5 hours

Hki

@pyhaluosto.fi visitpyhalapland #visitpyhalapland #pyhamagic

Pyhäniemi Wellbeing

Wellbeing through cycling

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Year-round activities: Pyhäniemi, the birthplace of Finnish tourism, is surrounded by the beautiful lake Kankarinjärvi and stunning pine forests. Kalevi Keihänen of the travel agency Keihäsmatkat used to own the area. The first Holiday Club village in Finland is also still there. Margit Hellgren started up her business in this setting, with the goal of improving her customers’ wellbeing as a whole. One of the cornerstones of her business is the year-round network of cycling routes for eBikes. Networking with other entrepreneurs widens your own service offering. The sauna, Rantasauna Kipakka, features a MiniSpa, where Harmonia Keidas offers relaxing treatments and your feet get pampered by Hyvän Olon Askel. The treatments and yoga classes on the pier under the starry sky are a unique experience for anyone.

Holiday Fishing also offers a variety of fishing activities. Kihniö is part of the Lauhanvuori-Hämeenkangas Geopark, which is also an attractive factor for tourists in Pyhäniemi.

The Kihniö Museum is also known for its extensive, 3,000-piece collection and Peat Museum.

Pyhäniemi Wellbeing, Kihniö Pyhäniementie 251, 39820 Kihniö 03 444 0206 info@pyhaniemiwellbeing.fi pyhaniemiwellbeing.fi | sivut avataan keväällä 2021

Hki

@pyhaniemiwellbeing #holidayclubpyhäniemi #ravintolapyhäniemi #visitkihniö

Raijanholvi

Dining in a money vault “

Responsibility: This imposing stone building in the centre of Parkano is now a restaurant. Raijanholvi is a great place to eat, celebrate, or arrange a meeting in the old bank hall, the bank manager’s office or the great vault downstairs. You can choose a bank-themed service or a coin pastry with your coffee. The restaurant has made good use of old bank props from various decades, from piggy banks to old money and photography. The entrepreneur, Raija Laaksonen, has created the brand RL – Rakkaudesta Luontoon (for the love of nature). She has developed a natural product full of authentic flavours, accentuating the colours and tastes of Finnish nature. Her RL meringue is a Geopark product

produced by a local company in the Unesco Global Geopark. She has also created the Geonalle (geoteddy) concept around psychological, physical and social wellbeing. The concept includes products from beanies to chocolate and camping cups. Her inspiration has been the nearby Unesco Lauhanvuori-Hämeenkangas Geopark.

Raijanholvi, Parkano Parkanontie 53, 39700 Parkano +358 40 7270 365 raijanholvi@raijanholvi.fi http://raijanholvi.fi

3 hours

Hki

@Raijanholvi #raijanholvi #lhgeopark #parkano

Tuomisto Manor

A touch of inner peace

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Responsibility: The Tuomisto Manor from the 16th century, by the lake Rautavesi in Karkku, has been owned by the same family since the 1870’s. The owner, Tuuli Lovén, has opened part of the manor for retreats, serving wellness tourism. The retreats are intended for groups upon order and led by professionals. The manor is also a great venue for events, courses and conferences. The authentic manor atmosphere is soothing to the body and soul. The manor is also full of old tales of fairies, gnomes, and the history of its farm.

Its speciality is an apple orchard from the 1850’s with about 170 old trees. The apple juice, Tuomiston Kultainen omena, is made from the harvest. Tuomisto Healing Food Kitchen’s organic vegetarian soul food with wild herbs is always part of the retreats. Its main ingredients are the fresh produce of the farm.

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Digitalisation: The company website is informative. It is full of stories and historical information about the manor. The products are clearly designed: their contents, prices, and benefits for customers come first.

Tuomiston Kartano, Sastamala

Riippiläntie 32, 38100 Karkku +358 40 764 3112 info@tuomistonkartano.fi www.tuomistonkartano.fi

@TuomistonKartano #visitsastamala #visitfinland #retreat

2,5 hours

Hki

Tyrvää Parsonage

A venue fit for a bishop “

Responsibility: The meticulous refurbishment of the Tyrvää Parsonage event venue was a great cultural feat by its owners, Kirsi-Marja and Jarmo Nieminen. The end result is a reborn parsonage offering a variety of experiences and delicious cuisine. The kitchen uses local ingredients. The Satakunta buffet represents local food traditions. As a service speciality, lunch is served to your table. The decor of the parsonage is in tune with its era to the very last detail. Visitors are surrounded by arts and culture inside and out. There are about a hundred plants in the parsonage garden. They have made a map of the garden to help you find the plants and sculptures. Entry is free of charge.

