Sauna DMC – Development of a Digital Business Model

Salonki Travels Oy is implementing a development project aimed at creating a digital Sauna DMC business model designed for international travelers. The project focuses on productizing Finnish sauna culture and improving its accessibility in international markets by bringing sauna destinations together on a shared digital sales and marketing platform.

During the project, a digital platform will be developed to enable the presentation, productization, and sales of sauna destinations to international travelers. At the same time, an internationalization strategy and marketing plan will be created for target markets such as Central Europe, North America, and Asia. The development work will utilize digital solutions, automation, and artificial intelligence to improve the discoverability and sales of tourism services.

The project particularly supports sauna service entrepreneurs operating in rural areas by improving their visibility and international accessibility through a new digital sales channel. At the same time, the initiative promotes sustainable tourism and strengthens Finland’s position as a leading destination for sauna tourism.

As a result of the project, a digital Sauna DMC business model, a pilot sales platform, and a marketing plan for international markets will be created. The solution improves the discoverability of sauna tourism services, makes booking easier, and creates new business opportunities for Finnish tourism entrepreneurs.

 

Objective

The objective of the project is to develop a digital business model for the Sauna DMC concept that connects Finnish sauna destinations with international travelers. The aim is to improve the accessibility of sauna tourism services, increase the visibility of rural tourism entrepreneurs in international markets, and strengthen Finland’s position as a leading destination for sauna tourism.

Actions

During the project, a digital sales and marketing platform will be developed to bring Finnish sauna destinations together and enable their productization and sales to international travelers. In addition, an internationalization and marketing plan will be created for selected target markets, and the platform will be piloted in chosen markets. The development work will utilize digital solutions, automation, and artificial intelligence to improve the discoverability and sales of services.

Results

As a result of the project, a Sauna DMC business model and a digital platform connecting sauna destinations with international travelers will be created. The project will also identify key international target markets and develop a marketing plan to reach them. The solution will make sauna services easier to find and book while creating new business opportunities for Finnish tourism entrepreneurs.

EU funding contribution: €20,000.