Marketing with ToolBox Consulting and Market areas
Our investments in marketing are divided into four different divisions. Additionally there are destination and company branding (Image Marketing), tour operators and travel agents visits and media PR. We have experience to operate in nearly 30 different target market areas in the world close to 25 consecutive years.
Participating in ToolBox Consulting Marketing Events and other activities
ToolBox Consulting organize around 60 marketing events and other activities annually close to 30 countries/market areas. This makes us the biggest private travel trade marketing operator promoting both Baltic and Nordic countries.
We publish our marketing activities well ahead regarding marketing cycle. Normally in May-June the next year activities. We update information in January of the actual year. “Marketing Activities” manual can be requested by sending an email to: .
Terms of Participation and Cancellation Policies
Please check our general Participation and Cancellation Policies from the link under. There can be more strict policies in some events due to original event organizer’s policies (e.g International Travel Fairs)
Terms of ToolBox Consulting Ltd. Events
Services for tour operators and the tourism industry
Tour operators and travel agencies
- FAM trips to Baltic and Nordic countries
- Sales Events promoting Baltic and Nordic countries
- Product Development
- Newsletters
- Free request for consultancy feature
Travel trade in Baltic and Nordic countries
- FAM trips organizer to Baltic and Nordic countries
- Sales Events promoting Baltic and Nordic countries in close to 30 countries
- Product Development together with the travel trade network
- Accessibility development
- Newsletters
- Free request for consultancy feature
How we choose the target market areas?
We have chosen our activities by thinking the brand awareness of Baltic and Nordic countries in different target market areas. Four “Toeholds” is good way to select the marketing strategy and activities in our markets in 5 continents of operations.
See each target market area operations in marketing cycle from August to June.
Accessibility (transportation)
Accessibility is the measure of the capacity of a location to be reached from, or to be reached by, different locations. Therefore, the capacity and the arrangement of transport infrastructure are the key elements in the determination of accessibility. It is extremely important to focus in accessibility issues in the destination. Routes, flight, ship and train connections combine essential challenge which can make other marketing operations either easier or more difficult. We are experienced in planning the routes. We have been cooperating with train and ferry companies producing packages and doing joint marketing efforts.
Direct consumer marketing
We have done mainly consumer marketing in Finland and in nearby countries such as Estonia, Norway and Sweden. Cross-marketing events and campaigns have been done also in other countries such as Germany, Italy, Japan and United Kingdom. The most important has been to secure the easy access to sales in all campaigns and to find local partners to work with.
Traditional tour operators and travel agencies
Traditional distribution channels have been facing turbulences in recent years. Several tour operators have been sold to bigger wholesalers or they have emerged with similar kind of companies by getting bigger nationwide or even covering several countries. Some companies have faced bankruptcy. Some have found their survival strategy in specialization for more niche groups. It is not easy for travel agencies either. They have faced commission cuts which have created them financial problems.
Many Baltic and Nordic countries have been in this turmoil also but the DMC and DMO sector have found also a solution in public-private partnerships. Outbound tour operators are merged together and all of them have eSales platforms. We keep contact with the Baltic and Nordic DMCs and DMOs and at the same time communicate with foreign buyers. Sales visits, events, FAM trips and campaigns are typical ways of doing marketing in this field.
eMarketing and on-line tour operators
There are new tour operators which are operating online only. Several of them are not only national in their marketing actions but have also global customers. The national ones are usually smaller but they still have an important role. The global operators are expanding rapidly. ToolBox Consulting has worked with these operators and we are able to help you in campaigning and choosing the right distribution channels.
Global online portals
We recommend the global online portals, which should be one of the basic tourism promotion infrastructural tool to keep up communication especially with the customers. We recommend also that the English language is enough to create awareness globally. The next important languages are Spanish and Japanese.
Image: Pixabay
Additional information
Australia
ECONOMY
Having slowed this year amid tight monetary conditions and worsening terms of trade, GDP growth is projected to pick up to 1.9% in 2025 and 2.5% in 2026. The unemployment rate, which has risen but remains low, is projected to flatten out just above current levels. While headline inflation has now fallen to within the 2-3% target range, core inflation remains somewhat higher.
