Discovering Hidden Tourist Gems in Pori

Abstract

Tourism mostly promotes well known areas of the world which neglect the hidden attraction places that has potential attract tourists if they are well promoted. This research examined the hidden tourist attractions in Pori, Finland, the challenges and opportunities that lied in the hidden attraction places in Pori and explored what it takes to promote these sites. The study undertook qualitative, semi structured interviews to collect data. In the study, seven semi-structured interviews were conducted in order to gather meaningful primary data. The study collected data from locals who lives in Pori, advertises in tourism industry, local tour guides, and the people who visit Pori. The study revealed that there are many underpromoted tourists’ attraction places that has it’s potential to attract tourists which, belong to the industrial, natural, cultural and historical categories. The findings revealed that the key challenges that limit the potential to open these hidden areas were accessibility and infrastructure and limited visibility. Apart from that, the opportunities that lies such as unique, niche experiences are revealed in this study. This study further explored the creative strategies that can be used to market these hidden attractions. This research contributes to expand the knowledge on sustainable regional tourism by revealing the methods to make hidden attractions like Pori into new tourism possibilities and encourage equitable development. Based on the findings, tourists’ planners, marketers and local leaders can work to enhance the appeal of hidden destinations.