Kari Halonen

Funding instruments for Finnish companies to be used in ToolBox Consulting events and tourism development projects

6.7.2025

We have compiled the Business Finland and the ELY (= Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment) funding opportunities open in summer 2025 by region, including funding instruments, application periods, specific objectives, and the amount of support funding allocated for each call. Business Finland Funding The Government has decided to allocate EUR 9 million…

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Join ITB Berlin 2026 – With a Fresh Approach!

5.7.2025

Join ITB Berlin 2026 – With a Fresh Approach! We’re once again organizing our own stand at ITB Berlin 2026 (March 3–5, 2026), and this time we’re challenging the traditional way of participating. Let’s focus on real results – especially the number and quality of meetings with DACH-market buyers (Germany, Austria, Switzerland)! Beautiful walls don’t close deals –…

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Matka Workshop Day 2026 – Pre- and Post Tour Registration for Buyers is NOW OPEN!

4.7.2025

Explore Finland & Beyond with Fully Hosted Pre and Post Tours! Matka Workshop Day 2026 – Pre- and Post Tour Registration for Buyers is NOW OPEN! As of July 1, 2025, buyers can register for the fully hosted Pre and Post Tours connected to Matka Workshop Day 2026, taking place on January 14, 2026 in…

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French Outbound Tourism Outlook: 2025–2026

1.7.2025

Market scale & growth The French outbound tourism market is set to grow significantly—from around USD 72.9 billion in 2025, to approximately USD 124 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR, Compound annual growth rate*) of 5.4 % A forecast by FMI expects the sector, now valued at ~USD 37 million in 2024, to reach USD 56.8 million by 2034 (4.4 %…

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Australia’s Post‑COVID Outbound Market (2022–2025)

30.6.2025

We have listed here some interesting data regarding Australian outbound travelling and Nordic and Baltic countries pull factors. 1. Overview & Rebound Australians have returned to pre‑pandemic travel levels. In fiscal 2023–24, outbound resident departures reached 98% of 2018–19 volumes, with monthly returns hitting or exceeding 100% since January 2024 Total international departures reached 11.6…

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Hand luggage free of charge in near future?

28.6.2025

By BBC, Lynn Carter: “The days of being charged additional fees for your hand luggage on flights could soon be a thing of the past – at least in the European Union. On 24 June, lawmakers voted in favour of a proposal allowing passengers to bring a small carry-on bag weighing up to 7kg (15.4lbs)…

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Summer Fun Workshop 2025 – A Resounding Success!

25.6.2025

Summer Fun Workshop 2025 – A Resounding Success! June 9–10, 2025 | Buyers & Suppliers Connecting Across Borders We asked — you answered! Your voices from two incredible days of networking, discovery, and collaboration have spoken loud and clear: Feedback Score: 4.81 / 5 on the Likert Scale! Thanks to your enthusiastic participation and glowing…

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Free Afternoon Break Webinar 17.6.2025: “How to make a Åland Island Workshop 2025 event”

11.6.2025

Free Afternoon Break Webinar Date: Tuesday, 17.6.2026 Time: 14:00–14:45 (EET) Title: “How to Make an Åland Island Workshop 2025 Event” Planning a successful international workshop in the breathtaking Åland Islands?  Join us for a compact and inspiring webinar where we present the concept and details behind the Åland Island Workshop 2025, taking place in Mariehamn…

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European Hotels File Joint Lawsuit Against Booking.com

11.6.2025

There is a pan-European legal action against Booking.com. The lawsuit is based on the judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) issued on 19 September 2024, which ruled that Booking.com’s parity clause violated EU competition law. The action is also supported by HOTREC, the European umbrella association of hotels and restaurants,…

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UNWTO reported international tourist arrivals grew 5% in first three months 2025

28.5.2025

This is full citation of an article published 27.5.2025 “International tourist arrivals grew 5% in Q1 2025 Madrid, Spain, 27 May 2025 – International tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) increased by 5% in the first quarter of 2025 though results were mixed among regions and sub-regions.According to the May 2025 World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism,…

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