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Events as a source of vitality
Published on 02 August 2018
Finland
Pohjois- ja Itä-Suomi
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About this good practice
The City of Joensuu is known for the versatile events that are organised in the area every year. These events are seen as a way to attract additional visitors, generate revenue and enhance positive image of the fairly remote destination. Their importance has been noted in the regional tourism strategy and regional development programme in which event tourism is listed as one of the main development foci.
Joensuu has a long history as an event city, which is reflected in the skills and abilities of both the operators and authorities. It is constantly developing its capacity to welcome different large-scale events and is looking for ways to increase the number of diverse events.
The city has been successful in its endeavour partly due to the fact that they have event service office that provides various services for event organisers. They assist organisers e.g. in finding right venues, using effective marketing channels and renting event equipment. Joensuu has also launched a website that contains useful information for organising a successful event.
The city is leading an ERDF project, Vitality from Events, which aims, among others, to improve cooperation between the event industry and SMEs, develop event producers’ business skills and to create new attractive event concepts.
All the above mentioned activities have increased tourism in the region and have benefitted both local companies and residents.
Joensuu has a long history as an event city, which is reflected in the skills and abilities of both the operators and authorities. It is constantly developing its capacity to welcome different large-scale events and is looking for ways to increase the number of diverse events.
The city has been successful in its endeavour partly due to the fact that they have event service office that provides various services for event organisers. They assist organisers e.g. in finding right venues, using effective marketing channels and renting event equipment. Joensuu has also launched a website that contains useful information for organising a successful event.
The city is leading an ERDF project, Vitality from Events, which aims, among others, to improve cooperation between the event industry and SMEs, develop event producers’ business skills and to create new attractive event concepts.
All the above mentioned activities have increased tourism in the region and have benefitted both local companies and residents.
Resources needed
There are 3 persons working in the event services of the City of Joensuu: Event Manager, Event Coordinator and Planning Officer. The Vitality from Events project lasts two years (2018-2019) and its budget is c. 470 000 euros. Two staff members work for the project: Project Manager and Coordinator.
Evidence of success
There are around 120 000 inhabitants in the Joensuu area. In 2017, 2 000 events were organised in Joensuu and its vicinity, gathering around 1 million visitors. During this time, the use of accommodation facilities and the number of international visitors increased in the region. The biggest events in 2017 included Ilosaarirock Festival (67 000 visitors), BMW IBU World Cup (24 300) and Joensuu-Jukola orienteering event (40 000).
Potential for learning or transfer
This practice is an example of a strategy-based and municipal-driven initiative to improve the vitality and economy of an area. It shows that events can be used as a tool to extend tourism season and to attract visitors to fairly remote areas.
Joensuu’s event services provides detailed information on venues, permits, equipment and other useful facts for event organisers and helps them in organising and planning successful events – these are clear pull factors for event organisers. Since the staff members of Joensuu event services are closely associated with all events held in the area, they have a clear picture of the sector and its needs.
The new project aims to further increase the cooperation and dialogue between events and local SMEs. Through this, both events and companies may reach new customers and build up their turnover.
Joensuu’s event services provides detailed information on venues, permits, equipment and other useful facts for event organisers and helps them in organising and planning successful events – these are clear pull factors for event organisers. Since the staff members of Joensuu event services are closely associated with all events held in the area, they have a clear picture of the sector and its needs.
The new project aims to further increase the cooperation and dialogue between events and local SMEs. Through this, both events and companies may reach new customers and build up their turnover.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
City of Joensuu
Finland
Pohjois- ja Itä-Suomi
Contact
Project planning officer