Visit Helsinki

Destination
HELSINKI
NEWSLETTER
SUMMER 2009
HELSINKI CITY TOURIST & CONVENTION BUREAU
Helsinki interests journalists.........4
Make the most of Helsinki.............6
Record year for congresses
expected .........................................7
Picasso exhibition headlines
art year ...........................................8
Visitors to Helsinki now served in style
Text: Laura Itävaara
The main Tourist Information office reopened at Pohjoisesplanadi 19
in April after a complete renovation.
In addition to personal advice and sales of travel
products, customers can also find the information
that interests them under six themes each with its
own information terminal. In addition, current information is displayed inside using six video projectors.
A digital presentation will also be displayed in the
windows after sundown from the early autumn onwards. The new media solutions were realised in cooperation with Forum Virium Helsinki and BrandSon
Oy. Architect Jaana Tarkela from Davidsson-Tarkela
Oy was responsible for the interior design.
The neighbouring Jugendsali Hall was converted
at the same time into the Café Jugend, allowing new
forms of co-operation. The renovation of the facilities included the opening of a direct passage from
Tourist Information to the café. The combination of
the modern Tourist Information office with the unique Jugend milieu has created an attractive place for
tourists and residents alike to meet.
New Tourist Information locations at
the airport and Market Square
A new Helsinki Region Tourist Information office will
open at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in July. The office,
which will be located in the arrivals hall of the international terminal T2, represents regional co-operation that currently includes the cities of Helsinki,
Espoo, Vantaa and the Uusimaa Regional Council.
Finavia and the Finnish Tourist Board (MEK) are also
supporting the new Tourist Information office, which
will be maintained by Helsinki Travel Marketing Ltd.
Tourist information will also be available this
summer on the streets of the city courtesy of the
team of Helsinki Helpers, who will patrol the city
centre until 23 August. The team includes Helppi, the
friendly mascot of Helsinki’s family tourism campaign
who can be seen around the Market Square.
An information pavilion will open at the Market Square in July, where Helsinki Helpers will be on
hand throughout the summer to assist tourists. The
mobile information pavilion will also be tried at several other locations during the summer.
Two other Tourist Information points will also
serve visitors during the summer season, one at the
Central Railway Station and the other at the Hernesaari Cruise Terminal.
The new design theme of the renovated Tourist
Information office extends to the uniforms worn by
the Tourist Advisors, where feature IvanaHelsinki’s ”Helsinki” pattern.
2
Theme years and
special events to
stimulate tourism
Three years of growth for the tourism industry in Helsinki came to an end in January. The economic recession is forcing us to assess the efficiency of our operations
and to find creative solutions. Co-operation and networking will play a key role.
The City of Helsinki implemented a bold new type of co-operation project in
Washington DC this spring. Twelve experts from the US capital representing different fields were invited to Helsinki to meet their colleagues here. An exhibition
entitled ”My Helsinki” was then created on the basis of their experiences, both
professional and personal, and presented at the Embassy of Finland in Washington
DC. The exhibition was open throughout May and was supported by a series of
related seminars and events.
During this campaign the Tourist & Convention Bureau got to meet local travel
agents, as well as representatives of international associations and the media, at the
Embassy of Finland in Washington DC. On Europe Day, 9 May, a total of 2300 local
residents from Washington DC attended the exhibition and found out more about
Helsinki as a travel destination.
Our office also participated in Design Week held in New York City. New Finnish design was presented in an exhibition spanning eight containers and arranged
by the Finnish Consulate General, the Finnish Cultural Institute and Design Forum
Finland. The exhibition attracted a lot of attention and helped strengthen Helsinki’s
design brand. Also in New York City we organised a marketing event for travel
Destination Helsinki is a quarterly bulletin for
tourist professionals, affiliates of the Helsinki City Tourist
& Convention Bureau and the media. Destination Helsinki
appears four times a year.
Editor: Laura Itävaara
tel. +358 (0)9 310 36336
fax. +358 (0)9 310 13301, [email protected]
Layout: Ezpa/Katariina Tirkkonen-Wane
Translation: Crockford Communications
agents and the media. The number of participants and the interest shown in
Helsinki exceeded all our expectations.
Helsinki is currently focusing on several theme years and events to help
stimulate tourism. The city has applied for the status of 2012 World Design Capital. The International Design Association, the central organisation of international industrial designers, graphic designers and interior architects, will select
the winner on the basis of the applications. The 2008 World Design Capital
was Torino, followed by Seoul in 2010. Regardless of the outcome, 2012 will be
a special year for Helsinki, as it will celebrate its 200th anniversary as the capital
of Finland.
