
Finland is marketed to international customers as a nature destination, so there are many new opportunities to grow business and increase internationality in the Satakunta region. In addition to nature tourism, Satakunta has a rich cultural offer that has already gained international recognition. In addition to the World Heritage sites, the region is included in the Council of Europe's cultural routes (Alvar Aalto Route and European Route of Industrial Heritage, ERIH).
The successful internationalisation of small businesses requires cooperation and support from regional tourism organisations (destinations) and larger companies. Destinations need more businesses, products and product combinations that are suitable for international tourists. The region needs a knowledge-based ecosystem of different actors to make internationalisation realistic and achieve tangible results, including for smaller businesses. The Next Level project will enable regional co-development between destination organisations, SMEs and small businesses.
The target area of the project is Satakunta region. The main target groups are tourism operators in Satakunta wishing to internationalise (companies and destinations). The indirect target groups are other businesses and tourism-related communities, developers and municipalities. The project is open to all tourism operators in Satakunta and its results will be shared with all.
Contact information:
Niina Aalto
Project Manager
044 710 3384
niina.k.aalto@samk.fi
Saila Valkeaniemi
Project Specialist
044 710 3074
saila.valkeaniemi@samk.fi
Project objectives
The main objective of the project is to improve the growth conditions for international tourism in Satakunta region.
The sub-objectives of the project are:
- To intensify the network and active cooperation in international tourism, to create new forms of cooperation and to intensify existing forms of cooperation (e.g. business group project) between different actors in Satakunta.
- Linking the development of international tourism in Satakunta to the development activities under the national themes and to the Satakunta Tourism Growth Programme 2030.
- Renewal and diversification of the internationalisation capacity and business know-how of companies and destinations by strengthening tourism business through different perspectives.
- Increasing the attractiveness of the province and thereby increasing the profitability of businesses.
The results the project aims to achieve
- A networked ecosystem in the Satakunta region and a roadmap for international tourism. The ecosystem takes into account both public actors and regional businesses.
- The region's tourism offer is improved and its attractiveness is increased.
- An appropriate range of customer-oriented products, taking into account the principles of sustainable tourism and digital tools, will be made available to international tour operators.
- Through product development, activities and events will be developed outside the tourist season to attract visitors all year round.
- The project will strengthen cooperation between businesses in the region and with tour operators to promote digital accessibility, discoverability and buyability.
- The project will help internationally mature businesses, but will also provide tools for those starting to internationalise.
- Strengthening the tourism brand of the Satakunta region will respond to the objectives of the Satakunta Just Transition Plan.
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