Current events

Langin Kauppahuone, Utua Finland Oy and Kaselli Oy have started a collaboration aimed at strengthening tourism in Raahe and building new international tourism and design business opportunities.

The collaboration brings more expertise, networks, and capital to the development of Langin's operations. At the same time, it also enables the development of Utua Finland's operations and the establishment of a new Finnish handbag brand for international markets.

"Langin Kauppahuone has been built for nearly ten years, strongly relying on Raahe's history and cultural heritage. Now, the collaboration provides us with broader shoulders – more expertise, networks, and opportunities to develop tourism in a way that benefits the entire city," says entrepreneur Piia Vähäsalo.

In recent years, Langin Kauppahuone has grown into a significant tourism and cultural destination in Old Raahe. The company's operations combine a hotel, restaurant, cafe, and various experiences and events in a historical setting.

Utua Finland, operating in Langin's courtyard, is a Finnish design company known for its colorful leather bags and designs inspired by northern nature. The collaboration also enables the creation of a new luxury bag brand aimed at international markets, drawing inspiration from Raahe's history and northern nature.

"Utua's products originate here in Raahe, and it is important to us that international growth is also built on local identity and expertise. The collaboration gives us the opportunity to develop this work long-term," says Vähäsalo.

The aim of the collaboration is to make Raahe an even more attractive tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors. The development work particularly emphasizes Raahe's unique historical environment, maritime stories, and local cultural heritage.

Looking to the future

The collaboration is based on a shared vision that Raahe has an exceptionally strong, yet partially untapped, tourism potential. Old Raahe is one of Finland's best-preserved wooden towns, whose history, maritime environment, and cultural heritage provide a unique foundation for tourism development.

The goal is to build comprehensive offerings in Raahe that attract visitors to stay longer in the city and explore its history, culture, and local way of life. At the same time, the development work strengthens the vitality of the region and creates new opportunities for collaboration with local businesses, associations, and actors.

"We believe that together we can build Raahe into an even more well-known tourist city – a place where history, culture, and experiences meet in a truly Raahe-like way."

Langin Kauppahuone thanks public sector actors and development organizations who support the growth of regional businesses with their work and enable long-term development. Collaboration between companies, the public sector, and local actors is a key factor in building the future of tourism in Raahe.

Piia Vähäsalo

Langin Kauppahuone / Utua Finland
044 597 9693
piia.vahasalo@utua.fi