Kalitka – the development of cross-border gastronomic tourism (KA4007)
Funded by Karelia CBC 2014-2020

Objective of the project

Developed cross-border gastronomic tourism for social and economic benefit of the territory by linking cross-border enterprises on the basis of cultural heritage in the national cuisine.

Main activities

• Study the project focus destination areas and identify the current state, barriers and opportunities of gastro-tourism in Finnish and Russian Karelia; • Increase the level of cooperation between tourist companies, restaurants, local producers, the administrations in the pilot areas for the formation of new tourist offerings in the field of gastronomic tourism on both sides of the border; • Increase the quality level of existing gastronomic services in the North Karelia and the Republic of Karelia; • Develop cross-border gastronomic tourist route, which will allow tourists to get acquainted with the peculiarities of the national cuisine on both sides of the border, to observe similarities and differences, see the local production and purchase environmentally friendly products; • Develop new promotion tools of gastronomic tourism in order to increase the number of visits; • Pilot new concept of «culinary studio» for capacity building of local entrepreneurs.

Achievements

The main goal of the project was  to use of the historico-cultural heritage in the sphere of national cuisine for socio-economic development of cross-border regions.  To achieve this goal, a set of agreed tasks was implemented: - A study was carried out aimed at assessing the current state, identifying barriers and opportunities for the development of gastronomic tourism in the Republic of Karelia and North Karelia (Finland), developed criteria that meet the quality standard for providers of gastronomic services. - A series of discussion events (master classes, conferences, round tables, webinars, consultations for entrepreneurs, etc.) were organized, which contributed to the improvement of the quality level of existing gastronomic services. - An international gastronomie rout “ The delicate taste of Karelia” has been developed, which joint 27 points in 19 Russian and Finnish cities and villages: from almost homemade eateries to trendy restaurants in Karelia and Finland. - A gastronomic map and a mobile application have been developed, which contains structured information for gastronomic tourists. - A set of marketing materials has been created: a video about a gastronomic route, a series of videos on a gastronomic theme, a brochure about a gastronomic route in 3 languages, a flyer with QR codes for downloading a mobile application, etc. - To promote the results and products of the project, a plan was developed that contains a list of tools for the marketing promotion of gastronomic tourism. The marketing plan became the basis for the implementation of the project's marketing campaign. - the book of recipes "Karjalaisuus lautasella" was prepared and published, the book presents both traditional and modern recipes reflecting the Karelian culinary culture. - A culinary studio was created in the village of Megrega (Republic of Karelia, Olonets district). The studio is used to organize culinary master classes and other themed events for tourists and residents of the village.   The efforts of the project team (Karelian Research Center (Institute of Economics), University of Applied Sciences of North Karelia, Educational Consortium of North Karelia, Forgis Oy, Onegotur LLC, ArtShater, Administration of the Megrega village) were aimed at popularizing the cross-border Karelian culinary culture as a basis for economic development of border areas. The main goal and objectives of the project were fully implemented, despite the impact of the situation with coronavirus. The project team is ready to transfer all the developments and results of the project to parties interested in the development of gastronomic tourism and invites for cooperation.