Food is a key ingredient in the travel experience. Helsinki wants to offer its
best also in terms of culinary culture. The city has joined the international Delice
Network of Good Food Cities of the World, which was founded in Lyon in 2007
and already includes twenty cities around the world. The aim of the network is to
develop the culinary culture of member cities, promote co-operation and make
food part of their identity.
In summer 2013 Helsinki will be one of the host cities of the Tall Ships’
Race. The participating sailing vessels will stay in Helsinki for four days, and the
city will celebrate in true maritime spirit.
Helsinki’s diverse architecture delights visitors. This summer the possibilities of wooden
architecture will be discussed.
UPM-Kymmene organised a
24-hour design competition this
spring, and the winning design
will be constructed on Valkosaari
Island at the beginning of June.
The Wisa Wooden Design Hotel is intended primarily for official functions, but visitors will be able to admire
the building from the outside.
The future looks bright for tourism: Helsinki is networking actively and organising many attractive events. An innovative and
bold approach is required from all of us tourism
professionals.
Wishing you an inspiring summer!
P I R K KO N Y M A N
Tourist Director
City of Helsinki Economic and Planning Centre
Economic Development Division
Tourist & Convention Bureau
Pohjoisesplanadi 19, P.O.Box 28, 00099 City of Helsinki
tel. +358 (0)9 310 13300, fax. +358 (0)9 310 13301
www.visithelsinki.fi
[email protected] or [email protected]
Tourist Information is open
1 Oct.-1 May Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm
2 May-30 Sept. Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm
Convention Unit
tel. +358 (0)9 310 36152, fax. +358 (0)9 310 36091
www.meethelsinki.fi, [email protected]
Personnel News
Tourist Advisor Meeri Stanley began working
at Tourist Information in the beginning of
June. The main task of tourist advisors is to
communicate Helsinki’s tourism offerings to
visitors. Meeri serves customers in five languages. Contact information: [email protected]
and tel. +358 (0)9 310 13300.
3
Continuous monitoring of
Tourist & Convention
Bureau services
Text: Laura Itävaara
Each year the Tourist & Convention Bureau surveys
the satisfaction of its partners and customers concerning its operations. According to statistics gathered at the turn of the year, the level of satisfaction
in the activities of the bureau’s various teams was
relatively high, scoring an average of 4.01 on a scale
of 1 to 5. Partners and customers were particularly
satisfied with the bureau’s service-mindedness and
friendliness (4.37), the professional skills of its staff
(4.23), its reliability as a co-operation partner (4.2.)
and its willingness to co-operate (4.05). The areas
where most improvement is required are the sufficiency of co-operation forms (3.64), the speed of
operations (3.7) and the website (3.76), which has
since been updated. The survey comprised a total of
179 responses from Finland and abroad.
Customer satisfaction with Tourist Information
is monitored continuously. According to feedback
received from tourists, Tourist Information services
last year were excellent (4.6).
Restaurant & Club
News
Compiled by: Laura Itävaara
Chez Dominique, which
has two Michelin stars, has been
ranked number 21 according
to The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. www.chezdominique.fi
Royal Restaurants will open its second hotel, Hotel F7, on Fabianinkatu street, Kari Management
in turn will open the 45-room Hotelli Helena on
Pohjoisesplanadi, and a new 152-room Cumulus
Hotel will open beside Hakaniemi Market.
sorts has a new name: Radisson Blu Hotel & Resorts. The
chain operates three hotels in
Helsinki: Radisson Blu Seaside
Hotel, Radisson Blu Royal Hotel and Radisson Blu
Plaza Hotel. www.radissonblu.fi
 Helsinki currently has six hotels with the Nordic Swan ecolabel. Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel, Hilton Helsinki-Vantaa,
Scandic Marski, Grand Marina, Scandic Simonkenttä and
Hotelli Haaga have all received
the ecolabel for their environmentally friendly
operations. www.joutsenmerkki.fi
 Royal Restaurants has opened
a new restaurant in connection with the Savoy Theatre on
Kasarmikatu street. Katsomo can
host events for up to 700 guests
in co-operation with the theatre.
 A charming new café has
opened in the Kallio district of Helsinki next to the Brahe Sports Field.
