Visit Jyväskylä Region was awarded the We Speak Gay Trailblazer Awards for its exemplary work in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusivity and LGBTQ+ tourism

The Matka 2025 fair at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre kicked off on a great note when Visit Jyväskylä Region was awarded the We Speak Gay Trailblazer Awards.

The award was given for exemplary work in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusivity and LGBTQ+ tourism in Finland. A total of four companies and three tourism regions received the recognition, which have acted as bold examples and pioneers for others both locally and nationally.

“The most important criterion in selecting the pioneers to be awarded has been open-minded, bold and visible year-round LGBTQ+ inclusive communication, which is essential in attracting LGBTQ+ customers,” says Hannu Medina, founder of Medina Helsinki Communications Oy and We Speak Gay Community.

Visit Jyväskylä Region has been involved in the We Speak Gay partner network since 2022 and has systematically worked towards LGBTQ+ inclusivity, for example in the form of communications and marketing, as well as training and events. Jyväskylä Region (Central Finland province) was also the first tourist destination in Finland to create its own website for LGBTQAI+ travellers.