On 16 June 2025, Vihti Municipal Council approved the Vihti Tourism Development Programme 2025-2033. The new programme will serve as a strategic and operational tool for the municipality to develop Vihti's tourism in a goal-oriented and long-term manner. The main objectives of the programme are to increase the regional economic importance of tourism, support local businesses and strengthen Vihti's position as an attractive, sustainable and distinctive destination.
A clear vision guides development
The vision of the programme is that Vihti will profile itself as a sustainable destination for local tourism, where rural peace, nature experiences and local culture form a whole that distinguishes Vihti from other areas. Development will be based on local entrepreneurship, community and nature-based values, and will be carried out in cooperation with various stakeholders.
Measures will focus on the needs of local tourists, but the programme will also take into account international visitors, group tourism and meetings. Vihti's specific characteristics as a tourist destination - such as the extensive areas of the Nuuksio National Park, its cultural offer and its rural landscapes - are highlighted as important strengths.
Five main objectives lay the foundations
The development programme is built around five main objectives. These are raising awareness, strengthening cooperation, increasing the number of tourists and their stay, developing sustainability and improving tourism infrastructure and accessibility. Through these objectives, Vihti aims to establish itself as a quality tourist destination, known for its wide range of services, authenticity and welcoming atmosphere. The municipality will also aim to achieve the national STF certification for sustainable tourism, which will support the sustainability work of tourism. Progress towards these objectives will be monitored throughout the programming period through clearly defined indicators and timetables.
A collaborative programme receives praise
A particular strength of the development programme is considered to be its broad inclusiveness. A number of tourism entrepreneurs and tourists have been involved in the development of the programme, and their views have been collected through surveys and interviews. The preparation has also been supported by tourism and tourism experts, the Vihti Tourism Association, local entrepreneurs, project promoters and the municipality's vitality and marketing staff. This cooperation has enabled the programme to draw on both practical experience and expert knowledge.
Helena Kontio, Vihti's marketing planner, who was responsible for putting together the development programme, stresses the concrete nature of the programme and the opportunities it offers. She says Vihti already offers experiences that an urban environment cannot: peace, authenticity and local gems. Now the municipality has a tool to communicate this message more effectively and to a wider audience.
Raija Pohjolainen, chairwoman of Vihdin Matkailu ry, also highlights the importance of cooperation. She says that the involvement of entrepreneurs in the programme from the very beginning has been a significant factor in ensuring that the end result meets the everyday needs of the operators. She thanks the municipality of Vihti for its cooperation and sees the programme as a strong basis for the development of tourism in Vihti.
For more information:
Helena Kontio, Marketing Planner
Helena Kontio, Event Manager, Marketing Manager, Helena Kontio, Municipality of Vihti
Read more and see the development programme:
Presentation of the Tourism Development Programme
Vihti Tourism Development Programme 2025 - 2033