Customer Flows and Networks

Approximately one million visitors visit Suomenlinna every year. Two out of three of them come from abroad. Approximately 60% of all visitors are cultural tourists who come to learn about the history of the sea fortress, to visit museums, galleries and theatre, or to participate in events held in Suomenlinna.

The Governing Body of Suomenlinna actively seeks to increase visitor numbers between October and April – but not during the summer. In this World Heritage Site, business should be based on high-quality products and services, aiming to increase the amount of money visitors leave with service providers rather than relying on an ever-increasing flow of customers. Suomenlinna is Helsinki’s most significant cultural tourism destination, where visitors leave 40 million euros annually in the capital region.

Active Residents and Hundreds of Employees

Suomenlinna’s residents are active and have various local associations. The village-like Suomenlinna has many families with children. Since Suomenlinna is being developed both as a visitor destination and a residential area, entrepreneurs should consider what their product or service offers to the local community as well.

Throughout the year, approximately 400 employees work in Suomenlinna, and during the summer season, the number increases by one hundred. It is worth getting to know other operators in the fortress, as cooperation is active. Employers in Suomenlinna include:

• Naval Academy
• Governing Body of Suomenlinna
• Ehrensvärd Society
• Kulturkontakt Nord
• Viaporin Telakka ry
• Helsinki International Artist Residency Programme
• Suomenlinna Prison

The Importance of the Whole

Approximately 30 tourism entrepreneurs operate in Suomenlinna, creating the visitor’s Suomenlinna experience through their service chain. The significance of the whole is emphasized in a tourist destination with a large number of operators. The Governing Body of Suomenlinna coordinates tourism activities and their long-term development.

The Governing Body is responsible for the overall marketing communication of Suomenlinna and presents the services of tourism operators on websites and social media.

• Suomenlinna on Facebook
• Suomenlinna on Instagram

Tourism entrepreneurs are responsible for developing, selling, and marketing their services, and the Governing Body of Suomenlinna works closely with them.

More information