Kari Halonen
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…
SAS Invests in Long-Haul Operations – Its Largest Investment Ever
SAS Invests Heavily in Long-Haul Operations – Its Largest Investment Ever SAS is taking the next step in its long-term growth strategy by announcing the largest investment in the airline’s 80-year history. The order includes up to 40 Airbus long-haul aircraft, combining new A330-900neo aircraft with additional A330-300s to secure capacity ahead of the delivery…
Finland: Major Change Coming to Regional Airport Operations in Finland – Air Traffic Control for Seven Airports to Be Managed from Helsinki
A significant transformation is planned for the operations of several regional airports in Finland. In the future, air traffic control services for Turku, Mariehamn, Vaasa, Ivalo, Kittilä, Kuusamo, and Oulu airports will be provided remotely from a new remote air traffic control centre to be established at Helsinki Airport. The centre will be operated by…
Rail Service Between Finland and Sweden to Launch in August
Rail Service Between Finland and Sweden to Launch in August The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) and VR have signed a public service contract for passenger rail services between Oulu, Tornio, and Haparanda. Daily train services between Oulu and Haparanda will begin on 10 August 2026. According to VR, launching the service has required…
Estonian Association of Travel and Tourism Companies elected a new president
“David Ryan Jenkins was elected as the new president of ETFL. The council of the Estonian Association of Travel and Tourism Companies approved David Ryan Jenkins, the current member of the management board and CEO of OÜ DenEesti, as the new president of the association. As the new president, David Ryan Jenkins considers it important…
A Taste of Escape: From Sipoonkorpi National Park to Finland’s Culinary Future
Last weekend, I found myself sitting at Restaurant Tila, tucked away in the serene landscapes of Sipoonkorpi National Park. It felt less like dining near the Finnish capital and more like stepping into another country entirely. The windows opened onto a meadow where sheep grazed, the light shifted gently across the tables, and every detail—from…
Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards 2026
The Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in sustainability across the global tourism industry. Established in 2002, these prestigious awards aim to promote responsible tourism by recognizing initiatives that successfully balance environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The awards serve as a platform to showcase best practices, inspire industry-wide change, and emphasize the importance…