Improving the travel connectivity of Lake Saimaa region
In accordance with Saimaa Tourism Strategy, our goal is to make Lake Saimaa region one of the three most famous tourism regions in Finland. One of the key factors of well-known and successful tourism is good physical and digital connectivity. It is typical for South Savo and the Mikkeli region that tourist destinations and services are geographically scattered, partly due to the winding labyrinth of Lake Saimaa. The connections within the region have decreased year by year, which has led to the fact that only tourists traveling in their own car have been able to make extensive use of the offer. Due to the increasing use of cars, concerns about achieving climate goals and responsible tourism are arising. As a result of the project, easier and more responsible connectivity of tourist destinations in Mikkeli Region and Lake Saimaa will be achieved.
The aim of the project is:
- To improve the physical connectivity of tourist attractions in Mikkeli Region and Lake Saimaa with the help of travel chains implemented in a sustainable way, considering the long-distance traffic arriving in the area
- To develop the digital accessibility of tourism and transport services in Mikkeli region
- To support the growth and competitiveness of SMEs and new business opportunities
- To strengthen cooperation and a culture of joint development between companies and partnerships
- To promote international cooperation
As a result of the project, the physical and digital connectivity of tourist attractions in Mikkeli Region and Lake Saimaa have been improved and the achievement of climate goals and responsible tourism were promoted. The work has been conducted in close cooperation with partners, and it supports the culture of joint development among various actors in the region. A result of the project is a recommendation for new routes and services scheduled and implemented in a sustainable way, which promote nature and cultural tourism, as well as the connectivity and attraction of the Saimaa region and Saimaa Geopark destinations.
