Focus Group Finland – WP1

On the 4th of May 2018, our Finish partner, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences held their focus group for the TOURIST project in Helsinki.

Five travel and tourism professionals had a very lively discussion on sustainable tourism development in Helsinki-Uusimaa region. Helsinki-Uusimaa is the biggest tourism destination in Finland in terms of visitor figures. However, the differences between the Helsinki City and the surrounding province can be easily seen. The major visitor flows direct to the main attractions, causing pressure both on the nature and on local residents’ way of living. 

For sustainable tourism development, foresight for anticipation of tourism development was regarded as requirement. Cooperation both between businesses and between the public and private sectors was emphasized, not to forget communication for visitors and local residents. For financing the interviewees welcomed fresh ideas and practices.