OUTBOUND TOURISM
Australians, as long-haul travellers, tend to travel in Europe for longer periods of time. The average length of stay in the Nordic countries is 12 days. The average length of stay for foreign trips is 21 days. The reason for this is the long distance from the Australian continent to almost anywhere in the world, and their four-week holidays. The population of Australia is almost 25 million and 5,8 million Australians travel abroad every year. Most popular destinations are Great Britain, Italy and France. Their global rank, when it comes to international tourism expenditures, is 8.
WE RECOMMEND
- Sales visits
- Media and PR
- Cruise Travel
- Luxury travel
- Travel Agent FAM trips
- Cross-marketing
MARKETING ACTIVITIES 2025
Australia & New Zealand Roadshow 2024
Time: 11.10 – 13.10.2024 in New Zealand; 15.10 – 20.10.2024 in Australia
Place: Auckland in New Zealand and Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney in Australia.
More information about the event / Link:
Travel Workshop Roadshow in Australia and New Zealand – Destination Northern Europe 2024
AIME ” Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo ”
An incentive event with buyers from Australia and Pacific. Over 4 000 buyers and media representatives.
Time: February 2025
Place: Melbourne, Australia
Luxperience
Luxperience is the only travel trade event in the Southern hemisphere focusing in luxury travel market. The Buyers are mainly from Australia, South East Asia and Pacific area.
Time: October 2025
Place: Melbourne, Australia
New Zealand
ECONOMY
Economic momentum remained weak in the second half of 2024 and the economy is expected to expand by only 0.6% this year. Growth is projected to pick up to 1.4% in 2025 and 2.1% in 2026 as lower interest rates boost investment and real household income growth lifts private consumption. The difficulty of finding labour has declined, reducing wage pressures.
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
Estonia
ECONOMY
Economic growth will recover to 1.7% next year and 2.7% in 2026, helped by improving financial conditions, stronger external demand and higher public investment. Inflation has fallen but will remain elevated, largely due to tax increases. The unemployment rate will start to fall next year. Exports will pick up gradually in line with recovery in demand in the region. An escalation in regional geopolitical tensions remains a key risk for confidence and trade.
OUTBOUND TOURISM
Travel and tourism are seen as integral parts of the country’s economy and thus the development of this industry is constantly an important topic. Heavy competition among the numerous travel and tourism companies has led to a fast market development, where only those who provide high-quality service succeed. People have come to appreciate a high level of service and many companies which are unable to provide this struggle to maintain their business.
WE RECOMMEND
- Roundtrip Programmes and Itineraries
- Family travel and activities for families in winter
- Ski destination
- Consumer marketing
- Brochure distribution in Estonia
- Media and PR
- Cross-marketing
- Cooperation with cruise companies
- TOUREST Travel Fair
MARKETING ACTIVITIES 2025
Tourest Fair
The biggest and oldest travel trade show in Estonia. Over 30 000 visitors during the fair. B2B and B2C event.
Participation as exhibitor at the Green North stand. Suitable for Family Holiday destinations and products. This event is not applicable for the Estonian travel companies and destinations.
Time: 31.1.-2.2.2025
Place: Tallinn, Estonia
More information about the event / Link:
Advertisement in Pere & Kodu Magazine
Editorial advertisement in Pere & Kodu, monthly magazine targeted to Estonian families. Competitions for readers.
Time: all year round
Baltic Guide Advertisement
Editorial advertisement with competition in Baltic Guide, monthly newspaper with travel tips distributed around the country.
Time: All year round
Latvia
ECONOMY
Real GDP is projected to contract by 0.3% in 2024, before growing by 1.9% in 2025 and 2.5% in 2026. Low headline inflation and rising nominal wages will boost real incomes and consumption. Public investment will gradually strengthen, helped by the absorption of EU funds, while lower interest rates will support business and residential investment.
OUTBOUND TOURISM
Latvian tourists made 235,600 overnight trips to Estonia in 2022, more than to any other country. Furthermore, Lithuania ranked as the second-leading outbound tourism destination by overnight trips, which exceeded 154,000. Other popular destinations were Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
WE RECOMMEND
- FAM trips
- BalTour Fair
- Media activities
- Cross-marketing activities
- Marketing through local distribution channels (tour operators, travel agencies, transportation companies)
MARKETING ACTIVITIES 2025
BaltTour – Latvia
Green North stand at the biggest travel trade exhibition BaltTour in the capital of Latvia, Riga. Very convenient event for the companies and destinations interested in family travel. This event is not applicable for the Latvian companies and destinations.
Time: 7.- 9.2.2025
Place: Riga, Latvia
Lithuania
ECONOMY
After stagnating in 2023, GDP is projected to increase by 2.4% in 2024, 3.1% in 2025 and 2.8% in 2026. Strong real wage gains, especially until mid-2025, will support a pickup in private consumption, and exports will continue to increase along with demand from Lithuania’s main trading partners. The main risks to the outlook are related to economic activity in the euro area, global energy prices and geopolitical tensions.
OUTBOUND TOURISM
Lithuania as outbound target market area is rather small. Statistically there is more demand for neighboring countries. Slight slowdown of tourism expenditure is due to financial struggles locally. There is still steady flow of Lithuanian outbound visitors throughout the year. Many Lithuanian DMCs sell other Baltic and Nordic countries which make them important partners.
WE RECOMMEND
- FAM trip programmes
- Media activities
- Cross-marketing
- Marketing through local distribution channels (tour operators, travel agencies, transportation companies)
Activities in Lithuania are performed on request basis.
If you are interested in the Baltic States, please contact us for a perfect tailor-made solution.
Belgium and the Netherlands
Belgium
ECONOMY
Economic growth is projected to weaken to 0.9% in 2024, before reaching 1.2% in 2025 and 1.4% in 2026. Household consumption growth should support the recovery in 2025 and 2026, as job growth increases again and inflation declines. Continued easing of financing conditions and improving global trade prospects should also support housing investment and export growth. Headline inflation is set to rise to 4.3% in 2024 due to rising energy inflation and persistent core inflation. However, as second round effects fade, headline inflation should fall to 2.9% in 2025 and 2.1% in 2026.
MARKET OVERVIEW
In Belgium, mainly the Flemish side is more interested in the Baltic and Nordic countries. Compared to the French-speaking area, it is also wealthier.
Netherlands
ECONOMY
Growth is projected to strengthen from 0.9% in 2024 to 1.6% in 2025 and 2026, driven by improving private consumption and higher external demand. Headline inflation will remain elevated, decreasing only slowly from 3.2% in 2024 to 2.5% in 2026 as price pressures in labour-intensive services persist on the back of a tight labour market and continuous strong wage growth. Unemployment will rise slightly, from 3.7% in 2024 to 3.9% in 2026.
MARKET OVERVIEW
Spendings of $20.5bn makes the Netherlands the world’s 14th most valuable source market for international tourism. The Dutch like to explore new places away from the crowds when on holiday, and their destination choice is heavily influenced by scenic natural beauty. The ‘natural features’ of a destination can entice almost half of those in the Netherlands to make a repeat visit to a destination.
WE RECOMMEND
- Sales visits
- Media and PR events
- Cross-marketing
- Campaigns with local tour operators
- Travel Agent visits to the destination
- Travel Fairs in the Netherlands
MARKETING ACTIVITIES 2025
Vakantiebeurs Travel Fair
Two options to participate:
1. Prearranged sales meetings in the fair
2. Participation at the Green North stand
Time: 9.-12.1. 2025
Place: Utrecht, the Netherlands
More information about the event / Link:
ToolBox operates in UK and Ireland
Great Britain
ECONOMY
GDP growth is projected to strengthen to 1.7% in 2025, boosted by the large increase in public expenditure set out in the autumn budget, before slowing to 1.3% in 2026, as the effect of fiscal expansion tapers off. Wage-driven pressures on the price of services and the fiscal stimulus will keep underlying price pressures elevated, leaving headline inflation above target over 2025-26. Large government deficits, expected at 4.5% of GDP in 2025 and 3.9% in 2026, will hold public debt above 100% of GDP and rising.
