There have been fewer tourists on the move this summer than last year, it is reported from the campsites in Ostrobothnia.
The summer season of the campsites is coming to an end.
Compared to last year, the past summer has been quieter both in Kokkola, Vaasa and Kurika.
The end of summer vacations and the start of school will significantly reduce the number of tourists in August.
– The number of visitors drops to less than half from July. Yes, it’s a big drop, Ahtiainen sighs.
An increase in the number of visitors is traditionally expected in the last weekend of August with the Venetians.
– Until then, the number of visitors will decrease every week, but then the last peak will come. Then the area practically fills up for two to three days, says Ahtiainen.
Last summer, Ahtiainen says that he was surprised by the large number of tourists who arrived from Norway.
The sale of pizzas speaks of the vibrancy of summer
The summer season of the Pitkämö camping center in Kurika is coming to an end next weekend.
Last summer there was a lot of buzz in the campsite, which was noticed not only by the number of people staying but also by the number of pizzas baked in the restaurant.
– Around 14,500 pizzas were sold during the last summer season. This summer’s number has not yet been accurately calculated, but more than 10,000 pizzas have certainly been baked this summer, Ruutiainen says with satisfaction.
Ruutiainen believes that the big events and festivals organized this summer have had an impact on the quieter season of the camping centers.
– They must have taxed our smaller operators a bit. Yes, the price of fuel has also had some effect on caravanners.
Events bring tourists
Also at Vaasa Top Camping, last summer was exceptionally lively.
Still, we can be satisfied with the past summer.
– There have been a good number of customers this year as well. The numbers hover around 400-600 customers per day, says Luukkonen.
Unlike Pitkämö, customers at Top Camping have been attracted by the events organized in Vaasa.
– At the end of July, there was a boat race in the Inner Harbor, which immediately increased the number of visitors.
The Seinäjoki campsite is also happy that the events have started up this summer.
The high price of fuel makes travelers stay longer
Although the increased price of fuel may have reduced domestic tourism, on the other hand, it has also increased the time spent in camping areas.
– Clearly, several people have come to pay additional rents and extend their stay in the area, Luukkonen states compared to previous years.
Ruutiainen has also noticed that this summer the caravaners may have stayed several nights at the Pitkämö campsite.