Events

 

Northern Ostrobothnia's most important tourism seminar will be held again in October – enter the date in your calendar and 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.

The event will be held at Hotel Lasaret in Oulu, but you can also participate remotely via stream.

Sign up here and book your seat!

Programme

8.00 Morning coffee and registration

9.00 Opening words of the event

9.05 Opening remarks
Kristiina Hietasaari, Senior Director, Visit Finland

9.30 Keynote - legacy of the European Capital of Culture year
Suvi Innilä, Turku 800 Project Director, City of Turku

9.50 Commentary and exchange of views

10.30 Break

10.50 Development of events in Kuusamo
Niina Kukka, Event Manager, Ruka-Kuusamo Tourism Regional Assembly

11.05 Building a successful event, the importance of international tourism and the Year of the Capital of Culture

In the discussion event cases from the regions: Oulu, Syöte and Kalajoki

11.45 Lunch, self-financed

13.00 Investments accelerated by the Year of Culture and the development of accessibility
Oulu Chamber of Commerce and BusinessOulu

13.30 Artificial intelligence is transforming tourism: What is worth doing now?
Ville Niemijärvi, Artificial Intelligence Specialist, Senior Consultant, Flowhouse

14.00 Commentary: YT Anderson, Visit Northern Finland

14.10 Situation and future of tourism financing
Saija Tikkanen, Specialist in International Affairs, Regional Assembly of Oulu Region
Pasi Loukasmäki, Head of Finance Unit, Vitality Centre

14.30 Oulu2026 Capital of Culture year's final peaks
Samu Forsblom, Programme Director, Oulu Cultural Foundation

14.45 Visit Northern Finland topical and closing words of the event
Y.T. Anderson, CEO, Visit Northern Finland Oy

15.00 End of the event

Changes to the program 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 the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region together in cooperation in cooperation with Oulu Cultural Foundation. There is also the Artificial Intelligence Productivity (TETTU) project.

Additional information:

Anna-Maija Toivonen
Tel. +358 40 685 4022
anna-maija.toivonen@pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi

 

Keywords: