Direct flights from Rotterdam to Savonlinna will continue this summer, with a total of nine flights planned from Rotterdam. These direct charter flights are part of a larger initiative aimed at improving accessibility to the Lake Saimaa region from Central Europe and attracting more international travellers beyond the traditional summer season.

Today, Mikkeli Development Agency Miksei Oy, goSaimaa Oy, and Savonlinna Travel Ltd. (representing the municipalities of Puumala, Rantasalmi, Sulkava, Enonkoski, and Kitee), along with the City of Savonlinna, signed a collaboration agreement with Voigt Travel, the largest tour operator in the Netherlands, for direct charter flights from Rotterdam to Savonlinna next summer.

The flights are part of a tripartite cooperation between Business Finland/Visit Finland and the City of Savonlinna. The goal of this collaboration is to promote year-round tourism and extend the travel season further. Voigt Travel will also establish separate marketing cooperation agreements with Business Finland and the City of Savonlinna.

The flights, operated by Dutch airline Transavia with a 186-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft, will commence on 18 June and run weekly until 13 August, with a total of nine flights.

Tour operator collaboration, product development, and marketing efforts will primarily be carried out through Lake Saimaa 2.0 projects, funded by regional councils and the EU. Additional marketing contributions have also been provided by the municipalities of Puumala, Rantasalmi, Sulkava, and Enonkoski, as well as the cities of Kitee and Savonlinna. Visit Finland has played a crucial role in supporting regional tourism organizations, offering international cooperation expertise that has opened significant opportunities.

• Kristiina Hietasaari, Director of Visit Finland, expresses pride in the tripartite collaboration driving international tourism growth in Eastern Finland.
  • "Lake Saimaa is still an undiscovered gem on international markets, but we see great potential for it to become one of Finland’s top summer destinations. This is an important step toward growing international tourism in the region."

The partnership with Voigt Travel is a major milestone for enhancing tourism and accessibility across the Lake Saimaa region. According to Jaana Komi, CEO of Savonlinna Travel Ltd.:

• "What’s most exciting is that the entire Lake Saimaa region is now involved. Alone, we are too small to attract attention, but together, we can offer a diverse and appealing package. This collaboration extends beyond summer charters, as product development and packaging efforts will also focus on other seasons. This expanded cooperation will help grow year-round tourism in the region."

Maisa Häkkinen, Tourism Director at Mikkeli Development Agency Miksei, adds:

• "We can offer a rich and varied experience that appeals to a wide range of travellers. It’s now vital to ensure that services are available throughout the summer season and that visitors arriving on these flights are well catered to."

Katja Vehviläinen, Director of goSaimaa Oy, agrees:

• "The long-term cooperation in the Lake Saimaa region is now materializing in partnerships with international tour operators. These charters, extending into early autumn, bring travellers whose circular tours increase overnight stays across the region. We believe this collaboration will elevate regional tourism to a new level and create fresh opportunities for local businesses and service providers." 

Future Prospects and Opportunities

The direct charter flights to Savonlinna are just the beginning. The aim is to continue this partnership with Voigt Travel in the coming years, with plans for expanded flight offerings and additional services for travellers in 2026. Pilot winter charters from the Netherlands are also under consideration for 2026.

Janne Laine, Mayor of Savonlinna, emphasizes the importance of Visit Finland's long-term investment in German-speaking Europe over the past decade:

• "Visit Finland’s financial contributions and international tourism expertise have been instrumental in increasing traveller numbers from Western Europe. This has also paved the way for charter flights. Thanks to the dedicated work of regional tourism organizations and municipalities, the Lake Saimaa area is on track to become an attractive destination on par with Lapland.

Explore the summer packages of Voigt Travel