Saimaa cities plan joint tourism organisation to attract global visitors

East Finland’s Saimaa region is preparing a joint tourism organisation to increase international tourism, Yle reports. The proposed organisation would lead international marketing, sales promotion, tourism product development and cooperation with tour operators.

The initiative is being prepared by the Lake Saimaa association, which brings together the cities of Imatra, Lappeenranta, Mikkeli, Savonlinna and Varkaus, as well as tourism and development organisations and the regional councils of South Karelia and South Savo.

The member cities will decide during September whether to take part in the preparatory work and help finance it. The Lake Saimaa association estimates the initial cost at €100,000, with external experts to be used.

A decision to support the preparation would not commit the cities to future funding shares or to the final structure of the organisation. If the necessary funding is secured, the city of Imatra will put the expert services out to tender and procure them on behalf of the association.

Permanent model planned

The proposed organisation is intended to become a permanent operating model that could help tourism companies grow and strengthen tourism’s economic impact across the Saimaa region.

Kirsi Mutka-Paintola, chair of the Lake Saimaa association’s board, called for long-term cooperation in a press release. She said Saimaa already had a strong shared brand, internationally appealing tourism offerings and companies willing and able to grow.

According to the association, international tourism cooperation developed through projects in recent years has already produced the desired growth. International tourists often book their trips well in advance and visit several municipalities and regions during their stay. They are interested in attractions including nature, culture, food and events.