By developing cultural tourism it is possible to support the aims set out in the Government Programme of Prime Minister Marin’s Government to strengthen cultural tourism and the objectives in the Strategy for Cultural Policy 2025 of the Ministry of Education and Culture, involving creative work and production, inclusion and participation in arts and culture, and cultural basis and continuity.
Finland’s strategy on tourism for the period of 2019–2028, which guides the overall development of tourism in Finland, emphasises tourism activities that observe the principles of sustainable development. Particular emphasis is placed on developing cultural tourism based on different thematic areas.
The Ministry of Education and Culture takes part in cooperation with the European Union (EU) and international organisations in the field of cultural tourism. Finland acceded to the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe (EPA) in 2018. The Ministry of Education and Culture participates in the administrative and expert work of the Agreement and represents Finland on the Governing Board of EPA. The central task of the Governing Board is to award the certification "Council of Europe Cultural Route" and to evaluate certified routes regularly. European cultural cooperation builds on the different Cultural and Cultural Heritage Agreements of the Council of Europe.
Cultural tourism can be used to support the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations, including the objective of devising and implementing policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs locally, promotes local culture and products (SDG 8.9, 12b) and strengthens efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage (SDG 11.4).
Matters related to cultural tourism belong to remit of the Department for Art and Cultural Policy at the Ministry of Education and Culture. The Finnish Heritage Agency and Business Finland/Visit Finland serve as the expert bodies for the Ministry of Education and Culture in matters related to cultural tourism and cultural routes.
Contact information
Anne Mattero, Ministerial Adviser
Ministry of Education and Culture, Kulttuuri- ja taidepolitiikan osasto (KUPO), Taiteen ja kulttuuriperinnön vastuualue (TAKU) Telephone:0295330313 [email protected]