Haparanda­Tornio Travel Guide

The cooperation was established between two border towns, Haparanda in Sweden and Tornio in Finland, with the aim of boosting tourism in the border region through joint tourism marketing. The cooperation is based on a joint online presence. An interactive catalog of leisure activities and important tourist services in the vicinity of the two cities has been compiled on the joint website. Thematic (e.g. culture, gastronomy, outdoor activities, shopping, sights, events, walks and tours, nature, etc.) and seasonal filters help visitors select activities, so that everyone can easily find the most attractive leisure activities for the season. The website also provides information on accommodation and restaurants in the area, as well as an overview of current events and happenings in the two cities through a regularly updated events calendar.

With the help of a shared Tour Guide, visitors can learn not only about the events and sights of the two cities, but also about everything else that is worth knowing for visitors to the region. This includes information on how to get there, border crossing requirements, time zone differences, different currencies, historical and natural features, and the location of the information points themselves.

The promotion of the region is further strengthened by the appointment of tourism ambassadors (HaparandaTornio Ambassadors) from both sides of the border, who promote their region on social media by presenting local personalities and events.

Haparanda and Tornio’s joint efforts have also been facilitated by the Two Countries – One Destination project, which aims to increase the number of international tourists visiting the region, strengthen cross-border business relations, develop a unified tourism package, create a new tourism marketing and image, strengthen relations between local tourism stakeholders, and develop tourism-related infrastructure.