Suomen Kylät ry and a group of rural developers and companies from South Ostrobothnia organized an unprecedented social media event, which through popular social media influencers made village activities and idyllic rural summer gems familiar, highlighted local brands in the regions, burst social media bubbles and introduced Finnish youth to rural opportunities.
The study trip exceeded expectations
The visitors were the blogger Lähiömutsi ie Hanne Valtari, influential person Arttu Mustonen, photographer Ina Lähteenmaa, influential person Venla Anttila, and the actor known from Secret Lives Ronja Alatalo.
Blogger Hanne Valtari went on the trip with an interested feeling. However, the area was already familiar, as his roots are in Vähäsäkyrö.
- The idea was that it would be nice to be able to tell the followers about new, exciting places to visit, which are possibly ones I never thought could be found in the region.
Especially the Followers from Ostrobothnia had reacted to Valtar's first update with enthusiasm, as the influencers in the video were wearing the national costumes of the South Ostrobothnia region.
The trip made a great impression on Valtar and exceeded his expectations. Valtari warmly describes the impact the trip has had.
- Here, my own boundaries were violated about what being an Ostrologer is. Although I am proud of my roots, I may have consciously left the regions behind. The trip managed to awaken me from hibernation, where my roots have been for several years. It cannot be said that the trip opened the eyes, but rather the heart to Ostrobothnia, to the pride and love of one's home region.
The old Oglasi home charmed the influencers
One of the places visited during the study trip was located in Ylistaro Jenni Erkkilän home, a wonderfully renovated old Ostrobothnia house. Erkkilä warmly welcomed the social media influencers to his own home, even though there was a little tension in the air before their visit.
- A few days before the visit, I started to get a little nervous about what had been promised and what the visit would be like.
However, there was no need to worry, because the visit was successful in every way. Erkkilä's home aroused admiration among the influencers, how can someone really get to live in such a beautiful house and environment, where the windows open out to wonderful wide landscapes.
- The visit went beyond expectations. Wonderful encounters and great conversations. What I remembered most was the social media influencers' genuine enthusiasm for South Ostrobothnia, which had clearly impressed them. The atmosphere was happy and relaxed. Time flew by.
The concept has potential
The social influencers' study trip to South Ostrobothnia was organized on June 7-9, 2023. During the study trip, the influencers were moved by the hospitality in Ostrobothnia when they were able to visit the versatile sites of Seinäjoki, Ilmajoki, Kurika and Kauhajoki. Tempaus has received a positive reception and there would certainly be demand for a similar concept in other areas as well.
Liiveri was involved in supporting and planning the organization of the event. From the Liiver area, the destinations were Jokipii Pellava, Jokipii village hall, Toiska family home, Koskenkorvan Trahteeri, Wanha Markki, Jenni Erkkilä's Plowland house, Ilmajoki music festival and Kalevan Barn.
The study trip to the country was organized by Suomen Kylät ry, the Federation of South Ostrobothnia, EU rural funding, Leader Suupohja, Leader Liiveri, Eteläpohjalaiset Kylät ry, Into Seinäjoki Oy, Ilmajoki municipality and the towns of Kurika and Kauhajoki.