The owner of Hotel Punkaharju informs about the hotel’s new winds.
Saimi Hoyer has had discussions about returning to Hotel Punkaharju. Karoliina Vuorenmäki
The owner of Hotel Punkaharju, millionaire Thomas Zilliacus says he wants Saimi Hoyer back at Hotel Punkaharju.
– Many people have asked me if, now that I have bought Hotelli Punkaharju, I want Saimi Hoyer back in the hotel business. My answer is simple. Yes, I want to, Zilliacus says in the press release.
– Saimi created a bold and unique hotel concept and the new Hotel Punkaharju brand in the years 2016-2023. Saimi filled the hotel with events and interesting people who came there, all year round, to meet Saimi and each other, he continues.
Zilliacus bought the bankrupt hotel three years ago with the existing leases covering the hotel and restaurant. The contracts are valid until the end of this year.
– In 2027, however, I want to raise the bar even higher with the goal of seeing Hotel Punkaharju among the best boutique hotels in the world within 5 years. In that work, I see that Saim plays a key role, Zilliacus says in the press release.
Zilliacus states in the press release that he and Hoyer are discussing how he is going to elevate Hotelli Punkaharju to the “world’s hotel elite”.
Thomas Zilliacus currently owns Hotel Punkaharju. PDO
Hoyer’s comments
Iltalehti caught up with Saimi Hoyer, who confirms that he has had discussions with Zilliacus.
– In the last three years, I have been asked a lot whether I am going back there. I am currently having discussions with Thomas Zilliacus about my return to Hotel Punkaharju next year, at the beginning of 2027, Hoyer tells Iltalehti by phone.
Hoyer is not talking about his role in detail yet, but says that it will be announced later.
The initial impetus for Hoyer’s return took place at Lasse Norres’ memorial service last fall.
– When you met Zilliacus, I told him about this, that the hotel is for sale. We have been discussing things for a few months now, and for these three years I have been working to find a good owner for the hotel. It was found, says Hoyer.
Zilliacus Hoyer states that his work at Punkaharju was left unfinished.
– The whole of eastern Finland is terribly loved. In the current situation of tourism, I see that we need a boost, bold actions, dedication, interesting concepts and internationalization. I am ready to continue my work at Hotel Punkaharju.
Hoyer states that he also intends to continue his speaking gigs and collaborations in the future. He says that other “wonderful news” can also be expected in the near future.
– The difficult time in the hospital is behind me and now I’m looking towards the light and summer, Hoyer says, referring to his recent illness.
Hoyer says that he is recovering from his illness and one thing in particular has helped.
– Nature has always been my best helper in this recovery.
