Sign up for the Northern Ostrobothnia Tourism Forum 2026!
Wednesday 14.10.2026 from 9.00 to 15.00 Venue: Hotel Lasaretti, Aurora Hall, Kasarmintie 13 B, Oulu Registration for the Northern Ostrobothnia Tourism Forum 2026 The most important tourism seminar in Northern Ostrobothnia will be held again in October - sign up! The event brings together tourism companies, developers and decision-makers to hear and discuss current topics and future opportunities in the field. This year's themes are the permanent impact of the title year on the region, the importance of events for tourism, and the role of artificial intelligence and responsibility in the sustainable and competitive development of tourism. Programme 8.00 Morning coffee and registration 9.00 Introduction to the event 9.05 Opening remarks Kristiina Hietasaari, Senior Director, Visit Finland 9.30 Keynote - Heritage of the European Capital of Culture Year Suvi Innilä, Turku 800 Project Director, City of Turku Innilä has served as Project Manager and Programme Director for the European Capital of Culture year 2011 and as Programme Manager for the centenary of Finland's independence. 9.50 Commentary and discussion 10.30 Break 10.50 Development of events in Kuusamo Niina Kukka, event manager, Ruka-Kuusamo Tourism Regional Regional Assembly 11.05 Building a successful event, the significance of international tourism and the year of the Capital of Culture Oulu, Syöte and Kalajoki 11.45 Lunch, self-sufficient 13.00 Investments and accessibility development accelerated by the Year of Culture Oulu Chamber of Commerce and BusinessOulu 13.30 Artificial intelligence is changing tourism: What is worth doing now? Ville Niemijärvi, Artificial Intelligence Specialist, Senior Consultant, Flowhouse 14.00 Comment: YT Anderson, Visit Northern Finland 14.10 The situation and future of tourism funding Saija Tikkanen, Specialist in International Affairs, Regional Assembly of Oulu Region Pasi Loukasmäki, Head of Finance Unit, Vitality Centre 14.30 Oulu2026 End of the Capital of Culture year highlights Samu Forsblom, Programme Director, Oulu Cultural Foundation 14.45 Visit Northern Finland Current and closing words Y.T. Anderson, CEO, Visit Northern Finland Oy 15.00 Changes to the programme are possible. We will complete the speeches during the autumn. The event will be held at Hotel Lasaret in Oulu, but you can also participate remotely via stream. For the participants of the event, an accommodation quota is reserved from the hotel for a special price156 €/night/2hh. Reservations for rooms from the quota for 13-15 October must be made by 14 September at the latest using the reservation code "42402 Business Oulu 13.-15.10.2026". Reservations directly to the hotel by phone or e-mail: tel. +358 20 757 4701, lasaretti@lasaretti.com. Due to the limited capacity of the facilities, student groups are welcomed to follow the event via stream. Welcome to network, inspire and develop tourism together! The event is organized by BusinessOulu, Oulu Chamber of Commerce, Visit Northern Finland Oy and Northern Ostrobothnia…
