Regional and structural patterns of tourism in Finland

Abstract

In this article, general and regional patterns of tourism in Finland are compared with the preconditions for tourism development. A new model of the ‘regionalism’ of Finland’s tourism is presented. A comparison of regional tourism demand (actual tourist flows) with preconditions and supply shows that actual tourism development does not yet correspond sufficiently to the predominant image of Finland as a destination of nature-based recreation activities. The author suggests the promotion of tourism by means of a new image of “modern periphery” and its specific application to different tourist segments and nationalities.