Villipuutarha serves delicious
treats and features a unique fairytale interior. www.villipuutarha.fi
www.royalravintolat.com/katsomo

Royal Restaurants has also
opened a second new restaurant,
Salutorget, on the premises of
a finely restored former bank on
Pohjoisesplanadi. The restaurant
also includes a bar, café and summer terrace.
www.royalravintolat.com/salutorget

Kaarna baari & keittiö
is a new restaurant that serves
Finnish cuisine and local beers
from Finnish microbreweries in
the Forum Shopping Centre.


 Three new hotels will open in Helsinki in 2010.
& enjoy > Island restaurants
The stylish A21 Cocktail
Lounge on Annankatu street
has been ranked number one
on the World’s Best Bars professional website. www.a21.fi
Compiled by: Karoliina Saarnikko
 Radisson SAS Hotels & Re-

Helsinki’s popular island
restaurants are open again
for the summer season. Some
island restaurants are accessible
from the mainland on foot, but
most provide ferry services. The season culminates
with the crayfish parties at the end of the summer
when the restaurants serve late summer delicacies in
the cosy darker evenings. www.visithelsinki.fi > Eat
Hotel News
New nightclubs
 SK-Restaurants has opened a
new nightclub on the premises of
the former Lux on the top floor of
the Kamppi Shopping Centre. The
Tiger is open from Wednesdays to
Saturdays. SK-Restaurants also sells a 13-restaurant
discount ticket that is available from Tourist Information. www.thetiger.fi

A second new nightclub has
opened beside the Kamppi Shopping Centre. The Circus presents
live performances and a variety of
events. www.thecircus.fi
www.ravintolakaarna.fi

Henri’x has opened a new
sports restaurant in connection
with the Töölö Sports Hall. Happy
Dayz serves diner-style meals and
screens sporting events, and there
are also billiard tables. www.henrix.fi/happydayz

A new nightclub aimed
especially at Russian visitors has
opened on Fredrikinkatu street.
Imperia offers DJ-led dance
music, as well as live music and
various theme events. www.imperia.fi
4
Marketing News
Helsinki interests journalists
Text: Seija Estlander
Last year the Tourist & Convention Bureau
assisted almost 370 journalists and film crew
members. According to Communications Manager Laura Itävaara, Helsinki will attract at
least as many media representatives this year
as in the past.
The Tourist & Convention Bureau’s media communications team consists of
Itävaara and PR Coordinator Tiina Piipponen, who is responsible for planning, coordinating and making the practical arrangements for media visits.
These tasks include making reservations for excursions and booking interviews. Laura Itävaara takes care of press communications, meetings with
journalists and the publication of this newsletter.
The Tourist & Convention Bureau presents Helsinki to international journalists who are making travel-related articles or films about the city. The programmes and visits are often coordinated together with the marketing team.
”The Finnish Tourist Board is also an important partner for us, and most
media enquiries are made through Visit Finland,” Piipponen explains.
”Journalists are supplied with a comprehensive media folder that includes brochures and other materials. Our online material bank also provides
high-resolution images of Helsinki, as well as background text material in
various themes,” Itävaara adds.
PR assistants on hand in the field
If necessary one of the bureau’s five freelance PR assistants can accompany
the journalists and film crews. All PR assistants are authorised Helsinki guides
who have experience working with the media and who have received additional training by the Tourist & Convention Bureau. According to PR assistant
Leena Kuosmanen, journalists show an interest in everything possible. Cultural differences can also be seen clearly in the focus of their interest.
”I have found that media visitors from Asia are very interested in esthetics. They are keen to find out more about our design and architecture, as well
as natural attractions such as the sea, the archipelago, the granite rocks and
the forest. American visitors tend to be more dynamic and want to see all the
trendy places, Esplanade Park and the Market Square – wherever there is
action and something happening,” Kuosmanen says.
”Finland’s location and culture are also attractive to most visitors, and
Helsinki’s service chains are considered to be very effective. The local people
are often described as being quite reserved but friendly, and the general
level of hospitality here is demonstrated equally well by the service provided
by the old ladies in the market as by the waiters in our finest restaurants.”
Winter gets
a new look
in Helsinki
It's strange...
It's
It's wonderfulcool...
!
Winter in Helsinki can be a little odd,
as these days wintertime does not
necessarily have anything to do
with snow. Nevertheless, Helsinki
is always ”cool”, also in wintertime.
Rain or shine, in Helsinki you can
enjoy the Northern nature, clean
air and friendly local residents. The
Tourist & Convention Bureau has
given a name to this special Helsinki effect: Northern Exposure.
