The Bomba-Hyvärilä region has the greatest concentration of tourism in North part of the North Karelia, and its level of activity exerts signifi cant impact on the entire tourism industry in Pielinen Karelia. Reinforced by the attractions surrounding Lake Pielinen, the tourism services of the area form a competitive and functional entity for both domestic and foreign travel customers. The most significant challenge has been maintaining the pace of repairs and investments, which is vital for the tourism industry. The general goal of the project was to support the vitality of tourism in Pielinen Karelia by increasing Russian traveller volumes and extending the Russian tourist seasons. The goal was to be reached by developing a year-round tourist product family specifi cally intended for Russians, in cooperation with Pielinen Karelia, St. Petersburg, and the tourism entrepreneurs of the Republic of Karelia. In addition, the marketing was to be planned and implemented for the products. The project aimed to better utilise the Pielinen Karelian strengths related to Russian travellers. A goal of the project was also to establish contacts related to tourism for the newly established PIKES Oy.