Järvisydän Lake Tourism resort has invested heavily in experiential product development and tourism infrastructure.
The chosen development path included a) horizontal networking between entrepreneurs, b) experiential product design c) extensive investment programme for accommodation, restaurant and spa and sauna and activities. The resort operates as part of Saimaa Holiday network and in collaboration with some committed investors.
New development in 2016-2017 include new experiential hotel (2015), restaurants facilities with room for several hundred customers (2016) and new spa facility opened in April 2017.
Service offer is themed on the basis of local and historical heritage and local lake nature. Included in the natural attractions is the presence of the unique and endangered Saimaa ringed seal species in the adjacent Linnansaari national park. The resort also introduced some 10 years an innovation in winter activities offer namely ice skating on natural ice across the lake.
Resources needed
2013-2017 investment of c. 10 mEUR for infrastructure and product development & marketing. Fund provided by private investors and public investment subsidy from regional development funds.
Human resources include the entrepreneur and his team.
Evidence of success
The resort with continued investment has been driver of tourism growth in the region. After the completion of the experiential spa complex, year round bookings and utilization increased significantly. Sales to through tour operators has also increased. The investment proved successful.
Difficulties encountered
With the entrepreneurs very ambitious plans, the challenge of project planning and management has been considerable and their was a delay in the completion of the project.
Potential for learning or transfer
The resort has systematically employed a method of experiential design (for both physical infrastructure and service products). This made it possible to develop strong USP and compete successfully.
Tags: Tourism, Nature, Heritage, Waterways, Water
