Oulu's Year-Round Magic: Embracing Sustainability, Seasonality, and Culture

In this episode of the Balancing Tourism Podcast, Ged chats with Yrjötapio Kivisaari (YT), CEO of Visit Oulu, about the unique charm of Oulu, Finland—a compact city blending nature, innovation, and culture. YT shares fascinating insights into Oulu’s journey to becoming the European Capital of Culture 2026 and how the city has tackled seasonality with creative events, sustainable practices, and community pride.

Highlights include:

• The Lumo Light Festival: A captivating annual event where art, light, and snow create magical explorations around the city.
• Sustainability in Action: Oulu’s pioneering efforts as Finland’s first major city to earn the Sustainable Travel Finland certification.
• Seasonality Strategies: From frozen sea techno parties to quirky air guitar championships, Oulu embraces its uniqueness to attract year-round visitors.
• The Role of AI in Tourism: How smaller destinations like Oulu are leveraging AI to compete on a global stage.
• Why a Good Place to Live is a Good Place to Visit: Building pride within the local community to create welcoming, authentic experiences for tourists.

Whether you’re a travel professional looking to balance tourism or a curious listener eager to learn about Finland’s hidden gems, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical takeaways.

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Visit Oulu website: visitoulu.fi
• Lumo Light Festival details: Check Dates Here
• European Capital of Culture 2026 updates

Key Takeaway:
Tourism thrives on cooperation, sustainability, and cultural authenticity. Oulu’s strategy offers a masterclass in how to build a resilient, year-round destination that locals and visitors alike can cherish.