“ 24

Digitalisation: The well-designed website tells you about the history and current state of the parsonage as well as the delights of its kitchen, events and culture.

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You can buy tickets to events at the parsonage through the website. The website also presents other destinations related to the parsonage, such as a functionalist building in the centre of Sastamala, the Kärppälä riding centre and Mattila guesthouse.

Tyrvään pappila, Sastamala Asemakatu 4, 38210 Sastamala +358 10 419 0290 postia@tyrvaanpappila.fi www.tyrvaanpappila.fi/

1,5 hours

Hki

@tyrvaanpappila #Funkkistalo #visitsastamala #tyrväänpappila

“

Year-round activities: The speciality of this hotel is the beautiful nature around it. It is located by lake Mallasvesi and you can take a tour of its bridges straight from the hotel. There is a swimming pond, Kirjaslampi, nearby with an outdoor gym and play area. In the autumn, there is a festival to mark the end of summer, and the highlight of the Christmas season is a light show in a nearby park. The hotel is a well-known festival venue, where you can jam to the music conveniently on your own balcony. Wellness services such as yoga and spa treatments add to the festive mood. The hotel also offers Fat Bike safaris.

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Digitalisation: Waltikka has its own WLAN base station right nextdoor in an old smokestack. There is a chatbot on the website.

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The employees also use a cleaning application to streamline the cleaning process and communication. The hotel’s booking system is cloud-based.

Hotel Waltikka

A hotel with its own WLAN and festival

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Responsibility: You can see the values of this family company in its activities. The owner is always around, chatting with customers and making sure everything goes smoothly. They use motion sensors in their lighting and LED lamps. Outside, they have charging points for electric cars and solar panels on the roof.

Hotelli Waltikka, Valkeakoski Hakalantie 6, 37600 Valkeakoski +358 3 577 11 info@waltikka.fi waltikka.fi

Hki

@HotelWaltikka #hotelliwaltikka #valkeakoski #hotelwaltikka

Sport Anglers Finland Oy

My big fish story “

All true fishermen dream of the catch of all ages, too big to measure by arm’s length. You can catch your dream fish through Tomi Pohjalainen’s fishing services, known under the marketing name Sport Anglers Finland Oy. The company arranges guided fishing trips in Finland, Spain, and all over the world in the future. They use new technology to find the most secret fishing waters. You can get a video of your catch as a souvenir if you like. Tomi Pohjalainen offers personalised, holistic services that you can order through the company’s website. As a customer, all you have to do is pay and show up at the boat or book transportation there from Tomi. All the gear and food to keep you going are part of the package. The company’s business idea is to produce experience services. The experience is completed with top equipment, including depth and echo sounders that ordinary anglers can only dream of.

“

The entrepreneur lends you his own skills and expertise. The website features fishing videos of various themes to offer you tips and gear recommendations. Companies can also have their personnel’s fishing trip filmed on video. The video can also be a scripted commercial for a company. The company’s advertising partner, Mainostoimisto Sumomassive, takes care of the filming.

Sport Anglers, Finland

Valkeakoski +358 40 510 2246 toni@sportanglers.fi sportanglers.fi

@sportanglers.fi #tuntemattomienkalavesientulkit #kalastus #fishingtips #sportanglersfinland

2 hours

Hki

“ “

Responsibility: Hotel Krepelin and its grounds are one of 13 wooden building complexes in Kristiinankaupunki. At this great cultural-historical site, you can learn about the history of seafaring, trade, and bourgeois life on the coast. The owners also live in the hotel. Living in this house decorated with antiques is a real way to respect cultural heritage. Hotel Krepelin

“

Digitalisation: The company’s Instagram advertising is based on a well-planned digital strategy. The process is systematic. Its interesting posts are not only based on the products and services it offers. Photographs of various themes and categories are timed to appear on the social media channel for a certain time.

On a sea merchant’s grounds

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Wide-ranging series of photographs by theme are collected in an image bank for different seasons and events. The social media marketing of international luxury brands like Chanel and Alexander McQueen has been used as an example for setting up and categorising the photographs.

