Thank you, Riitta Sippo, for your article (March 20, 2025) in the local Newspaper ‘Pieksämäen Lehti‘ discussing the situation and future of Pieksämäki. However, one point you made raised eyebrows among us at Tapahtumaverkko ry association — and rightfully so.
You wrote: “Tourism and travel are not Pieksämäki’s thing. Has anyone seen a tourist here? I haven’t in seven years.” Additionally, you referred to the absence of summer residents or tourists in Pieksämäki because, according to the information you received, sales at supermarket Prisma remain steady all year long. At this point, we must ask: where in Pieksämäki have you been during the summer over these seven years?
Pieksämäki boasts an active events scene and multiple attractions that draw thousands of visitors to the area each year. Nationally significant events such as Big Wheels, Antiikkia ja Löytöjä (Antiques & Finds), and Pieksäjäiset attract audiences from beyond the town just like the quality art exhibitions and other programming at Poleeni. Furthermore, the WatershedTrails offer extensive and high-quality hiking and biking opportunities that attract nature enthusiasts from all over Finland, just as the dance events at Veturitori draw dance aficionados from a wide area.
Tourism is much more than just big investments—it’s about experiences, landscapes, culture, and community.
Here at Tapahtumaverkko ry, we have been working for years to develop Pieksämäki’s tourism industry in cooperation with the town officials and many local stakeholders. One example of this is our annual publication ‘Pieksämäen Parhaita’ travel brochure.
It is unfortunate and shortsighted for a municipal election candidate to declare that Pieksämäki lacks tourism or the need for tourists. We don’t seek praise or accolades, but we also won’t stand for belittlement.
Tourism is much more than just big investments — it’s about experiences, scenery, culture, and community. Pieksämäki has these, and we are working to ensure they continue to thrive.
Tapahtumaverkko ry
Tero Tujunen, Chairperson, Event Producer (municipal election candidate, Nat. Coalition Party)
Terho Häkkinen, Vice Chairperson, Event Producer
Heikki Skyttä, Board Member, Event Producer (municipal election candidate, Nat. Coalition Party)
This is a response to the opinion piece by municipal election candidate Riitta Sippo published in Pieksämäki News on March 20, 2025, which you can read here (in Finnish only).