MARKET OVERVIEW
Great Britain has been an important target market area for Nordic countries. Surveys indicate around 35 % are on leisure trip, 40 % on business trip and 21 % on relative visits (the rest unknown). The average length of stay is rather short, around 50 % staying between 1 – 3 days. The most important area is Greater London , which is covering 1/3 of all visitors to Nordic countries.
WE RECOMMEND
- Sales visits
- Media and PR
- Campaigns with local tour operators
- Campaigns with on-line tour operators
- Travel Agent visits to the destination
- Cross-marketing
- Social media campaigns
- World Travel Market
MARKETING ACTIVITIES 2024 – 2025 ,TBC
Pop-up event in Borough Market 2025
Tailor-made promotion event for consumers, media and travel trade. Organized together with various lifestyle industries. The event is for the Finnish market only.
Time: October 2025
Place: Borough Market, London
World Travel Market 2024 and 2025
WTM London introduces global travel buyers to over 5,000 of the biggest destinations and brands in the world. WTM London prides itself on being the hub of travel ideas. We aim to give you, the global travel trade an insight of how the industry will look in the next five years, share innovations, and create endless business opportunities over the course of three days.
The stand at WTM is called ”Green North” and it is dedicated for companies and destinations located in the Baltic states and Nordic countries. Our stand is in Europe Hall where all the European exhibitors are located.
Time: 5.-7.11. 2024, also in 2025
Place: ExCel, London, UK
More information about the event / Link:
Ireland
ECONOMY
Real GDP growth is set to reach 3.7% in 2025 and 3.5% in 2026, as volatility from the multinational sector subsides, financial conditions improve and goods exports recover. Growth of modified domestic demand, which controls for the major distortions arising from the activity of multinationals, is projected to be around 3% as easing inflationary pressures and a resilient labour market bolster households’ real incomes and consumption.
MARKET OVERVIEW
The expenditure of outbound tourists from Ireland decreased in 2021 over the previous year, after dropping sharply in 2020 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Overall, outbound tourism spending amounted to roughly 1.96 billion euros in 2021, declining from 2.1 billion euros in 2020 and only accounting for around 24 percent of the expenditure reported in
2019.
WE RECOMMEND
- Sales visits
- Media and PR
- Campaigns with local tour operators
- Campaigns with on-line tour operators
- Travel Agent visits to the destination
- Cross-marketing
- Social media campaigns
All activities on request.
DACH
The main focus is on the German market. According to UNWTO research Germany has, together with China and USA, been one of the top international tourism source markets in terms of number of travellers and spending.
Switzerland is also an interesting market with good connections to Finland and other countries around the Baltic Sea.
Austria
ECONOMY
Economic activity is projected to recover slowly from a two-year contraction, with GDP growing by 1.1% in 2025 and 1.4% in 2026. Inflation is set to decline to target in the course of 2025. Rising nominal wages, reflecting the delayed passthrough of past inflation, will support household incomes and are expected to support consumption growth along with some decline in savings.
WE RECOMMEND
- Agent FAM trips
- Roadshows/Workshops
- Tour Operator Campaigns (local and/or online tour operators)
- Marketing campaigns
- Sales Visits to Austrian Tour Operators
- E-Newsletters to Tour Operators
Germany
ECONOMY
The economy is projected to stagnate in 2024 and grow by 0.7% in 2025 and 1.2% in 2026. Low inflation and rising wages will support real incomes and private consumption. Rising nominal wages, falling inflation and declining interest rates will support a recovery in private consumption
MARKET OVERVIEW
German market is still one of the strongest and the biggest in tourism business. It is especially dominating in Europe. Outbound leisure travel is heavily concentrated on short- and medium-haul destinations in the Mediterranean and Europe. There are several pull factors for Germans to come to the Baltic states, the Nordic countries and Russia. The role of tour operators continue to be quite important and there are still some tour operators specialized in selling the Nordic countries. Low budget airlines, frequent ferry connections in the Baltic Sea and Via Baltica are providing the German market with good accessibility. Material in German language is needed.
