Helsinki should prioritize city center vitality, reader argues

Helsinki needs to focus on making its city center more vibrant and appealing, rather than concentrating on individual large-scale projects, argues a reader opinion piece in Helsingin Sanomat. The author contrasts the perceived quietness of Helsinki on a Sunday with the lively atmosphere experienced during a recent visit to Estonia, where people were out, restaurants were open, and cities felt bustling.

This observation leads the writer to question the discussion around a potential tourist tax. If the goal is to attract more visitors, they argue, making their stay more expensive is counterproductive. Instead, the priority should be ensuring Helsinki's center is a dynamic and engaging destination seven days a week, offering open services and a pleasant urban environment.

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A lively center, open services, and a pleasant city are much more significant attractions than individual projects.

While acknowledging the importance of significant investments like the proposed Garden Helsinki project, the author stresses that equally crucial is the effort to make the city center attractive to both residents and tourists. A lively center, accessible services, and an overall pleasant urban experience are ultimately more significant draws than any single development, the piece concludes. Helsinki has the potential to be the most interesting capital on the Baltic Sea, but this requires prioritizing what truly makes the city vibrant and appealing.

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If tourists are desired, their visit should not be made more expensive. First, it should be ensured that Helsinki has a living and interesting city center on all days of the week.