The Hamina vitality network focused on the impact and vitality of events

The Hamina Open Vitality Network gathered on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at the Town Hall to discuss the impact of events on the city's vitality. The event provided a quick overview of Hamina's upcoming event summer, heard recent research results on the regional economic impacts of event tourism, and learned about the City of Hämeenlinna's way of measuring the impact of events, creating operating conditions, and identifying the growth potential of events. 

Event Production Manager, City of Hamina Tiina Salonen presented Hamina as an event city. One of the biggest events of the upcoming event summer is the Hamina Tattoo, which will be held from 27.7 July to 1.8 August, and this year the theme is the Baltic Sea. In addition, the year will accommodate numerous other events, both smaller and larger. The principle of the city of Hamina is to organize its own events, enable other people's events and attract new events. 

VisitKotkaHamina's Tourism Development Manager Anna Selanne opened the results of the Sponsor Insight study completed in March 2026 on the regional economic impacts of events, their attractiveness and the significance of events for tourism operators in the region. The study showed that public events increase demand for local accommodation and restaurant services, as well as for trade, among other things. According to the consumer survey, the most well-known events in the region are Kotkan Meripäivät and Hamina Tattoo.

The event also included a remote hearing from the City of Hämeenlinna's Director of Vitality. Niklas Lähteenmäkiä, who talked about Hämeenlinna's ways of measuring the impact of events. 

In Hämeenlinna, the impact of events is currently monitored in a diverse way by combining visitor and research data. The goal is to strengthen the systematic use of impact data as part of event development and the vitality of the city. Overall, Hämeenlinna's goal has been to build the city into an attractive tourist and event city.

At the end of the Vitality Network meeting, a reminder was given about upcoming Vitality Network events, including the Hamina Takeover Day to be held on Monday, April 13.4th.