The idea behind Umeå 2014's "Icetour" during 2013 is to visit several European cities in cooperation with the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi to arouse interest. Visitors will be provided with experiences and samples of what Umeå and Northern Europe can offer in connection with the European Capital of Culture year.

Seek cooperation and cultural exchange
The “Icetour" is also an important part of Umeå's broad ambition to seek cooperation and cultural exchange with the rest of Europe during and after the program year 2014. Working with the rest of Europe is important to all European Capitals of Culture and it is a recommendation put forward by the Monitoring Committee in Brussels, which follows up Umeå's 2014 work.

Well-founded effort to reach out
– Many of the earlier European Capitals of Culture have focused too little on reaching out in Europe, on making contacts and developing cooperation, so I am convinced that this is a well-founded effort, says Marie-Louise Rönnmark (Social Democrat), mayor and chairperson of the Capital of Culture Committee.

– The tour is a flagship for Umeå 2014's promotion in Europe. We will present Umeå and the beautiful northern space we live in and at the same time link Umeå with Europe to facilitate cultural exchanges between north and south, remarks Karin Arvidsson, the person in charge of marketing Umeå 2014 in Europe.

Umeå more attractive for visitors
– By showing the power of attraction, culture and exciting tourist attractions in the region, as well as Umeå as a knowledge-based city with enormous development potential, we convey an image of a high-tech society in the North that is attractive to visitors, students, business leaders and investors, states Karin Arvidsson.

Financial support for the "Icetour" will be planned jointly with different partners, EU funding and sponsors.