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Health, Wellness and Tourism: healthy tourists, healthy business ...

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The role <strong>and</strong> actions of Savonlinna town <strong>and</strong> Savonlinna Region Federation of Municipalities<br />

were highly appreciated in connection with wellbeing destination policy <strong>and</strong> planning. The<br />

planning <strong>and</strong> policy in the region are guided by national, regional <strong>and</strong> local tourism strategies.<br />

At present Savonlinna has its own tourism development <strong>and</strong> town planning projects in the city<br />

centre. Projects also include planning activities for new spa <strong>and</strong> wellbeing facilities.<br />

Destination development <strong>and</strong> management received only few comments. The strong role of<br />

town <strong>and</strong> regional policymakers was mentioned as well as the importance of Savonlinna<br />

Travel Ltd. Educational resources were also mentioned by some.<br />

-<br />

Wellbeing Destination Development <strong>and</strong> Management<br />

- competent human resources available, excellent educational <strong>and</strong> training resources<br />

- Savonlinna Travel Ltd.<br />

Wellbeing Destination Policy <strong>and</strong> Planning<br />

- cooperation between municipalities, town <strong>and</strong> Savonlinna Region Federation of Municipalities<br />

- strong role of town in tourism planning <strong>and</strong> policy<br />

- strong actors in the region (Savonlinna Travel ltd, Savonlinna Region, Centre for Expertise, Centre<br />

for <strong>Tourism</strong> Studies in the University of Eastern Finl<strong>and</strong>)<br />

- Locomotive actor is missing at present<br />

Core Wellbeing Resources <strong>and</strong> Attractions<br />

- unique lake environment, Saimaa lake, Saimaa scenery, beautiful lake l<strong>and</strong>scape<br />

- natural <strong>and</strong> cultural resources<br />

- resources connected to lakes<br />

- strong culture <strong>and</strong> history (Opera festivals, Retretti Art Centre, Olavinlinna medieval castle)<br />

- ideal for active nature-based tourism<br />

- unique living environment for both habitants, workers <strong>and</strong> <strong>tourists</strong><br />

- Traditional healing/therapeutic/wellbeing resources<br />

- local people, <strong>business</strong>es, hospitality<br />

- good old history<br />

- certain kind of exoticism<br />

- competent <strong>and</strong> capable <strong>business</strong>es (e.g. SaimaaHoliday)<br />

- Old historical spa <strong>and</strong> casino<br />

Supporting Factors <strong>and</strong> Resources for Wellbeing <strong>Tourism</strong><br />

- geographical location close to Russian border <strong>and</strong> St. Petersburg<br />

- good accessibility by air, road <strong>and</strong> rail from capital area<br />

- ideal location on the shores of Saimaa, on the isl<strong>and</strong><br />

- charming small town<br />

- historical steam boats<br />

- forests, rocks, isl<strong>and</strong>s, aquatic environment<br />

- Kolovesi <strong>and</strong> Linnasaari National parks<br />

- variety of accommodations (hotels, cottages, etc.)<br />

- knowledge of healing <strong>and</strong> rehabilitation practices<br />

- vital lake environment<br />

Figure 3. Savonlinna as a sustainable tourism destination<br />

- interaction between man <strong>and</strong> nature<br />

- Municipality of Kerimäki with a wooden church<br />

- Municipality of Punkaharju with a ridge <strong>and</strong> history related Russian Tsar<br />

Figure 3. Savonlinna as a sustainable tourism destination. Attributes listed by<br />

interviewees.

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