Welcome to Boating Finland Website
Boating Finland is a joint project between Haaga-Helia and approximately 30 corporate partners, aiming to strengthen the international competitiveness of the Finnish boating industry and water tourism. The three-year project is funded by Business Finland and runs from May 2025 until August 2028. This website brings together the basic information about the project, as well as all research results and related publications.
The Finnish boating industry is a strong player, but global markets are changing rapidly. Shifts in consumer purchasing behavior, increasing sustainability requirements, and new technologies are challenging traditional operating models. At the same time, water tourism offers significant opportunities for both domestic and international visitors, provided that service infrastructure meets the needs of today.
The Boating Finland project involves around 30 corporate partners. These partners include members of the Finnish Marine Industries Federation (Finnboat ry) as well as key actors in the tourism sector.
Research Structured around Three Core Themes
The project addresses current topics that are critical to the future of the industry. The research focuses on three main themes: the development of boating and tourism ecosystems, innovations and new business models, and international marketing and visibility.
In ecosystem development, the focus is on electric solutions, circular economy operating models, and service innovations. The project examines how infrastructure in Finland’s archipelago regions and the Lakeland lake district can be developed to support sustainable boating.
The innovation strand explores, among other topics, the shift away from traditional ownership models and the needs of a new generation of consumers. A key question is how luxury and sustainability can be combined in the offerings of the boating industry.
The marketing research maps Finland’s country image as a destination for water tourism and as a boat manufacturing nation. The aim is to identify the most effective channels and practices for increasing international visibility, particularly at major international trade fairs such as Boot Düsseldorf and the Cannes Yachting Festival.
Early Results Show Strong Potential
The project has already collected valuable research data from two major industry events. At the Finnboat Floating Show in June 2025, international journalists were interviewed about the current state and future potential of the Finnish boating industry. At the Uiva Helsinki Boat Show in August 2025, both an online survey for visitors and an interview-based study were conducted.
The Boating Finland project aims to build sustainable collaboration networks between companies, research organizations, and tourism stakeholders. The goal is to develop solutions that increase exports in the Finnish boating industry and boost tourism revenues, while simultaneously promoting low-carbon mobility solutions and responsible practices.
The three-year journey is only just beginning, but the first steps already show great promise for the future of the Finnish boating industry and water tourism.