Kari Halonen

Tourest 2027: Plans Being Reassessed as Estonia Prepares for URC 2027

Tourest 2027 was originally planned to take place on 29–31 January 2027 at a new venue and with a renewed concept. However, the plans now need to be reassessed. The Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2027) is scheduled to take place in Tallinn at the same time, creating significant pressure on the city’s hotel availability, logistics…

Read More about Tourest 2027: Plans Being Reassessed as Estonia Prepares for URC 2027

Lufthansa Group Wi-Fi service free of charge

Our business partner, Lufthansa Group announced something very interesting: Lufthansa Group will begin rolling out its new Lufthansa Group Wi-Fi service on August 19. The first aircraft to receive Starlink connectivity will be a Lufthansa Airbus A320neo. The service will be free of charge for all Miles & More members and Lufthansa Group Travel ID…

Read More about Lufthansa Group Wi-Fi service free of charge

FREE Webinar – Baltic countries 2026 – 18.8.2026

We organize one interesting free webinar in August. The webinar takes max. 45 minutes and it is conducted in English. When doing registration you can direct questions to Keynote Speakers beforehand. The webinar is free of charge. We will not record the webinars. The focus in all webinars is incoming to Baltic and Nordic countries. 🌍 ToolBox Consulting…

Read More about FREE Webinar – Baltic countries 2026 – 18.8.2026

Artificial Intelligence Is Rapidly Reshaping How Travelers Plan Their Trips

Artificial intelligence has become one of the most influential technologies in travel planning, fundamentally changing how people search for inspiration, compare destinations and make booking decisions. What was once viewed as an experimental tool is now becoming an integral part of the customer journey. According to Phocuswright’s 2026 report The AI Surge: Travel’s Fastest Behavioral…

Read More about Artificial Intelligence Is Rapidly Reshaping How Travelers Plan Their Trips

LGBTQ+ Travel in Europe: A Growing Market Driven by Inclusion and Trust

LGBTQ+ tourism has become one of Europe’s fastest-growing travel segments. As destinations increasingly embrace diversity, equality and sustainability, LGBTQ+ travelers are placing greater value on destinations where they feel genuinely welcomed, respected and safe. Inclusivity is no longer a niche offering—it has become an essential part of destination competitiveness. According to the Italian Association of…

Read More about LGBTQ+ Travel in Europe: A Growing Market Driven by Inclusion and Trust

Experiencing Alvar Aalto’s Heritage from the Inside Out

Finland offers architecture and design enthusiasts a rare opportunity: not only to admire world-famous modernist buildings, but to stay in them. Here, architecture is not confined to museums or guided tours—it remains a living part of everyday life. For travelers interested in culture, design, and heritage, Finland provides immersive experiences that allow visitors to sleep,…

Read More about Experiencing Alvar Aalto’s Heritage from the Inside Out

Vilnius, capital of Lithuania published today it’s travel numbers from the year 2025

Vilnius, capital of Lithuania published today it’s travel numbers from the year 2025 Sourcee: Visit Vilnius 07/2026 VILNIUS TOURISM STATISTICS 2025 Summary of key facts about tourists arriving from abroad: ✅ The number of foreigners arriving in Vilnius increased by 1.8% (863,360), ✅ the number of foreign stays increased by 39.4% (2,153,719), ✅ 2.49 nights…

Read More about Vilnius, capital of Lithuania published today it’s travel numbers from the year 2025

ToolBox Consulting is pleased to continue cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)

ToolBox Consulting is pleased to continue Kari Halonen’s cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) as an international tourism consultant—a role he has held since 2014. The EBRD is an international financial institution that promotes sustainable economic development and private sector growth across Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Alongside…

Read More about ToolBox Consulting is pleased to continue cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)

Nordic Tourism Reaches Record Highs as International Demand Surges

Based on reporting by Anton Köhler/Travel News (published July 10, 2026), with additional analysis and 2025 tourism statistics. The Nordic region experienced another record-breaking year for tourism in 2025, as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark all reported the highest number of commercial overnight stays in their history. The growth was driven primarily by increasing demand from…

Read More about Nordic Tourism Reaches Record Highs as International Demand Surges

LGBTIQ+ Tourism: A Growing Global Market with High Value for Destinations

The LGBTIQ+ travel market has become one of the world’s most dynamic and valuable tourism segments. Today’s LGBTIQ+ travellers are looking for much more than iconic Pride events—they seek authentic experiences, welcoming communities, sustainability, culture, wellness, and destinations where they can feel safe and be themselves. For tourism destinations and travel suppliers, understanding this market…

Read More about LGBTIQ+ Tourism: A Growing Global Market with High Value for Destinations