Two years ago we sat down
to discuss what would be required to achieve the growth
outlined by Helsinki’s tourism strategy. We came to the conclusion that the amount
of leisure travel could only be increased significantly by focusing on the winter
season. Our target is to create growth of four percent and to extend the duration of
stays. We aim to achieve this by introducing new and innovative tourism products.
Helsinki’s tourism seasons are divided into summer and winter, and the latter extends over seven months. The period stretching from the annual Herring Market to
Easter offers plenty of opportunities for new products.
The target audience for our new winter campaign is quite broad, but three special groups were identified for the new products: European families, Russian couples
and young Japanese women.
Following in-depth research and workshops carried out together with partners
including Culminatum and Haaga-Helia, the following new products were shortlisted: Sofia – Wisdom of Silence, Cosy Finnish Sauna Evening, Finland Spa, Food
Sightseeing, Kallbådan Seal Safari, Walking tours and Casino Experience.
The new products complement existing offerings and further enhance the urban experience in wintertime. Winter in Helsinki is filled with cultural experiences,
shopping opportunities, excellent local cuisine and a warm atmosphere! We welcome you to contact us if you would like further information about our products or
co-operation opportunities: [email protected].
M ari L ihr
Winter Campaign Coordinator, Marketing Manager
Northern Exposure
Laura Itävaara and Tiina Piipponen expect the annual boom in visits by
the international travel media to occur over the summer months.
l The first winter concept that
does not require snow in
order to be a success.
l Equally effective in total
darkness and pouring rain,
and equally applicable to sea
safaris and peat massages.
l Creates an image of fresh
outdoor experiences and
positive exposure to the
forces of nature.
l Evokes ideas of an interesting alternative and exotic far-off location.
l Strengths the unique appeal of Helsinki as a Scandinavian travel destination.
5
In brief Compiled by: Laura Itävaara
l Helsinki - Agent’s Manual 2010 has been published. This comprehensive and convenient Englishlanguage manual is being posted to the Tourist & Convention Bureau’s professional partners. Further
information and new orders: [email protected]
l In March the Tourist & Convention Bureau initiated the Gay Friendly Helsinki network, which includes
services suitable for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transvestite/sexual/gender (GLBT) visitors. The network
current includes 20 companies offering accommodation, transportation, programme and other services.
www.visithelsinki.fi
l The Tourist & Convention Bureau’s updated family brochure ”Helsinki – Finland’s Greatest Theme
Park” is now available from Tourist Information offices, travel agencies and R-kiosks throughout Finland. The brochure is published in Finnish, English, Swedish, German, Russian and Estonian.
l The Habbo Helsinki group page opened in May in the Habbo virtual world. The purpose of the campaign, which continues until the end of August, is to encourage young people between the ages of 10
and 16 throughout Finland to get to know Helsinki. The Tourist & Convention Bureau’s partners in this
project are Suomenlinna, Sea Life, Helsinki Zoo, Heureka and VR.
l The images available from the Helsinki Tourism Material Bank are being updated continuously.
Many new and high-quality photos will be added in the beginning of summer under the family tourism
and other categories. Register online at: www.emmi.fi/visithelsinki.
l The Tourist & Convention Bureau was announced as the winner of the ”CTW Chinese Tourists Welcoming Award 2009” in Beijing in April in the Product Innovation category. The award was granted
especially for the organisation of Special Interest visits.
l Voting continues for the best tourism services in Helsinki on the campaign website www.bestofhelsinki.fi – vote today for a chance to win great prizes!
Fishing Guide of the Year
praises the waters off the coast of Helsinki
Text: Seija Estlander
Erik Herlevi has been named Fishing Guide of the Year by the Society for the
Promotion of Fishing Tourism in Finland (SKES). Herlevi describes the fishing
waters off the coast of Helsinki as being bountiful and expansive.
According to Erik Herlevi, whitefish and trout thrive in the clear waters of Kallahti Bay in Vuosaari in
springtime. In summertime, pikeperch can also be caught in the Old Town Bay (Vanhankaupunginlahti).
Herlevi has run his own fishing company, Augur Kalastuspalvelu Oy, for the past nine years. He
networks with other companies to attract and serve larger groups of fishing enthusiasts. According to
Herlevi a wide range of well-maintained camping and campfire places that are ideal for anglers can be
found among the islands that surround Helsinki.
