Experience Finnish Happiness: Rent a Finn
Helsinki, 18 March 2019 – This summer, Visit Finland is inviting travelers from around the globe to delve into the serene lifestyle of the Finns, thanks to an innovative new initiative titled Rent a Finn. The program aims to showcase how the Finnish people harmoniously coexist with nature, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn the secrets of true happiness that the Finns have mastered.
Until April 14, 2019, individuals can apply to be paired with local happiness guides, who will welcome them into their homes and introduce them to the art of relaxation deeply rooted in Finnish culture.
Research highlights the therapeutic benefits of nature, confirming that even a brief stroll outdoors can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and elevate mood by boosting endorphin levels. The UN even recognized Finland as the happiest country in the world in 2018*, thanks in large part to its citizens’ profound relationship with the natural landscape.
Heli Jimenez, Senior Director of International Marketing at Business Finland, shared her insights: “Many travelers are drawn to Finland for our uniquely tranquil environment. The Rent a Finn initiative is a response to the growing trend in travel where people seek to live like locals, fostering authentic connections with everyday people.”
Jimenez elaborated on the Finnish lifestyle, saying, “Nature is woven into the fabric of our daily lives. We embrace the outdoors in all weather, let our little ones nap outside, and immerse ourselves in nature regularly. Our happiness guides embody a deep respect for nature and a commitment to a slower pace of living.”
The initiative has recruited eight ordinary Finns to serve as happiness guides. Selected from a pool of hundreds, these guides will spend several days with guests, sharing personal strategies for unwinding in the great outdoors.
Linda Räihä, one of the guides, remarks on the slower pace of life on her island, noting, “Time moves differently here; it seems to stretch out, eliminating the pressure to rush.”
Visitors will have the chance to engage in a variety of nature-based activities, from cultivating gardens and fishing to enjoying sauna sessions and foraging for wild mushrooms and berries.
The sessions will be offered at no cost to travelers during the summer of 2019.
Assisting in this endeavor is Hintsa Performance, a Finnish high-performance coaching firm that champions a balanced lifestyle as the foundation for sustainable success. Their methods have been embraced worldwide, catering to clients ranging from Fortune 500 executives to Formula One champions.
On the Rent a Finn website, visitors can take a self-assessment based on Hintsa’s techniques to evaluate their life balance and receive recommendations for stress reduction and mental well-being.
Annastiina Hintsa, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasizes the need for harmony in our fast-paced lives: “In a world overflowing with distractions, finding time to unwind can be daunting. Engaging with nature allows us to reset and rejuvenate. Understanding your current state is the first step towards managing stress and fostering long-term performance.”
For those eager to learn more about this unique opportunity and to apply for a visit with a happiness guide, please visit rentafinn.com. Further information about Finland can be found at visitfinland.com.
Media Inquiries:
For global inquiries, please contact Hetta Huittinen, Head of International Media & PR at Business Finland, via email at hetta.huittinen@businessfinland.fi or by phone at +358 40,033 9597.
About Rent a Finn
- The Rent a Finn initiative is an experimental program launched by Visit Finland, part of Business Finland, where ordinary Finns serve as happiness guides for travelers throughout summer 2019.
- Applications for travelers will be accepted from March 18 to April 14, 2019.
- To apply and learn more, visit rentafinn.com.
Visit Finland is dedicated to enhancing Finland’s global travel brand, promoting the country abroad, and supporting travel-related companies. Collaborating with regional tourism businesses and export promoters, Visit Finland operates under Business Finland.
Business Finland serves as Finland’s innovation funding and travel promotion organization, headquartered in Helsinki. Fully owned by the Finnish government, it employs a team of 600 experts across 40 offices worldwide and 20 regional offices in Finland, forming a key part of the Team Finland network.
UN World Happiness Report 2018 http://worldhappiness.report/ed/2018/
The Good Country Index 2019 http://goodcountryindex.org
Meet Your Happiness Guides
Here’s a glimpse into the lives of some of the happiness guides who will welcome you:
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Esko: The Mayor of Rovaniemi – Spending summers at his family’s summer cottage in Lapland, he treasures fishing and time in nature with loved ones.
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Hanna: A passionate IT-marketer and tourism economics student, she shares the beauty of Finnish nature from her home in Southern Finland, where sailing and skiing are her seasonal joys.
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Juho: An urban farmer with roots in Japan, Juho finds peace in the simple joys of nature, whether through silent reflection or tactile experiences like feeling the soil beneath his feet.
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Katja: A social services student and yoga teacher, Katja invites guests to discover the natural retreats within Helsinki, from meditative forest strolls to moments of wildlife wonder.
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Laura & Joni: This active family from Northern Lapland embraces the outdoors year-round, valuing the tranquility and community spirit found in their small-town life.
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Linda & Niko: Living on the remote island of Utö, this couple exemplifies the allure of island life, where time slows down to appreciate the present.
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Petri: A physiotherapist who relishes the silence of nature, Petri finds profound joy in moments of solitude and relaxation, especially after a good sauna.
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Timo: A cultural steward for Finland’s national parks, Timo seeks to share the hidden treasures of his homeland, hoping to connect others with the serene sounds of nature.
Whether you want to immerse yourself in Finland’s breathtaking landscapes or simply unwind in the company of a local, Rent a Finn promises an unforgettable experience this summer.