A Northern "Riviera": Tourism in Terijoki in the 1920s and 1930s

: Kostiainen A

Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD

: 2007

Scandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism

: SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM

: SCAND J HOSP TOUR

: 7

: 4

: 328

: 346

: 19

: 1502-2250

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15022250701536826

The Terijoki resort area is located on the Karelian Isthmus, close to St. Petersburg. Its tourism industry experienced three separate life cycles: the Czarist Russian (pre-1917), the Finnish (1917-1939), and the Soviet/Russian (post-1944) cycle. The cycles were separated by major political upheavals or wars. Finland gained independence in 1917, and Terijoki had its second golden age of tourism. The number of Finnish guests rose to c. 20,000, while there had previously been 60,000-100,000 annual Russian guests. Terijoki was a significant holiday resort for the Finnish middle class and artists. The reputation of Terijoki was based mainly on natural beauty, and its services and entertainments were not inferior to foreign alternatives. Tourism served the political aims of Finland, although there is no evidence that the Terijoki tourism was particularly supported by the Finnish government. Therefore, it was ultimately a local tourism industry endeavour. The name "Riviera" was used as a template of something attractive in the sphere of tourism. However, Terijoki could not attract large European clientele, as it was distantly located. Tourist information on Finland was not very developed either.