ecotourism conference - the onion route

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 • info@sibulatee.ee • +372 5081232 (Triinu Akkermann)