At the helm of Visit Karelia, Kärki was only in charge for a year. He was disappointed that there was no widespread desire for cooperation in the region.
– My own idea is that, as we are here on the back of a duffle bag, we need broad cooperation.
That has not been the case from all sides, according to Kärje. The nature of tourism marketing has not been understood.
– Tourism marketing, especially to foreign countries, may not be visible from inside the region. And it shouldn’t, it’s directed outwards.
Kärki has not made any decisions about his future, but will take care of Visit Karelia’s affairs for a few more weeks. He still believes in joint tourism marketing.
– Especially international marketing is not a quick trip, but requires time and endurance. The further we go from here, the smaller we seem, or even a small Finland.
The background company of North Karelia tourism has been in quite a bit of turbulence lately. CEOs have changed and funding has been redistributed.
Kärki wrote on social media:
\”During the year, I have learned a lot about the functioning of the municipal sector and, in general, about the state of our province’s ability to cooperate. Above all, this leaves a feeling of disbelief and even a little sad.\”
Lieksa transferred the funds for tourism to Kolin Matkailu earlier this year in March. However, the city of Lieksa still owns a share of Visit Karelia.
Kitee, on the other hand, made a decision yesterday to increase tourism marketing investments for the tourism company of the Savonlinna region.
*Added at 20:35: Annamari Kärje’s comments.*
*Added and corrected at 7:02 p.m.: The news previously stated that Lieksa had resigned from Visit Karia. However, Lieksa still owns shares in the provincial tourism company.*