Community-based tourism in Lake Peipus Region The Onion Route Triinu Akkermann
Jun 12, 2015
Community-based tourism in Lake Peipus Region The Onion Route
Triinu Akkermann
What is The Onion Route?
The Onion Route- One region, two nationalities, three cultures.
The Onion Route is a network of entrepreneurs based along the shore of Lake Peipus who aim at introducing, preserving the variety, and providing experience tourism in the mystical and multicultural region where they live.
Who are we?
• Local people, who love Lake Peipus region• Network was established in 2009 in October• Today 21 members (museums, guest houses,
restaurants, church, local handicraft producers, onion growers, water-tourism services, transport company)
• New potential members from the region
Our goals
• To introduce this mystical and multicultural region to domestic and foreign tourists
• To offer great experiences through the network cooperation
• To love the region• To involve local people • To maintain the diversity of the region • To offer quality products and services
Our strenghts
• Our people • Lake Peipus• Three cultures and their heritage: Russian Old-Believers, Estonian peasant culture, Baltic
German heritage• Local resources- onions, fish, cranberries • Ecological food • Crazy ideas- water-reed island and harbour, Onion
Chopping and Cranberry Picking World Championships
How to attract the members of a community not used to hosting guests to cooperate in providing
tourism services?
• Leadersship • Trust between members and leaders• Support- community members must feel that
you are there for them• Consistency • Involvment- let’s do together.
Together we are more effective!
How to attract the members of a community not used to hosting guests to cooperate in providing
tourism services?
• Roundtable workshops, study tours• Have to know your neighbours’ services • Together learning- service quality, product
development etc. • Members’ satisfaction- word-of-mouth
advertising • Money- investments from the members step
by step
How can the elements of three different cultures be combined into
one well-balanced tourism service?
How can the already existing values of the region be combined with the new ones in order to create
a perfect tourist itinerary?
• Networking, co-operation• Product development- packages, events
based on the local culture and traditions • Can’t be afraid to try new things or even a
bit crazy ideas
Welcome to the Onion Route!
• www.sibulatee.ee • [email protected] • +372 5081232 (Triinu Akkermann)