Cruise Saimaa Concept Investors’ Handbook 2011 Savonlinna Region – Cruise Saimaa Concept – Investors’ Handbook - October 2011 2 Contents Introduction . 3 Part 1 - The cruises 1 .1 Map of system showing mooring locations . 4 1 .2 Tourist info on Saimaa region . 5 1 .3 Tourist information on each location . 7 1 .4 Activities on the lakes (fishing, swimming, sauna, wildlife observation) . 10 1 .5 Unique island locations . 11 1 .6 Other suggestions on themed cruises . 12 1 .7 Low season possibilities . 13 1 .8 Winter possibilities . 13 1 .9 The northern hub - Kuopio . 14 1 .10 Sample Saimaa cruise itinerary : 7 days . 15 Part 2 - Technical feasibility 2 .1 The ship . 20 2 .2 Navigation . 20 2 .3 Ice specification . 21 2 .4 Authorisations . 21 2 .5 Moorings . 22 Cover photo Savonlinna, the natural hub of cruising itineraries in Saimaa Lakeland Savonlinna Region – Cruise Saimaa Concept – Investors’ Handbook - October 2011 3 Introduction This Handbook is an initiative by the Savonlinna Region Federation of Municipalities, acting on behalf of the four regions in Eastern Finland which are united by the Lake Saimaa network of waterways . After a preliminary investigation by the well-known consultants Euromapping with the collaboration of specialist consultant Brian Kirton, formerly CEO of Kingdom Tours, the authors are convinced that the Saimaa Lakeland offers unique and practically untapped potential for innovative and inspiring river cruises . Finland could become the next ‘must-do’ destination for the growing international clientele of river cruise enthusiasts . No need to fly to China or Vietnam for a completely new and refreshing experience, made up of a blend of culture, nature and Nordic wellness . Ready for fish soup on Linnansaari This Investors’ Handbook has been prepared for presentation at the seminar organised by VNF in Paris on October 12-13, 2011 . It is designed to be delivered in a ring-binder for convenience, to allow the operator to insert new or updated pages, new cruise itineraries, etc, as they are co-produced with the regional players in the field of tourism, business and economic development . Section I analyses the potential cruises, and Section II the feasibility of the operation . The report is concluded with suggestions on the way forward for the Saimaa cruise product, in the light of the experience gained . Savonlinna Region – Cruise Saimaa Concept – Investors’ Handbook - October 2011 4 1. THE CRUISES 1.1 Saimaa and Vuoksi river basin The cruise ship operating basin is shown on the simple map below . The Finnish Transport Agency and commercial users distinguish the 4 .2 m deep system from extensions where the draught is limited to 2 .4m . Since the latter draught is more than sufficient for large cruise ships, the more important criterion is the capacity of the locks, which throughout most of the system to Iisalmi and Nurmes are minimum 82 .5 m by 12 .60 m (from Joensuu to Nurmes: 80 by 11 .80 m) . This map distinguishes the genuinely ‘high-capacity’ waterways from the waterways which have small locks only (Class I) . These are the thin blue lines on the map . However, some routes shown here as thin lines, where there are no locks, would be accessible to large cruise ships . Such diversions need to be checked individually . Map of system, showing the principal airports at Helsinki-Vaanta and Saint Petersburg Pulkovo, and the four main regional airports Vaala Oulujärvi Nuasjärvi Kajaani Sotkamo Nurmes Iisalmi 93 106 Pielavesi 2 Tahko P ie lin Lökkö Nilsiä en Pielavesi Viitasaari 39 Juankoski Luikonlahti Uimaharju Tervo 22 Kuopio 78 3 Pielisjoki Keitele 83 2 Juojärvi 38 S u va Joensuu sv esi 67 Äänekoski Suolahti Heinävesi Liedenpohja Keitele kan. Haukivesi Pyhäselkä Varkaus 44 50 5 Oravi 37 Virrat 30 Jyväskylä Puhos 78 37 Vilppula 116 Rantasalmi Tarjanne Kesälahti 33 Pihlajavesi 33 Savonlinna Kuru Jämsä e Punkaharju 128 n Mikkeli 2 Länkipohja n ä j i 44 ä P 63 Näsijärvi Puumala 78 Ristiina Tampere ju Canal har 74 Saimaa Kangasala ty än M MManty-änty- 120 Imatra 65 46 harju 41 36 Heinola Joutseno Valkeakoski Hauho 35 47 Lappeenranta 54 Hämeenlinna 8 Lahti Saimaan Turenki kanava Kuusankoski (Saimaa C.) 0 50 100 km Vuok K si y m Vyborg i Turku Kotka Sankt Peterburg Helsinki Tallinn Narva Savonlinna Region – Cruise Saimaa Concept – Investors’ Handbook - October 2011 5 The Saimaa Canal, which is the gateway to the system, offers limited dimensions, so that any ship to be operated on the system would be limited to 82m in length . Considering the opportunities for taking tourists to a great variety of remote locations in the lakes, in some cases through winding channels, there are arguments for adopting a shorter ship for the system as a whole, to give improved manœuvrability . As the map shows, the system is extensive and offers potential for a series of week-long cruises with completely different programmes . The map shows the airports which offer good conditions of access to the main ports on the system: Lappeenranta, Savonlinna, Varkaus, Kuopio and Joensuu . In addition, there is a fast Pendolino train service from Helsinki to St Petersburg which all stop at the border station of Vainikkala . This may also be used to transfer clients to and from Lappeenranta (at a distance of 30km) . 