Finland to target 3,00,000 overnights from India

Boasting perhaps the largest Archipelago in the world, 2,00,000 freshwater lakes, home to our loving Santa Claus, his ministry of Elves, and Rudolph the reindeer, Finland is a natural paradise like no other that enamors you with its wonders, as the alchemy of the Wizards of North, magically illuminate its night skies with the mysterious Northern lights.

Having gained a strong foothold in the Indian outbound travel market, Finland is set on its way to being on the bucket list of every seasoned Indian traveller, whose hunger to explore newer experiences, quest for adventure, curiosity to discover new destinations and natural wonders takes him to newer lands.

Finland is well aware of the potential offered by the Indian outbound market and has been actively pursuing the Indian traveller over the last many years. With 1,02,000 annual overnights, India was the 17th-largest source market for Finland in 2019.

Recently the Finnish tourism delegation led by Tarja Koivisto, Account Manager – Global Sales Promotions, Visit Finland, was in India after a hiatus of almost two and a half years due to the COVID-19 meltdown to rekindle the travel bonds between the two countries by organising roadshows at New Delhi and Mumbai. Accompanying her was a delegation of representatives of Finnair India PLC, Tallink Silja Line, Eckerö Line Safartica Oy, Northern Lights Village Saariselkä & Levi, Santa’s Hotels, Visit Rovaniemi, Arctic TreeHouse Hotel/ Lapland Luxury, Kämp Collection Hotels, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Northern Savo Lakeland, GreenEscape Oy.

Speaking to TTJ, Tarja shared, “India is among the fastest growing markets amongst our 13 target markets and has a very strong potential to become a top source market for Finland. India showed a 27 per cent growth in 2019 vs 2018. In January to February 2020, overnight stays increased by 24 per cent compared to 2019.”

Sakari Romu, General Manager (India), Finnair informed, “On August 6, 2022, Finnair launched its second service to India, with a direct flight connection between Mumbai and Helsinki. This trice a week service will supplement the already operational daily flight connection between Delhi and Helsinki.”

Finland has a total population of about 5.5 million spread over an area that is almost equivalent to the size of the state of Texas in the United States of America. Most of the population is concentrated around the city of Helsinki. Up north in Lapland, it’s the reindeer outnumber the human population. Finland boasts of great natural vistas and activities that put you closer to nature.

Sauna is almost a religion in Finland and you will always be just a doorknock away from one. A steaming hot sauna session followed by a dip in the ice-freezing waters is a mustdo activity and a great way to get your blood racing. Finland offers great winter experiences and unique snow activities like Husky Sledging, Cross Country Skiing, observing the Northern Lights staying in unique special glass villas or glass-domed igloos, or perhaps spending a night in an Ice Hotel.

Finland also happens to be Santa’s home and no visit to Finland is complete until you get your sack full of joy and happiness. Santa Claus Village, close to Rovaniemi in Lapland, offers the unique opportunity of meeting Santa Claus.

“Finland is a safe destination for peaceful and relaxed holidays and a country known for its sustainable development. We greatly look forward to welcoming more Indians and are hopeful to take the number of overnights from Indian travellers to 3,00,000 over the next three years,” signed off Tarja.