Efforts are currently underway to expand international travel to the Saimaa region, with a focus on establishing winter charter flights from Düsseldorf to Savonlinna for the 2026 season. This ambitious plan is part of a larger initiative led by Savonlinna Travel Ltd, Miksei Mikkeli, and goSaimaa, aimed at developing tourism in the Lake Saimaa region year-round.
The ongoing collaboration between Saimaa and Arctic Lakeland brands is now shifting to include the winter season. One of the main objectives is to launch the first triangular winter charter flight between Düsseldorf, Savonlinna, and Kajaani by 2026. This would not only boost the winter appeal of the Saimaa region but also connect it with Arctic Lakeland’s well-established winter tourism offerings in Kainuu.
Alfred Becker, CEO of the German tour operator Zonista GmbH, recently met with local tourism organizations and businesses to discuss both summer and winter charter flights. While Arctic Lakeland is well-prepared for winter tourism, the Saimaa region is in the early stages of developing its winter offerings. The goal is to have pilot winter products ready for the 2025 season, laying the groundwork for more comprehensive charters in 2026.
The summer season is also seeing exciting developments. Negotiations are currently underway with Zonista GmbH to secure five direct summer charter flights from Frankfurt to Savonlinna for 2025. Two of these flights are planned for June, with three more scheduled for August. The marketing and promotional agreements for these flights are expected to be finalized at the Matka2025 travel fair in January, but tour operators are already working on new packages tailored to the German market.
This summer, four charter flights have already arrived from Frankfurt, with the final flight scheduled for September 5th. The charter flight initiative is supported by the Lake Saimaa 2.0 project, funded by regional councils and the EU. Significant contributions have also come from local municipalities such as Puumala, Rantasalmi, Sulkava, Enonkoski, and Kitee, as well as from Nature Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän. Additionally, Zonista GmbH has entered into marketing partnerships with Business Finland and the City of Savonlinna.
Visit Finland continues to play a pivotal role in supporting local tourism organizations in their international collaboration efforts. Their backing often provides the leverage needed to open doors for regional tourism initiatives. "We are confident that this close cooperation will continue to drive international interest in the Saimaa region," says Alfred Becker.
Alfred Becker also noted, "Saimaa has captivated our customers in ways we’ve never seen before. The feedback reinforces our belief in the growing demand for this region, and it's fantastic to see all stakeholders working together. Winter presents a tremendous opportunity for both Saimaa and Arctic Lakeland, especially as capacity in Lapland is maxed out. Together, these regions can offer truly unique winter experiences."
The cooperation with Zonista GmbH has been a significant milestone in improving the Saimaa region’s accessibility to German-speaking markets. What makes this even more impressive is the collaborative approach that includes the entire Lake Saimaa region, with Kainuu also joining the initiative. This partnership is not just limited to charter flights; it also extends to product development and packaging for different seasons. The broadened collaboration is expected to enhance year-round tourism in the region, especially with new winter offerings entering the market.
The marketing efforts for the winter charters will be integrated into the ProLakeland 2 project. This initiative, driven by five eastern Finnish regions—South Savo, South Karelia, North Savo, North Karelia, and Kainuu—aims to foster international growth for small and medium-sized businesses through enhanced competitiveness and accessibility. By working together, these regions seek to solidify their position as premier lake tourism destinations, providing a sustainable boost to the local economy and promoting international travel to Lake Saimaa and beyond.
The future is bright for tourism in the Saimaa region, with strong international collaboration paving the way for both winter and summer visitors to experience the unique beauty and culture of Finland’s lakes.
