Airport, Construction, Estonia, Tourism, Transport

The companies said that, apart from Tallinn, Parnu is the top tourist destination in Estonia. An estimated 26% of all local workers are employed in the tourism sector or sectors connected to it, reported ERR radio news.

Tourism is not a closed sector but also increases the demand in agriculture, catering, trade and service sectors.

The idea of a renovating the local airport was first proposed by Andres Hall, the CEO of "Auto24" racing track, who found that his track, located in Audru near Parnu, is disadvantaged by a lack of a regional airport.

Hall said that this became especially obvious during an international show organized by Porsche in the beginning of the summer. The show was attended by clients and journalist from all over the world but connections to Tallinn and Riga airports were not the best.

Jaan Ratnik, a board member of Tervis Spa Group, said that the situation with the airport has worsened over the past few years. "The flights that we last year have now been cancelled as well," he said, adding that the number of tourist attractions and businesses, on the other hand, has increased. These businesses are very much interested in having a regional airport with regular connections to larger hubs.