7 New Charter Flights from Dublin to Kuusamo

Published on October 15, 2024.

The Irish company Sunway, which has been selling Lapland trips for twenty years, has ordered accommodation and program packages from the Kuusamo-based Rukapalvelu Oy. Seven charter planes will operate directly from Dublin to Kuusamo Airport in December.

"The majority of the visitors will be families with children, for whom we are organizing a unique and story-driven Christmas experience in Petäjävaara, at the Kammi Wilderness Camp. Our guests will have the opportunity to participate and create the magic of Christmas together with the elves and Santa Claus," says Visa Pekonen, responsible for international sales at Rukapalvelu Oy.

Pekonen has noticed that the unique nature of Ruka-Kuusamo is an exotic experience for foreign visitors. "The silence of the wilderness, the snow, the cold, and the fires shining in the darkness leave an impression on people of all ages. We want every guest to feel acknowledged and at home here."

The family-owned business in Kuusamo has prepared for the Christmas season by recruiting over 30 new seasonal workers.

Goal to Strengthen Kuusamo Airport

Approximately one million tourists visit Kuusamo annually. In 2022, 636,000 overnight stays were recorded, with foreign visitors accounting for 17 percent. The most foreign tourists come to Ruka-Kuusamo from Germany, the Netherlands, England, and, newly, Poland. The area's appeal is enhanced by its proximity to Oulanka, Salla, Hossa, and Riisitunturi National Parks.

"Kuusamo's nature is diverse, offering activities every day of the year. In winter, you can ski and snowboard, as well as go snowshoeing in the national parks. Our sauna culture is strong in the area, as is our wonderful, fish-rich food culture," says Janne-Juhani Haarma, CEO of Ruka-Kuusamo Matkailu ry.

Haarma sees the cooperation between Sunway and Rukapalvelu Oy as a welcome development. "Irish tourists will also invigorate Kuusamo Airport, which is one of our core tasks. Currently, about 120,000 tourists fly to Kuusamo each year."

Haarma believes that the tremendous growth in international visitor numbers to Lapland will also benefit the Ruka-Kuusamo area in the coming years. "Year-round tourism in Ruka-Kuusamo is growing, but we have the capacity and service offerings for a larger volume," assures Haarma.

For More Information: 
Visa Pekonen, Sales Representative, Rukapalvelu Oy, +358 50 541 4847, visa.pekonen@rukapalvelu.fi
Janne-Juhani Haarma, CEO, Ruka-Kuusamo Matkailu ry, +358 400 411 577, janne-juhani.haarma@rukakuusamo.fi

Rukapalvelu Oy is a family-owned business founded in 1987, focusing on nature experiences, accommodation, and restaurant operations. The company's turnover for the current year is 4.7 million euros. 

Ruka-Kuusamo Matkailu ry was founded by the region's largest tourism operators and the city of Kuusamo in 2002. The purpose of the association is to develop the operational environment for tourism companies in the area, increase international and national appeal, and sustainably grow tourism revenue and employment.