Hotelli Krepelin, Kristiinankaupunki Läntinen Pitkäkatu 8, 64100 Kristiinankaupunki +358 40 098 7978 varaukset@krepelin.fi www.krepelin.fi

Trade House of Lang

Time travel to the 19th century

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Responsibility: The quaint wooden blocks of Old Raahe take you back to life in a 19th century seaside town and the era of sailing ships. The Trade House of Lang hotel, café and shop give you a glimpse into the life of lady Sofia Franzen, for example, with the option of staying in her room. You can also opt for treats shipped from faraway lands at the shop. The Trade House of Lang is run by the principle of respecting cultural history and presenting traditions for tourists and customers to enjoy. The house and each of its rooms and objects have a unique story and soul. There is a great deal to look at, taste and sense from times past. Everything is carefully planned down to the smallest detail. The personnel’s 19th century clothes and the period breakfast are great examples of how they have designed their products.

“

For customers, a trip to Raahe has many layers: first you arrive in town, then you go on to Old Raahe, and finally travel back in time. This makes for an experience full of surprises, which is what customers look for nowadays.

Langin kauppahuone, Raahe

Kirkkokatu 19, 92100 Raahe +358 44 240 2481 info@langinkauppahuone.fi www.langinkauppahuone.fi

@langinkauppahuone #langinkauppahuone #boutiquehotel @cityofraahe

7 hours

Hki

Restaurant PikkuVELI

Good food is not about location “

Responsibility: Ravintola PikkuVELI is a restaurant that shows great social responsibility, using ingredients from local producers. You can see their mutual trust in the menu: fish from Kalajoki, the main course from Himanka, and dessert from Ylivieska. This also brings attention to the supply chain. The cooperation benefits the entire sub-region. Thanks to its quality ingredients and top chefs, it was granted the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs insignia. You are more likely to find the insignia by the front door of a big city restaurant. It is indeed a surprise for many that you can get this recognition in spite of your location.

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Digitalisation: Their take away package contains pre-prepped treats. It also includes instructions for presentation. Through their online store, you can order meals for the whole week if you like. The lunch menu of the following week is always posted on Fridays. You can pick up the food yourself or order delivery within five kilometres of the restaurant.

Ravintola PikkuVELI, Ylivieska Lintutie 1, 84100 Ylivieska +358 10 323 3562 ravintola@pikkuveli.fi www.pikkuveli.fi

6 hours

Hki

@Pikkuveli #ravintolapikkuveli #pikkuveliravintolat #ylivieska

Hotel Golden Dome

Under a golden dome “

Responsibility: Hotel Golden Dome is a unique experience as a centre for evacuees and a hub of Karelian Orthodox culture. A great gilded dome shaped like an onion adorns the roof. The hotel represents Byzantine architecture. Its furniture is hand-crafted, its bathrooms decked with marble from Constantinople. The hotel hall features glorious religious paintings by Greek fresco painter Dimitrios Andonopulos. There is a large stained glass piece by Viktor Nikitenko of 19th century painting traditions. The hotel is a strong mixture of different cultural heritages. Its kitchen favours local ingredients. The menu always features some Karelian cuisine and hand-made delicacies. The Orthodox religion you can see as part of the hotel is also part of the presentation of the company.

“

Digitalisation: For business travellers, the hotel is a home away from home, which you can see in the way the rooms are equipped. You can also find e.g. Netflix, Facebook and YouTube on your television and log in with your codes. The service is a great added comfort.

Hotelli Golden Dome, Iisalmi Kirkkopuistonkatu 28, 74100 Iisalmi +358 44 752 9196 info@goldendome.fi https://goldendome.fi

5,5 hours 5,5 h Hki

Hki

@hotelgoldendome #hotelgoldendome #iisalmijatienoot #iisalmiregion

Jokiniemen Matkailu

50 years of countryside travel “

Year-round activities: You can see this company’s long-standingtraditions and great knowledge of its customers in the way it is run. They are there for you on the highway, guiding you all the way to the destination with good signage. Long-term customers from Finland and abroad love the breathtaking beauty of the area both in summer and winter. Vacationing in Jokiniemi hardly calls for any other activities. The surrounding nature and lake are enough to give you a stress-free vacation that you can enjoy with all your senses. The cottages have wood-burning saunas, which is a great luxury itself.

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Responsibility: The company encourages its customers to recycle. You will find recycling bins for different waste in your accommodation. Most of the buildings are heated geothermally. Some of the new apartments and one sauna are barrier-free. The entrepreneur, Marita Lähdesmäki, contacts 4H of Lapinlahti whenever she needs seasonal staff. This is a great way for young people in the area to get work experience. Jokiniemi buys the services that it needs, such as renovations, from local businesses.

