Somero at the Nordic Travel Fair

Somero was proudly represented at the Nordic Travel Fair at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre (Messukeskus) this weekend.

There were several hundred stands at the Fair, giving information on different tourist destinations both in Finland and all over the world.

Marko Rantala from Hovimäki camping

When I visited this afternoon with Cameron, the Somero stand was attracting a lot of interest.

Somero has just under ten thousand full-time inhabitants, but in the summer months these numbers are increased by several thousand, as people come to spend the summer in their summer houses.  Somero is a great place for summer houses not just because it is so peaceful here, but also because it is so easy to get to from the capital as well as from Turku and Tampere.

Olla-Riitta Aarikka was on the stand today. She is an teacher, actress and playwright from Somero but also the owner of the newly refurbished Myötätuuli guest house where she is planning to host courses and theme weekends throughout the year.

Arja Torkkomäki is the owner of  Hovilan Kartano. The Kartano is a traditional Finnish Manor House which dates back to 1611 and can be hired for special occasions or conferences. Arja was also excited to announce that next summer they will play host to an exhibition by fashion designer Jukka Rintala.

Arja Torkkomäki from Hovilan Kartano

Marko Rantala was also on the stand from Hovimäki Camping. This is a great place to stay which is only 6km from the town centre and where you can stay in a tent, caravan or summerhouse. There is also a cafe in the summer months as well as a beach with swimming and sauna, Hovimäki also host theme weekends throughout the year such as dog shows and events for motorbike enthusiasts.

It was great to see Somero standing alongside stands from Cuba and Egypt. As I have said many times before, wherever you are in the world you will always be made welcome here. Let's hope Somero can play host to lots of Finnish and international visitors next summer. We look forward to seeing you!

Olla-Riitta Aarikka (and Cameron)

Tanja, Olla-Riitta, Arja and Marko representing Somero