Tourism
Would you like to be part of developing year-round tourism in Helsinki? We are looking for companies to pilot and develop new tourism and experience services together with test users and the city in real-world urban environments.
Tourism testbed in Helsinki – Develop and test services in a real-world urban environment
Developing tourism in Helsinki
Tourism is a key driver of urban development and vitality in Helsinki. It enhances the city’s attractiveness and creates meaningful experiences for both visitors and residents. Tourism is developed in close cooperation with the city, companies, educational institutions and other partners, in line with the Development Programme for Helsinki Tourism and Events 2026-2029.
The objectives of the development programme are to:
- Accelerate robust year-round growth in tourism and events and longer visitor stays
- Boost our international appeal with “Happy Helsinki” themes
- Ensure the city is an ideal growth partner and even more smoothly-functioning tourism and events destination
Innovation challenges and pilots in tourism
Through tourism innovation challenges, companies can test new services quickly in practice. The innovation challenges support companies’ product development, create new business opportunities and strengthen innovation capacity and collaboration. Pilots are implemented in real-world urban environments together with companies, test users and advisors from the City of Helsinki.
In addition to tourism and hospitality industries, participants may also come from:
- Creative industries
- Event production
- Sports and wellbeing services
- Sustainable mobility solutions
- Digital and data-driven services
Product development themes
The key focus areas are year-round tourism and longer visitor stays. Product development focuses on themes that are based on the city’s strengths.
The main themes are:
- Architecture and design
- Art and culture
- Sauna
- Food culture
- Maritime identity
The aim is to develop accessible, user-oriented tourism services that meet the needs of diverse visitor groups and enhance Helsinki’s attractiveness all year round.
What do test platform activities offer to businesses?
Helsinki Testbed offers companies the opportunity to develop and pilot their services in cooperation with the City of Helsinki.
A pilot typically includes:
- Testing in a real-world urban environment
- A facilitated pilot process
- Feedback from test users
- Support from City of Helsinki advisors
Participating in a pilot accelerates the service development process, supports business growth, and provides a reference that can be used in the future.
Testbeds for tourism
Pilots will take place in different locations across Helsinki, depending on the season, theme and specific needs. Each pilot is planned on a case-by-case basis together with the City of Helsinki, test users and companies to ensure they meet authentic needs and function effectively in a real-world environment.
News and open calls
Open calls are published in Finnish only. However, proposals may be submitted in English. Please see the list of open calls, news and events on our Finnish-language pages.
