Ilya Kosterin Rostravel/Ascent Travel (Moscow) The current state of fishing tourism business from Russia to Finland and its future possibilities by Russian tour operators eyes

ROSTRAVEL Finland and Scandinavian niche tour operator ASCENT TRAVEL ski tour operator #1 in Russia Merged in August 2010 under the Swiss HOTELPLAN holding umbrella

Fishtour Tour operator’s fishing project since Fishing camps in Finland - Fishing advices and rules - Customer feedbacks - Trips suggestions - Articles about fishing in Finland - Price information

Who our fishermen are coming to Finland from Russia Keen fishermen Families Transit fishermen Corporate groups

Fishing tourism future from Russia to Finland Keen fishermen: Finland > Norway > Worldwide fishing Fishing in Finland: 1.Fishing + Leisure 2.Family fishing vacation

What are the most attracting things for the Russians in Finland? Close Europe Pure and clear nature, waters and forests High quality of accommodation Clear infrastructure Wise fishing regulations

Preferred method of fishing for Russians in Finland Good: Spin fishing in lakes and the sea Ice fishing Poor so far: Fly fishing Spear fishing

Guiding or boat rental? Guiding: – Good for the 1st day – But expensive (need max eur/5 h., 4 pax) Rental boat – Good for other fishing days! – Need at least 16’/15hp + depth sounder – Need max. price 600 eur/week, fuel extra

Tour operator’s commission Direct customers booking increase Low commission > higher sell rates Work via tour operator means less unexpected questions from the fishermen Fishing camp or partner Tour operator Sell Agent 20%10-12% Customer 5%

Easy booking On-line availability and booking Fast answers on requests Clear and full information on web

Meals and restaurants Need for ready-to-pay customers (open daily) Need for families (open daily) Need for the corporate groups (on request) Perfect fishing camp is: -High quality accommodation -Guiding -Good boat rental -Equipment rental -Restaurant open daily in high season -Transfers

What type of accommodation and service for each customer group? Budget individuals3* cottages on self catering and self fishing, no transfer Keen fishermen4* cottage accommodation, self catering or restaurant, self fishing days guided fishing, equipment rental, transfer possibility Corporate groups4-5* cottage / hotel accommodation, restaurant, guided fishing, equipment rental, transfer Families4-5* cottage complexes with restaurant possibilities, maybe 1 day guided fishing Families4-5* stand alone cottage (150 meters neighbor, shallow shore), rowing boat included + small motor rent, host as fishing guide for the 1 st day

Want to increase sells? Listen to the tour operator! What Russian tour operators think could help to increase sells of fishing trips: More full service and high standard cottage complexes in good fishing places At least 15 hp boats rental for the self fishing Good commission-base work with Russian tour operators Web availability and booking, quick answers and all information availability.

Have questions or ideas? from tour operator