Thu 14 Dec 2023

Secto Rally Finland brings €19m boost to Jyväskylä

Secto Rally Finland proved to be an economic powerhouse for the host city of Jyväskylä, with the 2023 event demonstrating significant growth in various areas compared to previous years.

A comprehensive study conducted by the Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences (Jamk) Sport Business unit has revealed that the ninth round of this year’s FIA World Rally Championship injected over 19 million Euros into Jyväskylä's economy.

Impressively, approximately 14.6 million Euros of this total was spent by those visiting from outside the region, marking a noteworthy 51 per cent increase in direct tourism revenue compared to a similar study conducted in 2017.

During the early-August fixture, almost 270,000 fans flocked to the 22 special stages, service park, ceremonial start and podium ceremonies, signifying a 16 per cent increase in attendance compared with the previous year.

“Rally Finland is clearly the most significant annual event for Jyväskylä,” emphasised Timo Koivisto, Mayor of Jyväskylä. “The international visibility we get during the event is also very extensive. We are known as a rally city, and that’s a good thing.”

The study also highlighted evolving visitor profiles and revealed that the event is now drawing in a fresh and younger audience in addition to the loyal fan base that considers attending the rally a tradition.

Spectators cited the rally’s unique atmosphere, slick organisation and commitment to safety as key factors influencing their attendance.

Markus Häkkinen, Chief Operating Officer of event organiser AKK Sports, acknowledged the contributions of everybody involved in ensuring the event's success. He said: “It’s fantastic that the quality of the organisation and the expertise of the parties making this event happen are regarded as highly as this.

“In addition to those who do this professionally, I would also like to thank all the local associations and clubs that are taking part in building the event with us and at the same time acquiring resources for their activities. The number of volunteers working at the rally through the local associations and clubs is approximately 4,500, and the study shows that they, for their part, contribute to the spirit of Secto Rally Finland, and thus support the positive images of both Jyväskylä and motorsport."