Finnish government allocates three million euros for tourism support in Eastern Finland

The Finnish government has allocated three million euros to support tourism in Eastern Finland, which has been adversely affected by the ongoing Russian invasion and the preceding COVID-19 pandemic. The funding aims to promote sustainable tourism growth in the region.

The allocated funds will primarily assist in international sales and marketing for tourism businesses, focusing on those with the most potential for global outreach. Visit Finland will manage the funding, leveraging its established international sales channels and connections with global travel agencies. The government believes that investing in tourism can enhance competitiveness in Eastern Finland, making it easier to retain current residents and attract new ones through the creation of jobs and services resulting from tourism investments.

Additionally, this three-million-euro initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the vitality of Eastern Finland. Alongside the sustainable tourism growth program, a comprehensive plan for the region is also being developed, involving regional cooperatives from Kymenlaakso, South Karelia, North Karelia, South Savo, North Savo, and Kainuu.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo formed working groups in the spring to address opportunities for economic growth and investment acceleration in Northern and Eastern Finland. These regional programs are designed to enhance Finland’s security of supply and self-sufficiency in the context of the changing geopolitical landscape, thereby bolstering overall security.