Wild Taiga

60 companies in the tourism sector and operating mainly in eastern Kainuu in the area of Suomussalmi and Kuhmo. Most companies operating under the Wild Taiga banner are small, personal artisan entrepreneurs who have collated their local traditions, culture, knowledge and products, to offer visitors the best, unique experiences. The member companies are, in the main, family businesses. Younger generations are taught the skills of the trade to carry on the traditions and culture. As small business they are dependable on high level of tourist satisfaction with meaningful experiences. As locals they are very aware of the impact tourism can bring to their area and work hard to keep a good balance with the nature, their provider - in all the definition of sustainable tourism. The association's mission is to monitor the sector's general and common interests related to professional activities, to promote co-operation between its members and improve the sector's general operating prerequisites. Entrepreneurs in the association represent a comprehensive range of the region's tourism offering. Active in the association are hotels, entrepreneurs renting out cottages, restaurants as well as programme service companies. Common to all is utilization of the region's attraction factors in tourism. The main attraction factors in the eastern Kainuu area are unspoilt nature and the richness of the fauna, the colourful history of the area from the Winter War and the culture enriched by the spirit of the Kalevala. The financial resources for Wild Taiga's joint marketing are based on the members' joint marketing fees as well as the city of Kuhmo's and municipality of Suomussalmi's funding to the association. Further information about the association's activities are available by contacting [email protected]