Tampere’s good brand is carefully constructed, but is it true?

The opening ceremony of Tampere's 2022 Light Weeks on Tammerkoski beach in Koskipuisto.
Tampere has a good reputation, especially nationally. Stock photo.

In addition to money, a lot of time has been spent on building the Tampere brand. Local residents have also been listened to in the brand work, and we want the images to correspond to reality.

A lot of positive things have been written about Tampere in the domestic media in recent years. There has also been some attention internationally. Recently, the British newspaper The Times wrote an article flattering Tampere

The published writings are in line with what the makers of the city’s brand want it to be.

Big events help a lot in selling the city brand. An example of this is the *Snow Queen* ice ballet, which from the beginning was made with an international touch.

In addition, *Thomas Houseago – WE with Nick Cave, which was at the Sara Hildén Art Museum, received international attention

Ojala also mentions that the audiovisual sector has developed strongly in recent years and many different events have been sought in Tampere for decades.

A small, relaxed town

The Tampere brand includes much more than events made with big money. According to Ojala, local residents have also been listened to.

Tampere is perceived as a big village with the services of a big city and the atmosphere of a small village.

– Yes, the basis of everything must be the identity and thoughts of the city dwellers. Relaxation, people and atmosphere emerge from there.

A smiling Iina Ojala sits at the desk and looks at the camera.
According to Iina Ojala, the public relations and marketing manager of the city of Tampere, Tampere’s marketing is already going well at the national level, but there is still work to be done in the kv arenas.

But can Tampere be sold with such things? According to Ojala, it is challenging and the brand has to be assembled from many different pieces.

– Good everyday life and then combined with world-class events and experiences, Iina Ojala sums up the city’s brand.

Although the international press has incensed Tampere with very flattering word choices, there is still work to be done.

– Things are going great at the national level, but there is still work to be done in the international arena. That work has been done long-term for years.

*Why has Tampere become a vibrant center of development? What is the city aiming for and what is still to come? Perttu Pesä, event director of the city of Tampere, and writer and Tampere expert Linda Huhtinen discussed the issue with Roman Schatz.*

*What thoughts did the story evoke? You can comment on the topic until February 2 at 11 p.m.*