“

Digitalisation: The company is involved in the City of Iisalmi’s tourism platform, which provides a smooth digital service path for customers.

Jokiniemen Matkailu, Lapinlahti Jokiniementie 62, 71910 Alapitkä +358 40 081 1266 info@jokiniemenmatkailu.fi https://jokiniemenmatkailu.fi/

5 hours

Hki

@jokiniemenmatkailu #jokiniemenmatkailu #iisalmijatienoot #iisalmiregion

Niemilomat

Escape games in the forest “

Year-round activities: This farm and its surroundings are perfect for a relaxing experience enriched by a variety of activities. In addition to traditional activities, Niemilomat offers yoga retreats and forest escape games with their partner, Enigma Xperience. The story of the escape game is cleverly intertwined with the history of Niemilomat. Companies can book an escape game for their personnel and come to solve the mystery of the servant girl Helmi. For children, there is a game full of little sauna and barn gnomes.

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Responsibility: Niemilomat underwent its first responsibility review in 2019. It covered recycling, local food, product origins, and saving the environment, energy, and water. They still continue to develop responsible tourism. As the next measure, they will review their customers.

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Digitalisation: Their website contains service packages, activities, and a booking calendar with links to facebook posts.

You can also book a room on Booking.com. The website is also available in German and English. The photographs on the website give you a great overview of the destination and you can also see the entrepreneur’s family in them, which adds to the homey atmosphere.

Niemilomat, Varkaus Niemeläntie 248, 78200 Varkaus +358 40 715 9568 reeta.halonen@niemilomat.fi www.niemilomat.fi

4,5 hours

Hki

@Niemilomat #niemilomat #visitfinland #visitvarkaus

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Responsibility: Cooperation with local service providers such as Nature Escape Oy and Hotel Kumpeli Spa offers customers of Heinola Travel many kinds of activities like floating experiences and escape games in nature. The company also develops cross-regional service packages. Heinola Travel has put together packages and guiding with a home town spirit. There are stories that take you into the history of the Heinola region and local traditions. Equality and accessibility are particular principles in their service offering. In the future, they will especially pay attention to groups with special needs.

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Digitalisation: Heinola Travel is a one-stop shop. It offers customers accommodation, meals, transportation, guides, and activities all in one package. You can also easily find information on their barrier-free services. Their online store displays the names and contents of their products in a fun way, using local names.

Heinola Travel

Aiming for accessibility

Heinola Travel Elina Hynninen +358 40 726 5582 info@heinolatravel.fi https://heinolatravel.fi/sivut/fi/etusivu/

1,5 hours

Hki

@heinolatravel #heinolatravel #itahameenmatkailuyhdistys #visitheinola

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Year-round activities: Vierumäki is an attractive destination for sports enthusiasts year-round. It offers excellent accommodation, meals, and world-class training facilities for athletes and their crews. The surrounding nature is an exciting setting for great experiences all year round.

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Responsibility: Vierumäki has been promoting an active lifestyle for all Finns since 1927. Their broad selection of activities and sports guarantee an active vacation. Vierumäki is also a family favourite. There are family courses that families all over Finland have participated in, now in their second generation.

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Digitalisation: Vierumäki will launch a redesigned website and visuals at the beginning of summer 2021. The versatile mobile application, Vierumäki Friends, is already available.

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You can book activities such as tennis courts through the free application. It also features a map to help you navigate in the area.

Vierumäki

On the way to the top

Vierumäki Koulutuskeskuksentie 1, 19120 Vierumäki +358 300 870 870 https://vierumaki.fi/

1,5 hours

Hki

@vierumaensivu #suomenurheiluopisto #vierumäki #matkallahuipulle

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Responsibility: The old wooden houses of Old Rauma, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are home to some frightening stories. There are ghosts in the history of this old seafaring town that cannot be found in mainland country towns. These ghost stories are based on what local residents have seen and heard. Through the stories, you can learn about the history of Rauma and its people. There is often a collective trauma behind the stories, such as great fires that ravaged Old Rauma, wars, and epidemics. Human themes like sorrow, love, hate, or shame also seem to have a place in the stories. Ghost tour guide Saana Jaakkola’s expertise and props perfect the ghost tour experience: a black Grim Reaper’s cape, eerie makeup, and a great mastery of her frightening role. Sound effects and lanterns add to the authentic, chilling experience, which also draws in locals.

