This week, I took part in the Tapahtumateollisuus NYT 2026 industry seminar in Oulu. The event brought together professionals from across the Finnish event, tourism, and cultural ecosystems at a meaningful moment, as Oulu is already living its year as European Capital of Culture. The seminar was not about future plans on paper. It was about how events and tourism are actively shaping cities right now, in real time. One theme, Events and Tourism together, reflected that reality well. What stood out was the range of perspectives in the room. Producers, venue operators, city representatives, cultural organisations, and tourism leaders were all part of the same conversation. That mix matters, because events and tourism rarely work in isolation. They function as part of a wider urban system that people experience daily. I had the opportunity to participate in two panel discussions that stayed with me. The first focused on the idea of the city as a multi-venue stage. We discussed how cities ...

Attending ITB Asia this year in Singapore has been a good opportunity, not only for me but for the many small businesses especially from Northern Finland that benefit from the work of Visit Finland . For many of these smaller tourism companies, having a presence at an international trade fair like ITB Asia would be financially out of reach without the support of Visit Finland , which sets up the national stand and provides a platform that brings Finnish tourism offerings to the global stage. At the heart of this collaboration is the idea that together, we are stronger . Small businesses from Northern Finland, such as those offering nature tours, wellness retreats, and arctic experiences, can now present their unique offerings to the booming Asian travel market. This kind of visibility allows them to tap into an audience they may never have reached on their own. The Asian market holds significant importance for Finland , especially when considering the rising demand for MICE (Meetings...