”In summertime we can pick up our customers from the Market Square in the city centre, and the
day’s programme usually includes a picnic in addition to fishing. The evening programme often includes
a hot sauna, and catered meetings at the charming Villa Andania are also possible,” Herlevi explains.
Winter is the ice-fishing and kick-sledding season, and VIP groups can order luxury Premium excursions. These include fine dining, fantastic cuisine and live music. We also offer the chance to go fishing
by ultralight aircraft,” Erik adds. Further information: www.kalaopas.info
Statistics
Optimistically into summer
The summer tourism season in Helsinki got off to a busy start.
Major international association meetings in May attracted a
higher number of congress visitors than expected, and on
the whole 2009 looks like it will be an excellent year for congresses. Recessions do not affect international association
meetings in the same way as they do other forms of business
travel, as congresses are held on a regular basis regardless of
economic trends.
The summer cruise ship season has also started positively. The cruise ships that have already arrived this spring have
been sold out, and a total of 264 visits are expected this year,
compared to 270 last year. The number of cruise visitors will
remain very close to last year’s level at 360,000. The trend this
year seems to be for cruise passengers to be more independent when it comes to exploring the city. As with last year, the
highest number of cruise visitors is expected from the USA,
Great Britain, Germany and Spain.
Helsinki has enjoyed three straight years of record
tourist numbers, and in 2008 the magic three million mark
was surpassed in overnight stays (bednights). This year the
total number of overnight stays has fallen back to the 2006
level despite a good start in January. March was also positive,
as the number of domestic overnight stays increased by almost four percent. Nevertheless, Helsinki lost 11.7 percent of
overnight stays in the first quarter compared with the corresponding period in 2008, which was exceptionally strong. The
average drop among the 27 leading tourism cities in Europe
in the same period was 4.6 percent. Cities that traditionally attract a lot of foreign overnight stays have suffered the
most, reporting an average drop of 8.6 percent, whereas the
number of domestic overnight stays have fallen by just 1.1
percent. In Helsinki foreign visitors account for approximately
60 percent of overnight stays, so international trends have
a bigger impact here than for example in Hamburg, where
just 20 percent of overnight stays are made by visitors from
outside Germany.
Overnight stays in Helsinki 1998-2009
3500000
■ Foreign
■ Domestic
3000000
2500000
2000000
1500000
1000000
Photo: Leena Kuosmanen
Several companies in Helsinki Region offer fishing services to visitors. The service concept of
many of these companies includes the provision of boats, fishing equipment and all-weather clothing, including lifevests and boots, for
groups of all sizes. These companies include
Augur Kalastuspalvelu Oy, Apajamatkat, Blue
White Safari Oy, Fishing Lords Oy, Kalakettu
and Kalastus- ja luontopalvelut Markku Tiusanen.
Fishing Guide of the Year Erik Herlevi admits
that fishing is always a popular activity, and
in summertime customers can be picked up
from the Market Square in the city centre.
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
0
1999
Fishing tourism companies
in and around Helsinki
1998
500000
Overnight stays are expected to fall by four percent worldwide
in 2009.
TUULIKKI BECKER
Deputy Tourist Director
6
Sun Lines is offering a new product that combines top
entertainment with sightseeing cruises.
Pictured here: Degerö Canal.
with five departures over four days a week during
the peak season,” Tamminen says.
On foot, by tram and by bicycle
Many ways to make the most
of compact Helsinki
Text: Seija Estlander
In addition to a traditional sightseeing tour by bus, Helsinki can be
explored by tram or bicycle or on foot, while many believe that the
most beautiful sides of the city are revealed from the sea.
The diversity of Helsinki’s coastline, its many islands
and the subtle beauty of its maritime nature can
best be admired aboard a boat or ship, for example by taking a sightseeing cruise. Visitors who have
to prioritise their time carefully should at least visit
Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress, the UNESCO World
Heritage Site that can be reached in 15 minutes by
taking the municipal ferry or JT-Line waterbus from
the Market Square.
Sightseeing cruises also depart regularly
throughout the summer from the Market Square.
These cruises offer audio commentaries in up to 10
languages. The main cruise lines include Sun Lines,
Royal Line and IHA-Lines. Tourist Information is offering a new product this summer in the form of a
combined discounted sightseeing cruise ticket that
can be used aboard any of these cruises.
Maritime excursions can also be made to the
Söderskär lighthouse, Kuivasaari Island and other
destinations in the archipelago. Royal Line and the
former steamship m/s J. L. Runeberg also cruise in
summertime to the idyllic town of Porvoo.
