Tiina Kallio Appointed Head of Tourism for the Regional Growth Company

20.8.2026

The tourism leadership responsibilities of the regional growth company, which commenced operations on 1 July 2026, will be transferred to Tiina Kallio. In her role as Director of Tourism, Kallio will be responsible for strengthening the region’s tourism sector and its impact as one of Päijät-Häme’s key growth industries.

The reorganisation of tourism leadership became necessary when Lahden Seudun Kehitys LADEC Ltd and Lahden Seutu - Lahti Region Oy merged on 1 July 2026 to form a new regional growth company. As part of the merger, Raija Forsman, CEO of Lahti Region, assumed leadership of the new growth company during the transitional phase.

The recruitment process for the new CEO of the growth company is currently underway, with applications closing on 20 August 2026. When the new CEO takes up the position, the current CEO, Raija Forsman, will retire.

A Strong Tourism Professional to Develop a Key Regional Growth Sector

Tiina Kallio brings more than 20 years of diverse experience in developing and promoting both domestic and international tourism and events. She has extensive knowledge of the region’s tourism businesses and operating environment, as well as broad networks among national tourism organisations and stakeholders. Kallio moves into the position from her previous role as Marketing Director of Visit Lahti.

For Forsman, the development of tourism has long been a central part of her work and a key element in strengthening the region’s vitality.

- I am extremely pleased to be able to hand over the development of an industry that is both important and close to my heart into capable hands. Tourism has been built systematically over many years together with regional entrepreneurs, municipalities and a wide network of partners. Tiina has the expertise and vision needed to take this work to the next level while also making the most of the new opportunities that the growth company creates for tourism, says Forsman.

One Strong Regional Entity Built on the Expertise of Two Companies

The regional growth company has had a dynamic start to its operations. Current efforts in tourism focus on building shared ways of working together with business growth service experts, while the tourism network has expanded to include Orimattila and Kärkölä. The integration process actively combines the expertise and networks of both former organisations at national and international levels.

Tourism is directly linked to the region’s visibility and attractiveness, internationalisation, business growth and investments.

- The regional growth company serves businesses across the province at every stage of their development while also opening up new opportunities for growth. Tourism is an important industry and growth sector within this broader framework, bringing new jobs, networks and attractiveness to the entire region, says Tiina Kallio.

Further Information

Raija Forsman
Chief Executive Officer
+358 40 516 2803

Tiina Kallio
Director of Tourism
+358 40 159 6448

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Finland’s Only Province-Wide Growth Company Has Started Operations in the Lahti Region.

The competitiveness, attractiveness and sustainable growth of the Lahti region will now be advanced through the Business Lahti and Visit Lahti brands.

The mission of the new growth company is to attract new businesses, investments, skilled professionals and visitors to the region while creating the conditions for business growth, new jobs and further investment.