Three years of growth and development for the Centre for Tourism Development

Tourism as an industry is seen as a potential industrial growth sector in Satakunta. The prerequisites for growth are related to promoting and raising the profile of the tourism sector, developing high-quality and responsibly produced tourism services that meet the needs of domestic and international tourism, making greater use of digitalisation and developing year-round tourism. 310 000 overnight stays in registered accommodation have been made in Satakunta by the end of August 2024. Total tourism demand, including consumption expenditure by Finnish and foreign tourists, in Satakunta has reached 204 million euros (2022). The tourism sector employs 4.1% of all employed persons (2022). The broad tourism cluster includes accommodation and food services, programme services, rental and leasing activities and passenger transport. We can therefore conclude that tourism is a very important industry in our region. Through a multidimensional project activity, we can work together to achieve the objectives of our activities.

Increasing the attractiveness of tourism in Satakunta

One of the main tasks of the Tourism Development Centre has been to improve the attractiveness of tourist destinations and services in Satakunta. The Centre has worked with local entrepreneurs, municipalities and tourism organisations to develop and diversify the region's tourism offer. In cooperation with businesses, the region has attracted tourists with the creation of Satakunta food tourism routes, the River Route for cycling tourism, camping school packages for international visitors and the visibility of the Taikayöntie region. Project measures have also supported and developed various events and marketing campaigns, such as the Local Food Day, the Satakunta Good Destination event, tour operator events, trade fair participations and several article campaigns (Juttui Satakunnast | Visit Satakunta).

Promotion of sustainable tourism

Sustainable tourism has been a cross-cutting theme in all our projects. The Centre has promoted environmentally responsible practices, highlighting solutions such as reducing energy consumption, the potential of the circular economy and measures to reduce the carbon footprint. The Responsible Tourism Business Group project achieved environmental certificates for responsible tourism and Visit Finland's Sustainable Travel Finland labels. The promotion of sustainable development is particularly important in a region like Satakunta, where natural values and environmental preservation are central to tourism.

Networking and strengthening cooperation

The Tourism Development Centre has acted as a bridge-builder between different actors. It has created and promoted regional, national and international cooperation in tourism development. Participation in various networks ensures that tourism in Satakunta stays on the cutting edge at national and international level. Currently, the Centre has a leading role in the MaRaMa pre-accreditation group, the national skills working group and the STF Hub Train-the-Trainer network for educational institutions in cooperation with Visit Finland. The Centre has also promoted cooperation within the region between tourism businesses and other actors. Regional cooperation has played a key role in the success of various tourism projects and services and in increasing employment in the sector. Such measures include the annual Satakunta Tourism Parliament, meetings of the Satakunta Tourism Internationalisation Team and the RekryBoost event. The Centre has also played an important role in the training and skills development of professionals in the sector, which has improved the competitiveness of Satakunta's tourism industry.

Exploiting digital tourism, knowledge management and innovation

The digital revolution has changed the tourism industry globally and the Centre has been at the forefront in helping operators in the region to take advantage of this development. The Centre has taken the initiative to introduce new digital tools and solutions that make it easier for tourists to access services and destinations in Satakunta. Project activities have supported tourism businesses in developing online services such as booking websites and digital marketing. This has been particularly important in a post-pandemic world where tourists are increasingly searching and booking destinations online. Increased knowledge management skills in businesses have benefited, for example, the understanding of data analysis of tourist behaviour, tourist profiles and visitor analytics, the use of spatial data for planning tourist destinations and itineraries, as well as for anticipating future trends and strategic planning. Smart tools will enable Satakunta area to continue to develop its tourism in a competitive and responsible way, responding to the needs of tourists.

Tourism is heading towards a sustainable and safe future. Together, we will make it possible!

Three years of the Tourism Development Centre have brought significant results for tourism in Satakunta, but the work is not over yet. The future of the Centre is to continue to develop tourism in the region towards stronger growth and sustainability. Satakunta is on its way to a more prominent position in the international tourism scene, and the Tourism Development Centre will play a strong role in supporting this goal.

Did you know that the Tourism Development Centre has

• a multidisciplinary team of 10-15 experts to support you. Team - Tourism Development Centre
• There are around 15 different project activities underway each year. Projects - Centre for Tourism Development
• Organised around 50 training or other development-related events per year. Events - Centre for Tourism Development

Sources:
Tourist Indicator - Visit Finland
PxWeb - Select a table (stat.fi)