CHARLES project boosts air connections to Northern Ostrobothnia
The aim of the CHARLES cooperation project is to improve the region's accessibility by means of air traffic and to increase the region's attractiveness as an international tourist destination. The project combines the know-how and strengths of different tourism regions and stakeholders and aims to create long-term operating models for the development of air traffic.Challenges related to air traffic supply and prices have weakened the air connections between Oulu and Kuusamo in recent years, which has been reflected in the competitiveness of tourism and other business‑ industries. Solutions to these challenges are sought through a group project involving Naturpolis Oy, Oulun Matkailu Oy, the City of Kalajoki and the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region.
The main objective of the project is to strengthen the provision of scheduled flights to both Oulu and Kuusamo airports. Cooperation in cooperation in cooperation with airlines and tour stakeholders will be deepened in order to strengthen direct air links in the region, in particular to Europe. The aim is to develop existing routes throughout the year and also to attract new connections. The aim is to support the year-round nature of tourism and increase the share of international tourists.
Four sub-projects, one common objective
The CHARLES project consists of four sub-projects, each of which brings its own region's special expertise and objectives to joint development work:
- Naturpolis Oy focuses on improving the accessibility of Kuusamo Airport and opening a new scheduled flight for a snow-free season.
- Oulu Tourism Ltd is looking for new European tour stakeholders to bring charter flights to Oulu during the winter season.
- City of Kalajoki develop the region's international reputation and aim to smooth out the seasonal fluctuations in tourism.
- Regional Assembly of Oulu Region acts as the main implementer of the project, strengthens cooperation between tourism brands in the region and produces information to support decision-making.
The CHARLES project combines the know-how and strengths of different tourism regions and stakeholders and aims to create long-term operating models for the development of air traffic. As accessibility improves, tourists, businesses and residents of the region will benefit.
The project is co-financed by the ERDF and implements Renewable and Skilled Finland 2021-2027 Priority Axis 1, Innovative Finland, of the EU Regional and Structural Policy Programme, and Specific Objective 1.3, Improving the Growth and Competitiveness of SMEs.
Duration of the group project: 1.3.2025 – 28.2.2027
Total budget of the group project: 438 555 €
EU and state funding for the group project (80 %): 350 844 €
Main project promoter: Regional Assembly of Oulu Region
Sub-project promoters: City of Kalajoki, Northeast Finland Development Company Naturpolis Oy and Oulu Tourism Ltd
More information:
Project manager of the main project: Ari Näpänkangas
Telephone: +358 50 433 3950
The e-mail address is in the form firstname.lastname@pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi
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