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Tahko Spa is eager to grow

19.2.2025

Tahko Spa Oy, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, is an example of how innovation, collaboration, and customer orientation can create a successful business model.

The story of Tahko Spa begins already in the late 1990s, when the municipality of Nilsiä began to think about building an ice rink in Tahko. Soon it was realised that the ice rink alone would not be enough, but that diverse sports services were needed in the area. This gave rise to the idea of a sports centre that would combine different activities and services.

in the early 2000s, businessmen Heikki Vienola and Jarmo Perttilä decided to take up the challenge and start the project. Their experience in running sports centres in the Helsinki metropolitan area helped them to create a successful experience centre, the main building of which was opened in 2005.

– Tahko Spa is an excellent example of developmental collaboration with competent and listening officials, says Tahko Spa’s hotel manager Saga Iinatti.

Vienola and Penttilä noticed that in addition to the main building containing the swimming and sports halls, high-quality accommodation was also needed in the area. Soon thereafter, Suites apartment hotels opened near the main building.

Quality and sustainability intertwined in the new hotel

Tahko Spa has since then expanded significantly. Most recently, in December 2024, a modern and responsible Suites Green Apartment Hotel was opened and it has received an excellent welcome from our customers. At the same time in December, a padel court was opened next to the main building.

– The hotel combines quality and sustainability. The interior design has been designed by the award-winning interior design office Vertti & Co, who have selected interior materials that are as sustainable and renewable as possible. In addition, geothermal energy and solar power are used in the hotel, and wood has also been used in its construction in part. The choices attract customers who value environmentally friendly alternatives, says Iinatti.

In the future, Tahko Spa will invest in international customers and further develop its services to meet growing demand and maintain its competitiveness in the tourism industry. The hotel is planning a reward system for monitoring the energy and water consumption of the visitors and, on the basis of low consumption, they will be granted discounts on subsequent visits.

Vienola invests in developing Tahko

According to Iinatti, Heikki Vienola, Chair of the Board of Directors of Tahko Spa, has played an important role at Tahko. Vienola has invested heavily in the development of the region and is actively cooperating with other actors in the region which has contributed to the vitality of the region.

– It is admirable that Heikki is so passionate about developing Tahko and wants to invest in it. He always looks ahead and has the next plans ready when the previous project is finished, Iinatti laughs.

In addition to the fact that Tahko Spa itself employs people from Kuopio and its neighboring areas, construction projects also create a need for employees throughout their duration.

Customers are worth listening to

Tahko Spa strives to always be on the cutting edge of the times, to provide diverse opportunities for different customer groups, and to react quickly to customers’ needs. One example of rapid action is the construction of outdoor padel courts, as the sport grew popular. Thanks to them, Tahko Spa managed to quickly respond to growing demand.

– In other respects, our star moments have been when we have got big projects together that have expanded our selection and brought in a new customer base, Iinatti says.

She urges other companies to listen to their customers and be ready to renew, because the world is changing and people’s consumption habits are changing. It is easy to miss the details if one is not listening attentively and asking for feedback from the customers.

– It is also advisable to boldly take advantage of the local networks. They help and spar – it is best not to ponder over things alone, Iinatti reminds.

Tahko Spa website

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Hello joint marketing!

Kuopio-Tahko Markkinointi Oy, a marketing company in the Tahko area, was created in December 2013 as a result of cooperation between the City of Kuopio and the Tourism Centre of Tahko. Its shareholders and members include a large number of companies in the region. Saga Iinatti, CEO of Tahko Spa, praises the co-operation with the marketing company. Its network provides help and actors understand common goals, even though each organisation has its own strategy, vision, and mission.

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Text: Minna Akiola
Photos: Tahko Spa