“

Digitalisation: The company uses social media in its marketing and the Doerz online store, where customers can buy their ghost tour and review the service.

Ghost tour of Old Rauma

A chilling experience!

Vanhan Rauman kummituskierros Saana Jaakkola +358 44 3282113 saana@sandria.fi https://doerz.com/old-rauma-ghost-tour saanajaakkola.fi/vanhan-rauman-kummituskierros

3 hours

Hki

@thedoerz #doerz #livelikealocal #doerzlocal

Rahgamo Resort

Creative ideas from nature “

Year-round activities: The entrepreneur, Jenni Levävaara, has long had a vision of the fact that nature and related wellness services are new trends in tourism. She made her vision a reality in 2019, by moving into the woods and setting up Rahgamo Resort. It is a conference and wellness centre for corporate customers, next to a wetland in the middle of the Finnish wilderness.

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It is a magical place. The wetland and boardwalks take you on a great journey to enjoy nature in different seasons and times of day, even coming across forest fairies or a moose scratching itself against an ancient tree.

This is a responsible business from start to finish: from the clean, home-made local food to natural materials and recycling in the buildings and their interior.

Responsibility: Based on customer feedback, companies have found solutions to long-standing issues at Rahgamo Resort, in the quiet of the wilderness, undisturbed by distractions or interruptions.

Digitalisation: The resort’s user-friendly, visually attractive and informative website is its digital face. Its meeting facilities are equipped with the latest conference technology. The service packages are well-designed products described with a nice touch of humour.

“

Rahgamo Resort, Huittinen Korvenkyläntie 899, 32700 Huittinen +358 45 204 2075 info@rahgamoresort.fi https://rahgamoresort.fi/

2,5 hours

Hki

@rahgamoresort #rahgamoresort #majoitus #elämyksiäluonnossa

“

Year-round activities: Pitkäjärvi Recreational Center is a dream destination for active travellers. There are many activities available from Finnish baseball to SUP boarding. The center offers excellent accommodation and home-made meals. It also includes an award-winning caravan area. Thanks to the surrounding nature, the center is a favourite among theme tourists and dog lovers.

“

Digitalisation: The entrepreneur, Mika Lavonius, always tries to put himself in his customer’s shoes in developing his services. This is how he came up with the idea of a pedal car track, which will be completed in summer 2021. The entrepreneur specialises in funny videos, which you can watch on his facebook page. Armed with his Pitkäjärven Ponnistus team beanie, he doesn’t hold back as he expertly introduces his company’s services. The videos have increased his clientele.

“

Responsibility: In summer, lake Pitkäjärvi with its sandy beaches attracts families to enjoy a few nice summer days. The restaurant serves pizza, hamburgers and ice cream. You will not see any alcohol advertisements on the parasols of this responsible company’s terrace. This is something that many parents appreciate. The entrepreneur purchases renovation services, food and other goods from local companies.

Pitkäjärvi Recreational Center

An active traveller’s paradise

Pitkäjärven vapaa-aikakeskus, Kokemäki Urheilutie 15, 32810 Peipohja +358 40 525 6223 mika.lavonius@pitkajarvi.fi www.pitkajarvi.fi

@pitkajarvi

2,5 hours

Hki

Fiskars Village

“

Responsibility: Fiskars Village is a combination of a historic industrial village and modern art and design. The old industrial buildings of the ironworks are used by hotels, cafés, restaurants, and creative artists. Fiskars Village has focused on responsible tourism. They have switched from oil to district heating produced from local wood chips in over 100 buildings. The restaurants mainly offer local and organic food, and the Slow Food Festival in October is already famous. The Fiskars Village society, Fiskarsin kyläseura ry, is a natural partner for arranging events, for example.

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Year-round activities: Events, restaurants, accommodation and conference services add to the year-round activity of the village.

Fotos: copyright Fiskars Village

In the heart of design

“

Digitalisation: There is a great sign on the street corner leading the way if you don’t want to navigate with your mobile phone. You can book activities through their online store and also download route maps. You can go on an AR Heritage Walk and hear about life in Fiskars in the old days with a historic individual, Karin von Julin, as your virtual guide.