Lunch and dinner cruises are also extremely popular. The newest hit product offered by Sun Lines
is a musical cruise. According to Managing Director
Jani Tamminen, the concept combines entertainment, mostly musical, with cruises.
”The emphasis is on high-quality entertainment and a great atmosphere provided by top Finnish artists and spectacular dance performances.
The programme also includes jazz, soul and disco,
Helsinki’s programme alternatives include a wide
range of thematic tours for both individual travellers
and groups. One of these is the Design Walk offered
by Helsinki Expert. According to Product Manager
Alexia Herberts, this guided walking tour introduces visitors to Finnish design, including the latest
names and recognised brands, such as Marimekko.
The tour stops into the most interesting design boutiques and concludes with a visit to the exhibition
and shop at Design Forum Finland.
The company Profiteam Oy in turn offers city
walks and Nordic Walking along routes that take
in the main sights and the most beautiful scenery.
These guided walks are available in several languages, including English and German.
SpåraKOFF is a historical tram that has been
converted into a mobile pub and is one of a kind in
Finland. Passengers can enjoy cold drinks while riding
through the city in style. The red tram can also be
chartered for private events. The company Oy Stadin
Ratikat Ab will also introduce this summer regular services aboard museum trams in the city centre. These
lovely old trams can also be chartered for private use.
The Tourist & Convention Bureau also sells a
special brochure entitled ”See Helsinki on Foot”
that presents seven walking tours of the city with
clear maps and descriptions of all the sights along
the way. A separate brochure is also available for
cyclists, and free-of-charge city bikes can be borrowed from special racks throughout the city centre.
Further information and other sightseeing ideas:
www.visithelsinki.fi
Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress can be reached by
ferry in 15 minutes.
What’s New in Helsinki?
A new brochure is available presenting the
historic Kuninkaantie – King’s Highway
that meanders across Southern Finland.
www.finlandexpert.fi
Compiled by: Karoliina Saarnikko
Finnish event management company
Nousujohde Promotion is offering a new culinary
product entitled Food Sightseeing. The guided tours
begin with starters in one restaurant followed by the main
course in a second and dessert in a third. The tour
can also be extended afterwards with some nightlife
in the city’s nightclubs. www.nousujohde.fi
Helsinki This Week magazine is now
also available online. The English-language
city guide is published eight times a year.
www.helsinkithisweek.com
The talking trash bins that gained so
much publicity last autumn have reappeared
on the streets of Helsinki. The interactive
trash bins talk to passers-by in Finnish, Swedish and
English, as well as Japanese, German, Polish and
Russian. The eight talking trash bins can be found
around Esplanade Park, Senate Square, the Sibelius
Monument and Temppeliaukio Church. www.hel.fi
Helsinki is participating in the new country
portal VisitFinland.com that the Finnish
Tourist Board is launching at the end of
June. The website offers travellers interested in
Finland the chance to find out more about what is
offered, make reservations and create itineraries.
The service is available in ten languages, and a
range of other
features are also
included, such as
map, weather and
mobile services,
as well as public
forums.
7
Convention News
Summer brings big congresses to Helsinki
Record year for
congresses expected
in 2009
Summer brings light, warmth, colours and sounds to
Helsinki. The singing of birds in the parks and the
cries of the seagulls by the sea are music to the ears.
Summer also attracts large numbers of congress
delegates and their spouses to Helsinki. Conference
venues throughout the city are filled with a multitude of languages and laughter that spread into the
summer streets and markets.
Each year around 100 association meetings are
held in Helsinki and attended by 25,000 to 30,000
delegates. According to preliminary forecasts, 2009
looks like it will be another record year for congresses. No less than 13 major congresses with over 500
delegates each will be held in Helsinki this year, attracting together a total of 16,000 delegates. The
number of reservations that have already been made
for future congresses is also exceptionally good.
Among the largest congresses held in Helsinki
this summer are the 19th European Congress of
Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) and the European Wound Management Association (EWMA) Conference 2009. The former,
which includes a commercial exhibition, was attended by approximately 8000 delegates and the latter is
expected to attract some 2000 delegates.
Helsinki’s Convention Unit provides free-of-charge assistance for attracting international association meetings to
Helsinki. The ladies from left to right: Leena Sipilä, Leena Lassila, Johanna Grönberg and Ines Antti-Poika.
