New travel company to increase attractiveness of Oulu - 29.04.2010

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A new company was founded on Wednesday with the provisional name Oulun matkailu (Oulu tourism) for joint tourism marketing in the region to increase its attractiveness.

The company was founded by the City of Oulu, a number of local municipalities and local businesses. The funding came from Oulu City Centre Association, Arina, Stockmann and Sokotel, among others. In all, the shareholders include eight local authorities, eight hotels, five major retailers, six tourist centers in North Ostrobothnia and Kainuu, and 19 small businesses that provide services for tourists.

Matti Pennanen, Mayor of Oulu, notes that so far there have been no organized tourist services or tourism marketing in the Oulu region. Independent efforts by individuals are not effective. “We needed to bring the marketing together in one place. We eventually decided to set up a separate tourism marketing company which all willing parties can join. We will of course be admitting new shareholders in the future.”