Fiskars Village, Raasepori Peltorivi 1, 10470 Fiskars +358 20 439 2099 fiskarsvillage@fiskars.com www.fiskarsvillage.fi

Hki

@FiskarsVillage #fiskarsvillage #visitraseborg #fiskarsinruukki

Hotel Fjalar

A hotel like a home “

Responsibility: Hotel Fjalar and the old Salora radio factory have a shared past: Fjalar Nordell. The founder of the radio factory had a 600 m2 house built as his home, its large windows overlooking the administrative building of the factory. Even though the building has a new owner, Fjalar’s spirit is still alive and well, and the building has become a valuable piece of the history of electronics in Finland. It also pays respect to Fjalar Nordell’s great career as an industry pioneer. The spirit of the 70’s has been carefully preserved: large windows, a big den downstairs with a fireplace and swimming pool, a typical 1970’s colour scheme, furniture and decorations. There is a long glass cabinet in a hallway with an exhibition of the history of Nokia mobile phones. It displays some of the models and memorable stories of how they were created. It is fun to recognise old models you may have had yourself. That must be an often-heard comment in this hallway! The hotel is Green Start certified and pays great attention to responsibility, also giving guests tips on how to save in consumption. They get their electricity from wind power, buy what they need from trustworthy local partners, recycle their waste, minimise food wastage and favour local food. This is a home away from home for many business travellers, and Fjalar’s house indeed feels just like home.

Hotelli Fjalar, Salo

Rinteentie 5, 24240 Salo +358 2 777 600 info@fjalar.ﬁ www.fjalar.fi

@hotelfjalar #hotelfjalar #visitsalo #safetravel

1,5 hours

Hki

Hotel & Cafe Mathildedal

Honouring a history of ironworks “

Year-round activities: Trekking and camping in the great outdoors is becoming more popular and people look for deeper experiences through specific services. Service packages are purchased from local camping businesses. Hotel & Cafe Mathildedal offer yearround experiences such as forest excursions in the dark, hut meetings with local food, and sensory walks on a route that puts your senses to work.

“

Responsibility: Mathildedal has invested in geothermal heat and hydroelectricity. They wash all their textiles with eco-certified detergent. They minimise food wastage by utilising leftovers in baking, for example. They also only bake according to demand in the café. The Mathildedal ironworks village is a treasure of cultural history with its industrial buildings and hand-crafted products.

“

Digitalisation: They have paid particular attention to the customer experience and a smooth service path by using web designers and IT architecture. Their customer-oriented services are based on specified customer paths and current state reviews. Their online store with their own products for sale and links to partners’ websites helps you plan your holiday.

Hotel & Cafe Mathildedal, Salo Ruukinrannantie 6, 25660 Mathildedal +358 50 3542 487 info@mathildedal.fi www.mathildedal.fi

1,5 hours

Hki

@mathildedal.fi #hotelmathildedal #cafemathildedal #hotelcafemathildedal

“

Responsibility: The old dairy in Somero has switched from milk to skirts, vintage and 1950’s pieces. The entrepreneur, Anita Hallapelto, has always been passionate about beauty. Her first boutique, which sold French lingerie, was in a farmyard building. She is a miracle worker at helping you find the perfect, ultra feminine outfit to suit your body type. For her long-time customers, the boutique is about something deeper that just shopping. The boutique is open year-round and it is a local attraction. Customers come in bus loads from all over the world. Entertainment professionals have also discovered Helmi, which supplies clothing to many performing artists and participates in various collaboration projects.

“

Digitalisation: The company’s facebook profile has more than 28,000 likes. It is an active poster on various social media channels. The models in its photo shoots and videos are regular women. This is a great way to show that fashion and beauty are for everyone.

Muotiputiikki Helmi

Bell skirts with a vintage flare

Muotiputiikki Helmi, Somero

Joensuuntie 47, 31400 Somero +358 2 7489209

@Muotiputiikkihelmi #muotiputiikkihelmi #somero #visitsomero

www.muotiputiikkihelmi.com

1,5 hours

Hki

Kartanon Karkuri

A barn fit for a feast

“

Responsibility: Old barns are rural cultural heritage at its best. They are great venues to gather in thanks to their architecture. Kartanon Karkuri is a wonderful venue in an old barn. They have artfully utilised equipment related to farm animals in the interior decorating. The tangible history of the barn feeds your imagination and gets you in a festive mood.

“

The surrounding nature, woods and meadows provide a great setting for company excursions, for example. The farmyard is full of nostalgia. This is a great way to preserve rural cultural heritage.