In June the 85th Annual Meeting of the European Orthodontic Society (EOS) 2009 and the
IPMA – World Congress on Project Management will
be held in Helsinki. The first of these will be held
at Finlandia Hall and be attended by 1500 to 2000
delegates, while the second will be held at the Helsinki Fair Centre and be attended by approximately
1000 delegates.
We wish all congress visitors and their spouses
a heartfelt welcome to Helsinki. We hope that you
will have the chance to enjoy the many sights, deli-
Helsinki Congress
Paasitorni to include
a new hotel
cious cuisine and exciting excursions in addition to
the main congress programme. We also hope that
our city’s maritime nature, white summer nights
and friendly people will make your stay with us a
pleasant one.
L eena S ipil ä
Convention Director
Helsinki has 51 hotels with over 8000 rooms in total,
while Helsinki Region has 80 hotels with over 11,600 rooms.
Text: Seija Estlander
A new 170-room hotel is planned in connection with Helsinki
Congress Paasitorni. Construction of the four-star hotel is expected
to be completed by early autumn 2011.
According to Congress Manager Anita Ritakallio, the new hotel will occupy buildings from three different
periods: the original granite ”castle” that dates back to 1925, the office complex that was completed in 1955
and a new building. Construction work will begin at the start of next year, and the hotel will be operated by
Next Hotels Finland Oy.
The hotel project is part of Paasilinna’s long-term plan of becoming a full-service conference and congress centre complete with its own accommodation services.
The largest conference hall at Paasilinna can seat 800 persons, in addition to which there are almost 30
other conference rooms. The hotel will add another three new conference facilities, the largest of which will
seat 300 persons.
The complex also includes high-quality restaurant services. The largest restaurant is Paasiravintola, which
can seat over 300 guests. A floating 200-seat restaurant pavilion that will be accessible
also by boat and waterbus is also planned in front of the restaurant
Granniittilinna.
One of the pearls of Finland’s Jugend architecture,
Paasitorni will soon be able to accommodate
congress visitors at its own hotel.
Events and exhibitions
Here we present a selection of events and exhibitions that
are ideal for visitors to Helsinki.
For more information and many more events, go to:
www.visithelsinki.fi > Search for events
The next edition of Destination Helsinki will be published in September.
Events
19.6. 22-28.6. 26-28.6. 1-31.7.
5-11.7. 16.7.
28.7. 30.7-9.8. National midsummer celebrations, Seurasaari
Helsinki Pride, gay-pride week
Tuska Festival, heavy metal, Kaisaniemi Park
Jazz Espa, jazz concerts, Espa Stage, Esplanade Park
Helsinki Cup International Youth Football Tournament
Britney Spears in concert, Hartwall Arena
Lady GaGa in concert, Kulttuuritalo
URB 09 – urban festival, Museum of Contemporary Art
Kiasma
31.7-2.8. Kaleva Games, Finnish Championships in Athletics,
Leppävaara Stadium, Espoo
3-9.8.
Folk Music Festival ”Seurasaari soi!”, Seurasaari
3-21.8. Etno-Espa, Espa Stage, Esplanade Park
6.8. Madonna in concert, Jätkäsaari
13-16.8. Flow Festival, electronic music, Suvilahti
13-22.8. Art goes Kapakka, art events in participating restaurants
14-30.8. Helsinki Festival, events throughout the city
15.8. Helsinki City Marathon, start and finish at Olympic
Stadium
15.8. Viapori Trophy, sailing competition, Suomenlinna
21.8. Night of the Arts, evening cultural events throughout the
city
23.8-10.9. UEFA Women’s Euro 2009 football championships,
Olympic Stadium, Töölö Stadium
26-29.8. Viapori Jazz, Suomenlinna
4-13.9. Helsinki Design Week, design events at various venues
incl. Kaapelitehdas
Check out the programme at
www.helsinkidesignweek.com.
9-13.9. 11-12.9. 17-27.9.
