Efforts to boost winter tourism in South Karelia amid flight cancellations and safety concerns

Efforts are underway to enhance winter tourism in South Karelia, aiming to make the region more appealing to visitors during the colder months. Ryanair has canceled its winter flights between Lappeenranta and Bergamo, Italy, citing insufficient winter passenger numbers as a key reason. The sharp decline in Russian tourists has significantly impacted tourism in this border area.

According to Katja Vehviläinen, Director of the tourism development and marketing company GoSaimaa, the current geopolitical climate has raised safety concerns among foreign tour operators, although queries have ceased since Finland’s NATO membership.

Prior to Finland joining NATO, many tourists had already canceled trips to the country. The COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine have also adversely impacted tourism across Finland. While travelers from Russia and Asia have disappeared, new markets, particularly from the United States, are showing increased interest. However, foreigners are returning to Finland more slowly than to other parts of Europe.

Katja Ahola, who operates a hotel and spa in Lappeenranta, believes that the region’s offerings are underutilized. She suggests promoting activities such as ice fishing and creating urban campfire spaces for grilling and enjoying warm beverages to attract winter tourism.

GoSaimaa is currently collaborating with a German tour operator to test a new concept aimed at German tourists for the upcoming winter, with plans to offer day trips and activities. The goal is to initiate summer charter flights to Savonlinna for German tourists by 2025–2026, seeking to highlight authentic Finnish experiences like nature and local culinary traditions. Juha Nalli, a local entrepreneur, acknowledges the challenges posed by unpredictable winter weather but remains optimistic about the future of winter tourism in South Karelia.