The Strawberry Carnival in Suonenjoki, Reiska-MM in Vesanto, Pestuummarkt in Rautalamm and Muikkuvestival in Pielavesi generated a total of €2.3 million in tourism revenue for the region.
Traditional summer events in the western parts of North Savo generated significant tourism revenues for the region, according to development company Savogrow.
Last summer, the company collected visitor data from four annual events: the Suonenjoki Strawberry Carnival, the Vesanto Reiska-MM competitions, the Rautalampi Pestuummarkt and the Pielavesi Muikkuvestival.
The events generated a total of €2.3 million in tourism revenue and more than 15 000 visits to the region. When local visitors are included, this figure rises to over 28 000 visitors.
There were more than 7,000 overnight stays. 41 percent of them were spent in private accommodation, i.e. with friends or relatives, 23 percent in their own cabin and 11 percent in a tent or RV in a camping area.
About 1,560 people responded to Savogrown’s surveys. Savogrow is a vitality company owned by Suonenjoki, Rautalammi, Tervo, Vesanto, Pielavesi and Keitele.
Savon Sanomat was the first to report on the topic.