Habitare09, furniture, decorating and design fair, Helsinki
Fair Centre
III International Harald Andersén Chamber Choir
Competition, Sibelius Academy, Finlandia Hall
Love and Anarchy Film Festival, various cinemas
Alvar Aalto’s Helsinki legacy
Text: Seija Estlander
A summer exhibition of the architecture of Alvar Aalto runs until 29 August at Laituri, the City Planning
Department’s new meeting place on Narinkka Square. The exhibition highlights the legendary architect’s legacy in Helsinki. According to Exhibition Coordinator Reetta DeWan, the exhibition includes private houses, as
well as monumental public and commercial buildings that were designed specifically for Helsinki. The exhibits
include photos and films from various museums, as well as new photos of the buildings by photographer Kari
Haklin. The exhibition is presented in Finnish, Swedish and English. Admission is free of charge.
http://laituri.hel.fi/
Picasso exhibition headlines art year 2009
Text: Seija Estlander
An extensive exhibition of around 200 works by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) will open
at the Ateneum Art Museum on 18 September. The exhibition will include paintings,
sketches, collages and sculptures. According to Communications Officer Marja IstalaKumpunen, all phases of the artist’s production will be comprehensively presented.
Helsinki is the only Scandinavian city hosting this Picasso exhibition, which features the
collections of the Musée National Picasso in Paris. Tickets are available from the door, in
addition to which advanced ticket sales are possible for the first time from the National
Gallery’s online shop. www.ateneum.fi, www.helsinkiart.fi
Pablo Picasso: Femme lisant (1935) © Succession Picasso/Kuvasto 2008.
Exhibitions
UEFA Women’s Euro 2009 at the Olympic Stadium
Until 27.7.
Text: Seija Estlander
Until 9.8.
Until 30.8.
Until 30.8.
Until 30.8.
Until 30.8.
Until 30.8.
Until 30.8.
Until 6.9.
Until 13.9.
Until 22.9.
Until 27.9.
Until 18.10.
Until 25.10.
Until 31.12.
Until 14.2.
1.9-31.12. 18.9-6.1.
Worth Painting – The 80th Anniversary Exhibition of the
Finnish Painters’ Union, Amos Anderson Art Museum
Kalevala – 160th anniversary exhibition, Ateneum Art
Museum
Defiance and Melancholy – German Painting from the
Dresden Albertinum / Galerie Neue Meister, Meilahti Art
Museum
Osvald Sirén and the Chinese Gardens, photography
exhibition, Didrichsen Art Museum
Helene Schjerfbeck and the European Masters, Didrichsen
Art Museum
(Un)naturally, works by nine male artists, Museum of
Contemporary Art Kiasma
Works, Deeds – 40th anniversary exhibition, Finnish
Museum of Photography
Expose Yourself to Art! – Highlights of the Hallwyl collection
of Dutch masters, Sinebrychoff Art Museum
Decades of Finnish Architecture, Museum of Finnish
Architecture
What a Feast – festive traditions, Helsinki City Museum,
Sederholm House
Surrealism & Beyond – Masterpieces from the Israel
Museum, Jerusalem, Tennis Palace Art Museum
Ryijy – Rug, history of the Finnish ryijy rug, Design Museum
Good grief! 50 years of Peanuts in Finland, Päivälehti Museum
Post Scriptum – Letters of Four Millennia, Post Museum
Surrender – Commandant Cronstedt’s difficult spring of
1808, Suomenlinna Museum
Tracking Traces... – Kiasma’s 10th Collection Exhibition,
Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma
Finlandia 200 – Finnish Portraiture 1809–2009, Meilahti Art
Museum
Pablo Picasso, Ateneum Art Museum
The UEFA Women’s Euro 2009 football championships will be played in Finland from
23 August to 10 September. The matches will be held in Helsinki, as well as in Lahti,
Tampere and Turku. The opening game will be played between Finland and Denmark
at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki. This major sporting event is being organised by
UEFA, the Football Association of Finland, local organisers and the host cities. According to Tournament Director Outi Saarinen of the Football Association of Finland, the
preparations have so far gone well. “We expect to attract 250,000 spectators, and the
stadium should be packed for the matches in Helsinki,” Saarinen comments.
Further information: www.pallolitto.fi
Photo: Ville Vuorinen/ DigitalSport.org
Tourist Information’s five-star tip
Green therapy in Helsinki’s
gardens
In addition to its many parks and green areas, Helsinki has lots of splendid
gardens that are open to the public. The Rose Garden in front of the Winter
Garden can be admired well into the autumn, and the greenhouses are open
year round. Visitors to the University of Helsinki Botanical Garden can relax
after a tour of the gardens and greenhouses at the wine-café Viola, which is
open on weekdays throughout the summer.
The university’s Kumpula Botanical Garden has also
been opened to the public. At the Gardenia tropical
Feedback
garden in the Viikki district, visitors can also enjoy
[email protected] or
the extensive outside gardens.
tel. +358 (0)9 310 36336
www.visithelsinki.fi