Amid global shifts in travel, sustainability, safety, and wellbeing have become the defining values of international tourism – and Finland stands out as a place where they are not just promises, but lived realities.
Recognized as the happiest country in the world for eight consecutive years, Finland combines wellbeing, stability, and untouched nature into one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for tourism investment. Finland is known for its sauna culture, pristine nature, and increasingly as one of the world’s “coolest” destinations. Even Lonely Planet has listed Finland among the leading coolcation countries.
As one of the most trusted business environments in the world, Finland is not only the happiest country on Earth – it’s also becoming one of Europe’s most promising tourism investment destinations. From the Arctic wilderness of Lapland to the serene blue labyrinth of Lake Saimaa, Finland offers unmatched natural diversity and year-round appeal.
Lake Saimaa & Mikkeli – The Emerging Heart of Finland’s Tourism Growth
Finland’s tourism is growing fast – and the Lake Saimaa region, with the city of Mikkeli at the lake district’s center, is emerging as the next major growth story: The next Lapland, as we say.
Lake Saimaa is not a destination for mass tourism. It’s built around meaningful, experience-driven hospitality: premium wellbeing, lakeside retreats, culinary excellence, and sustainable tourism models that align with global travel trends.
Key figures:
- 1.15 million overnight stays in 2024. The Saimaa region (South Savo & South Karelia) recorded over 1.15 million registered overnight stays in 2024 – a strong indicator of steady demand from both domestic and international visitors.
- Total tourism demand worth 768 million Euros. Tourism spending in the region reached 768 million Euros, reflecting its growing importance and direct effects to Finland’s national and Eastern Finland’s regional economy.
- Around 6,000 jobs around the Lake Saimaa. Our tourism and hospitality industry employ approximately 6 000 people, making the sector one of the region’s central sources of employment and regional vitality.
Already one of the most beloved holiday areas among Finns, Lake Saimaa combines lakes, forests, and vibrant small towns into an ecosystem that perfectly matches what modern travelers seek: authenticity, peace, and year-round nature experiences. Despite the growing number of visitors, the lake destination never feels crowded or over-commercialised.
Mikkeli – Gateway to Lake Saimaa and a Model for Smart Regional Growth
The city of Mikkeli is the gateway to Finland’s largest lake – a masterpiece of nature shaped by the Ice Age over 10,000 years ago. Its countless islands, crystal-clear waters, and rare Saimaa ringed seal (Pusa hispida saimensis) make it truly one of a kind.
Mikkeli is also one of Finland’s leading regions for second-home living – where pristine nature meets modern infrastructure and a high quality of life. Located just 2.5 hours drive from Helsinki, it’s easily accessible and well-connected by road and rail.
The city offers an efficient, solution-oriented administrative environment, where planning and land-use processes progress smoothly in close cooperation with investors. Decisions are made efficiently through open dialogue – making it one of Finland’s most investor-friendly regional cities.
An Investment Environment Built on Stability, Trust, and Cooperation
Finland’s tourism economy is expanding rapidly, reaching record highs in 2024. Yet regions like Lake Saimaa and Mikkeli still offer considerable investment potential for new hospitality, wellbeing, and experience-based business models.
What makes investing here unique:
- #1 in global safety, governance, and transparency
- Member of the EU and NATO – secure, reliable, and accessible
- Politically and economically stable
- Highly educated workforce and modern infrastructure
- Transparent permitting and investment processes
- Strong public–private partnership culture
- EU and national funding incentives (Tier 1 region)
- Hands-on invest-in and relocation services by Mikkeli Development Miksei Ltd.
Finland’s Next Tourism Chapter
Finland’s national vision of our tourism is clear: to become a leading sustainable, year-round destination where nature, wellbeing, and innovation meet. Regions like Lapland, Lake Saimaa, and the Helsinki Metropolitan area are now aligning behind that shared vision.
As European tourism markets mature, Mikkeli and Lake Saimaa stand out as a fresh, reliable, and responsible alternative. The demand for safe, sustainable, and nature-rich destinations has never been higher – and this region is ready to meet it.
Please discover more detailed business opportunities of Lake Saimaa. You could be part of the story where sustainable growth meets authentic Scandinavian and Finland Lakeland experiences.
Learn more and see some other readings on our website and please do not hesitate to contact us. Now is the moment to explore, connect, and invest – and be part of the Lake Saimaa story.
Contact
Maisa Häkkinen, Director of Tourism, +358 44 794 2219, maisa.hakkinen@mikseimikkeli.fi
