The #MyHelsinkiResidence programme attracted over 80 international social media influencers and freelance journalists to Helsinki in 2017. According to the latest media analysis, the contents produced by these residents reached almost 300 million potential readers during the year.
Launched at the beginning of 2016, Helsinki Marketing’s residence programme is open to social media influencers and freelance journalists all over the world. Selected residents get to stay in Helsinki from 3 to 6 nights and create their own programme. They are also encouraged to report on their experiences however they like. Over the past two years, the residence at Aallonkoti Hotel Apartments has hosted a total of 161 residents from 20 countries.
“I appreciate the time you’ve taken to put together an experience with robust possibilities, and yet one in which each guest has the freedom to make it his or her own”, says Patrick Janelle (@aguynamedpatrick).
Based on their writings, the residents have been inspired by such themes as Finnish fashion, food, design, architecture, nature, events, science and education, as well as getting to meet the locals. The twin city idea and daytrips to the Estonian capital Tallinn have also been popular themes.
Samples of these stories are featured on the #MyHelsinkiResidence website along with the six latest Instagram posts. The website also provides further information about the residence programme.
Residence programme set to continue in 2018
“Helsinki is a bright and attractive city that clearly interests social media influencers and their followers. We will be continuing the programme throughout 2018, and we look forward to receiving applications from a diverse range of social media influencers and freelance journalists alike. Stories about Helsinki are now more interesting than ever”, says Tia Hallanoro, Marketing Communications Director at Helsinki Marketing.
The main sponsors of #MyHelsinkiResidence are Aallonkoti Hotel Apartments, Marimekko, Finnair, Business Finland (Visit Finland), Finavia, Tallink Silja and Visit Tallinn.
The hashtag #MyHelsinkiResidence was introduced at the beginning of 2018. The residence programme was launched in 2016 with the hashtag #HelsinkiSecret Residence.
#MyHelsinkiResidence is part of Helsinki’s new marketing strategy, according to which all content should be based on personal and genuine recommendations.
#MyHelsinkiResidence
Helsinki Marketing is a company owned by the City of Helsinki. It is responsible for operative city marketing and business partnerships for Helsinki. Helsinki Marketing interacts with local residents, visitors, decision-makers and experts.