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-life environments.
Tourism Testbed in Helsinki – Develop and Test Services in a Real-Life 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 companies, the City of Helsinki, educational institutions and other partners, following the Helsinki Tourism and Events Development Programme 2026–2029.
The objectives are to:
- Accelerate sustainable year-round growth in tourism and events and extend the length of stay
- Strengthen Helsinki’s international attractiveness through the “Happy Helsinki” theme
- Ensure that the City acts as an enabling partner and supports the development of a well-functioning tourism and events ecosystem
Innovation Challenges and Pilots in Tourism
Through tourism innovation challenges, companies can test new services quickly and in practice. The innovation challenges support companies’ product development, create new business opportunities, and strengthen innovation capacity and collaboration. Pilots are implemented in real-life 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 extending the length of stay. Product development focuses on themes based on the city’s strengths.
The main themes are:
- Architecture and design
- Arts and culture
- Sauna
- Food culture
- Maritime Helsinki
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 the test platform activities offer to businesses?
The Helsinki Testbed offers companies the opportunity to develop and pilot their services in cooperation with the City.
A pilot typically includes:
- Testing in a real-life environment
- a facilitated pilot process
- Feedback from test users
- Support from advisors from the City of Helsinki
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 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 real needs and function effectively in a real-life 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.
