1. Soomaa.com – Lessons Learned EUTO “Study Visits, Seminars & Workshops” Pärnu 07.09.2005 Aivar Ruukel www.soomaa.com Estoniawww.soomaa.com

2. Soomaa.com -Private company -Established in 1995 -8000 guests in 2005 -Operating in Soomaa NP

3. National Parks in Estonia Lahemaa Matsalu Vilsandi Karula Soomaa

4. Soomaa National Park - Established in 1993 by Estonian Fund for Nature - 400 sq.km - RAMSAR area since 1997

5. Soomaa National Park -Bogs, forests, meadows, rivers -Home for eagles, black storks, flying squirrels, wolves, bears, lynx...

6. Products of soomaa.com Canoeing on the rivers

7. Products of soomaa.com Bogwalking

8. Products of soomaa.com Saunas

9. Products of soomaa.com Skiing on the bogs

10. Five Seasons – More Reasons Regular floods – a fifth season

11. Five Seasons – More Reasons Regular floods – a fifth season

12. Living Culture of Log-Boats Haabjas = Estonian log-boat

13. Living Culture of Log-Boats Haabjas = Estonian log-boat

14. Haabjas-Building Workshops 1995 - 2000

15. Haabjas-Building Workshops 1995 - 2000

16. Haabjas-Building Workshops 1995 - 2000

17. Haabjas and Tourism New product - exclusive trips on the rivers

18. Haabjas and Tourism Image building and promotion Lot of attention from media In 2005 six film-teams visiting Karuskose

19. Haabjas and Tourism Promotion of Soomaa on festivals in Tallinn and Tartu

20. Partnerships and Networks Partnerships Horizontally and vertically Within the business sector and across sectors

21. Our Policy The philosophy of SOOMAA.COM is ecotourism, which means to us: -Supporting preservation of cultural and natural heritage -Educating tourists and public -Promoting local economic development

22. Local People The backbone of our activities is a network of farms along the rivers and people living there. Involvement in planning Guide services Other services – food, transport, riding, B&B

23. Co-operation with Travel Trade Tour operators Travel bureaus Hotels

24. Hostel Soomaa Low budget logging in the gateway to Soomaa NP

25. Marketing and Distribution www.hostelworld.com www.hostels.com www.backpakertours.com

26. Partnerships and Networks www.visitnationalpark.com

27. Conclusions Take care of local values Do not be afraid of competitors Together you will be successful Be creative

28. Thank you for your Attention! Contacts: Aivar Ruukel www.soomaa.com +3725061896 aivar@soomaa.com www.soomaa.com