The Google map application tells you to go straight to the national park via unpaved roads. However, satisfaction with the quality of services has improved.
The satisfaction of visitors to the Etelä Konnevesi National Park with the quality and quantity of services has improved significantly, says Metsähallitus.
The visitor base of the national park established in 2014 on the border of Northern Savo and Central Finland has become younger and the proportion of first-timers has increased. The largest age group in 2022 was 25–34 years old. Two-thirds of the visitors were first-time visitors.
The number of foreign tourists has also increased. In 2022, seven percent of those who visited Etelä-Konnevede came from abroad. The most international tourists to the park came from Germany.
Google Maps advises unpaved roads
Satisfaction has grown in the consideration of special needs, firewood and route signboards. The respondents who were most dissatisfied were with waste management, guidance and roads in the surrounding area.
According to Metsähallitus, dissatisfaction with the road is increased by the fact that Google Maps advises to drive the unpaved road through Myhinpää when approaching from the south. However, Metsähallitus recommends using a longer, but better-conditioned road through the center of Rautalammi.
According to the study, visitors’ spending has increased slightly and is 36 euros per visit. Etelä-Konnevesi National Park had 34,200 visitors in 2022.
From the number of visitors, the minimum effects on the local economy were 700,000 euros and six person-years of work. The minimum impact is calculated from visitors for whom the national park is the only or most important destination of the trip. They were 69 percent of the respondents.