Storytelling in literary and cultural tourism

Literary tourism is based on storytelling and can contribute to greater value in cultural tourism by providing tourism destination visitors with much stronger bonds with destination through stories. Symbiosis of literary and cultural tourism allows visitors to gain experience through understanding of complex messages simultaneously engaging and emotionally immersing visitors with destinations.

Storytelling in cases of literary and cultural tourism of Kainuu region

During our visit to Kainuu region, storytelling appeared to be a key element of the experience. On the first day we stopped in Kajaani and went for a small walk around the city, but I couldn’t notice anything related to literary tourism. Cultural heritage was demonstrated through sculptures, monuments, signs, and historical places around the city. After we had a guided tour and it finally made sense! The guide explained relationship between places and history. And suddenly the city seemed a mystery to me. Anyhow, the only connection to literary tourism in Kajaani I felt was through this guided tour and stories.

Kuhmo city had a more visible connection to literary tourism through Kalevala products and services. However, cultural heritage aspects were missing. Kuhmo’s entrepreneurs produced their stories separately and lacked cooperation between them. The best example that I can think of is Kalevala hotel and Kalevala Village. Kalevala hotel is focusing on Kalevala atmosphere, but when you go to Kalevala Village you find Santa Claus there.

To make tourism in Kainuu region feel more natural both literary and cultural tourism types should be combined and connected by a common story. At the moment it seems like Kajaani has cultural heritage aspects and Kuhmo has literary aspects. In order to make Kainuu region more attractive to visitors, both Kajaani and Kuhmo should work together on a common strategy and brand. Also, all stakeholders should aim for same vision and goals and cooperate with each other more.

 

Click here to read more about our adventures and thoughts about Kainuu region!