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Digitalisation: The company website is like an enchanting story. The interesting information that it shares, the beautiful and abounding photography, videos, and virtual tour of the venue are customer-friendliness at its best.

It is easy to pick Kartanon Karkuri as your venue based on the website. This is a website that any company can learn from.

Kartanon Karkuri , Uusikaupunki Karsluodontie 14, 23500 Uusikaupunki +358 44 091 1980 myynti@kartanonkarkuri.fi www.kartanonkarkuri.fi

3 hours

Hki

@kartanonkarkuri #kartanonkarkuri #visituusikaupunki #uusikaupunki

St Olav Pilgrimage Way

In the footsteps of St Olav “

Responsibility: The St Olav Mainland Way is part of the St Olav pilgrimage routes. Its starting point is in Savonlinna, close to the eastern border, and it passes through mainland Finland, finally ending in Turku. It encompasses about 800 kilometres to explore. It is linked to the St Olav Waterway and together they form a network of interesting routes through the Nordic countries, also joining up with European pilgrimage routes. There are a few regional cities on the way as well: Savonlinna, Pieksämäki, Sastamala, Kokemäki, Uusikaupunki, and Rauma. The St Olav Mainland Way is a constantly evolving tourism and cultural route for everyone to experience. The Sastamala church route is also part of the network, as is the Lappi Church in Rauma and St Olaf’s Church in Kalanti, Uusikaupunki. Photography: Laura Vanzo / Visit Tampere Reijo Keskikiikonen and Kari Haila

St. Olaf’s Church ULVILA

St. Olaf’s Church in Tyrvää SASTAMALA

St. Olaf’s Church in Yläne PÖYTYÄ St. Olaf’s Church in Lemu MASKU

St. Olaf’s Church in Lappi RAUMA St. Olaf’s Church in Kalanti UUSIKAUPUNKI

TURKU

From the top of Pirunvuori in Sastamala, photography by Laura Vanzo / Visit Tampere

The Keikyä power plant

St Olaf’s Church in Tyrvää, Sastamala

PIEKSÄMÄKI

St. Olaf’s Castle SAVONLINNA St. Olaf’s Church SYSMÄ

St. Olaf’s Church in Kalvola HÄMEENLINNA

More information: Kokemäki: www.visitsatakunta.fi/kohde/kokemaki Uusikaupunki: https://visituusikaupunki.fi Rauma: www.visitrauma.fi Sastamala: www.visitsastamala.fi Savonlinna: https://visitsavonlinna.fi Pieksämäki: www.visitpieksamaki.fi St. Olaf’s Church in Tyrvää

Regional cities

Cooperative, agile cities with nationwide networks Regional City network

Regional cities

Akaa, Alajärvi, Alavus, Forssa, Hamina, Heinola, Huittinen, Iisalmi, Ikaalinen, Imatra, Jämsä, Kalajoki, Kankaanpää, Kannus, Kauhajoki, Kauhava, Kemi, Kemijärvi, Keuruu, Kitee, Kokemäki, Kristiinankaupunki, Kurikka, Kuusamo, Laitila, Lapua, Lieksa, Lohja, Loimaa, Loviisa, Mänttä-Vilppula, Nivala, Nurmes, Oulainen, Paimio, Parainen, Parkano, Pieksämäki, Pietarsaari, Raahe, Raasepori, Rauma, Riihimäki, Saarijärvi, Salo, Sastamala, Savonlinna, Somero, Suonenjoki, Tornio, Uusikaupunki, Valkeakoski, Varkaus, Viitasaari, Ylivieska, Ähtäri, Äänekoski

• • • • • • •

Centres of their surrounding area, not of their region Natural centres of services, economy and business The backbone of Finland outside of regional capitals 57 cities 929,000 inhabitants 72,800 companies 355,000 jobs

Statistics Finland: population 2019, company domiciles 2018, jobs 2017

Contact details Website: www.kuntaliitto.fi/seutukaupungit www.seutukaupunkiosaajat.fi Chairpersons: Mayor Johanna Luukkonen, Rauma Mayor Ari Nurkkala, Raahe Coordinators: Annukka Mäkinen Essi Ratia, Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities Regional city projects: Paavo Laaksonen

Editorial: Riitta Forsten-Astikainen | Texts: Riitta Forsten-Astikainen and Leila Pietikäinen | Images: Company archives Layout: Mainospalvelu Manti | Printing: Painotalo Seiska Oy