1.2 Tourist information on Saimaa region The following extracts from the Saimaa tourist brochure are useful in describing the atmosphere and unique character of the destination . This is publicity copywriting, but it conveys the messages which the future operator would naturally wish to convey in his own material, in his own style . We reproduce them here for your information, and convenience . SAIMAA MOMENTS. When they are put into a timeline, they form a charming entity that is called YOUR VACATION ‘The moments that are extraordinary and happy are the ones you’ll remember. And cherish. The largest lake district in Finland and one of the country’s premier travel destinations, Saimaa welcomes you to share its moments.’ Photographer: Tiu Kaitala / Comma SAIMAA MOMENTS. When they are put into a timeline, they form a charming entity that is called YOUR VACATION. The moments that are extraordinary and happy are the ones you’ll remember. And cherish. The largest lake district in Finland and one of the country’s premier travel destinations, Saimaa welcomes you to share its moments. 2 3 VisitSaimaa.com Contents Saimaa moments 2 Lake district 4 Cottage holiday 6 Sauna 8 Nature 10 Culture 12 Flavours 14 Ice and snow 16 Facts and figures 18 Map and places of interest 20 Savonlinna Region –FACTS Cruise Saimaa Concept –AND Investors’ Handbook FIGURES - October 2011 6 VisitSaimaa.com Accommodation Select from a wide range of high-quality accommodation, including cottages, holiday centres and city hotels. Many of the region´s manor houses and farmhouses have also been renovated for guests so that you can experience the Saimaa way of life at its best. Whether you are looking to enjoy NORWAY the peace of nature by yourself or whether you prefer the convenience of having services close at hand, the region’s pristine nature and crystal clear lakes are always nearby. Getting around After you have reached Helsinki, you can fly conveniently SWEDEN RUSSIA to Savonlinna or take train or bus to either Mikkeli or Savonlinna. Being an ecological traveler is easy thanks to the abundance of daily bus and train connections to the region. In July, there`s a daily, yet inexpensive Savonlinna FINLAND express bus connection from Helsinki via Mikkeli (further information: Savonlinna Travel). Probably the most flex- ible way to discover the labyrinth of lakes and forests is, however, with your own or rental car. The driving culture in Finland is safe. Of course, you can also explore the region by canoe, rowing boat, motor boat or sail boat. You can also take a cruise from one city to another to enjoy the scenery and the traditional, peaceful way of travelling across the lakes. Weather Distances Mikkeli Savonlinna Belonging to the temperate weather zone with cold winters, Helsinki 232 335 Finland has four distinctive seasons. The mean tempera- Tampere 258 360 ture during the warmest month is no lower than 10°C and Lappeenranta 109 158 the mean temperature will not rise above -3°C during the Mikkeli 100 coldest month. Typically, the highest temperatures in July Savonlinna 100 are around 30°C and the lowest in February around -30°C. St. Petersburg 306 344 Rainfall is moderate in all seasons. Being on such a high latitude means that sunlight Mean air temperatures prevails in summer – the nature is awake around the clock and the sun just dips below the horizon before rising again mean highest lowest to meet the new, exciting day. January - 8.3°C - 5.5°C - 11.5°C February - 8.3°C - 5.1°C - 11.6°C 8 : 3 7 A M 18 19 March - 3.3°C 0.3°C - 6.9°C April 2.0°C 6.2°C - 2.0°C May 9.3°C 14.7°C 3.9°C J U LY 1 1 The VisitSaimaa region can be reached easily by June 14.3°C 19.3°C 9.3°C plane, train or car July 16.3°C 21.3°C 11.6°C August 14.1°C 18.8°C 10.0°C T R A F F I C JA M Air timetables: Finncomm www.fc.fi September 8.7°C 12.6°C 5.3°C Train timetables: VR www.vr.fi October 3.5°C 6.1°C 1.1°C Bus timetables: Matkahuolto www.matkahuolto.fi November - 1.9°C 0.3°C - 4.1°C IN S U L K AVA December - 6.1°C - 3.5°C - 9.2°C Source: Mikkeli Suonsaari Travel times Longest and shortest days hours by car Mikkeli Savonlinna by train Mikkeli Savonlinna One of the biggest rowing events in the world, the Sulkava Rowing Festival attracts annually some 10,000 rowers wanting to measure Helsinki 2:43 4:18 2:38 4:27 June 21: 19 hours 30 minutes their strength against a 60-kilometre route around the island of Partalansaari.