Hallan Sauna, Hallan Sauna Services and Marketing Development
Funded by Euregio Karelia Neighbourhood Programme 2001-2006

Objective of the project

The objective of the project was to build a sauna world in Ukkohalla and to develop the services and marketing of the sauna facilities with the intention to increase the flow of visitors outside of the ski season and to make Ukkohalla a year-round travel resort.

Main activities

• The construction of Hallan Saaga Wellness & Sauna World to include different types of saunas, dressing and washing facilities as well as small refreshment pools. • Improving of the diversity and availability of services in the area by creating new trans-border service products with Russian service providers and by acquiring new customers.

Achievements

The construction of Hallan Saaga wellness & Sauna World increased the number of Russians staying at Ukkohalla from approximately 300 in 2004 to approximately 4,000 overnight guests in 2007. During 2007, there were a total of approximately 100,000 overnight guests in Ukkohalla. In accordance with its goal, the project created approximately 15 jobs (in terms of man-years) in service provider companies in Ukkohalla. Holiday home construction has employed approximately 10 people annually (in terms of man-years). Thirty (30) plots were sold during the project, 12 of which were sold to Russians. From the beginning of the project to summer 2008, Hyrynsalmi Municipality sold a total of approximately 60 plots and a reservation had been agreed upon with regional developers regarding 30 plots. A total of 25 of these were holiday plots sold to Russians. Other parties have also sold plots in the region. Year-round service production was started and the development of the services continued after these two projects. For example, following the projects the first Cable WakeBoard centre in Finland, and the northernmost one in the world, opened in Ukkohalla. In addition, several new companies were established during and after the project: for example, Hallan Sauna Oy, Hallan Aurinkosaaga Oy, Saaga Safarit, Hallan Huippulomat and two Russian travel service companies. Service products have been developed at Ukkohalla and companies have developed their own programme service products. New events were created in the region, such as Snow Soccer and Swamp Rock.