We are mainly focusing in three different target groups in Germany:
1. Family travel
2. DINKs, young and trendy adults, the GLBT market
3. WHOPs, senior travellers, +50
Roundtrip activity packages are our focus for German language portals and local tour operators.
WE RECOMMEND
- Agent FAM trips
- Roadshows/Workshops
- Tour Operator Campaigns (local and/or online tour operators)
- Marketing campaigns
- Sales Visits to German and/or Swiss Tour Operators
- E-Newsletters to Tour Operators
MARKETING ACTIVITIES 2024-2025
ITB Berlin 2025
Time: 4.-6.3.2024
Place: Berlin, Germany
More information about the event / Link:
ITB 2025 in Berlin – joint Baltic and Nordic countries stand
Product Development trip
4-day trip with site inspection, evaluation of products available, selection of suitable product for the German speaking markets, insights in the German speaking travel markets and suggestions for tailor-made marketing activities. Up to 3 destinations can be visited within four days, with shared costs.
Time: All year round
Visibility and conversion development
Jointly identify unique selling points suitable for German speaking markets for up to 3 partnering regions in Finland. You receive a written evaluation of your promotion material (print and website) with specific consideration of German speaking markets. Together we fine-tune and adapt the marketing strategy, print and insert online material for up to 3 partnering regions in Finland.
Time: All year round
Roadshow/Workshop, one evening – MICE and Leisure tourism
This Reception/Workshop can be either a Lunch or a Dinner Event in main cities of Germany or Switzerland. Expected audience: 25-30 tour operators/MICE agents plus trade press.
Time: spring and autumn
Place: Germany or Switzerland
Sales Visit – MICE and Leisure tourism
Sales Visits over 3 days in Germany and/or Switzerland. Selected cities can be a combination of the most important cities in Germany. A maximum of 3 partners can share the costs.
Place: Germany and/or Switzerland
Famtrip – Leisure tourism
Itinerary will be agreed beforehand and organized in cooperation with the partners in Finland. The fee is valid for fam trips duration of max. 4 days in Finland including escort from Germany. Longer trips are subject to a surcharge.
Time: All year round
Place: Finland
E-Newsletter – MICE and Leisure tourism
Regular contact to the travel scene is essential for keeping a good relationship with your clients. We offer regular e-newsletters to German speaking tour operators with relevant sales and marketing information about your Product or Region. We recommend 3-4 newsletters per year. Your logo and website will be included. Please note that you need to deliver the newsletter content in English or German. Up to 3 partners can be featured in one newsletter and the cost can be shared.
Time: All year round
Switzerland
ECONOMY
GDP is expected to grow by 1.3% in 2024 and 1.5% in 2025, before strengthening to 1.9% in 2026, based on the measure not adjusted for sports events. Growth will be driven by improving domestic demand, declining inflation, more favourable financing conditions, and rising employment.
WE RECOMMEND
- Sales visits
- Media and PR events
- Cross-marketing
- Campaigns with local tour operators
- Travel Agent visits to the destination
A very interesting market area especially with focus on the Chinese and South Korean markets. Japanese and Taiwanese markets are also interesting. China has taken the lead as the biggest outbound travelling nation. There are still some obstacles that must be faced in China. Mainly related to visa procedures and length of stay in the Nordic and Baltic destinations and the many different types of visa status.
China (People’s Republic of China)
ECONOMY
Mainland China
Economic growth will slow to 4.9% in 2024 and gradually weaken further in 2025 and 2026. Housing starts will continue falling, but infrastructure and manufacturing investment are growing at a steady pace with public investment strengthening on the back of stronger local government debt issuance. Consumption growth will remain sluggish, dampened by high precautionary savings. Export growth will be relatively strong.
Hongkong
Hong Kong’s mixed outlook sees lower rates boosting lending, robust exports, but retail and property face headwinds amid geopolitical tensions, projected 2.5% GDP growth. Hong Kong’s mixed outlook sees lower rates boosting lending, robust exports, but retail and property face headwinds amid geopolitical tensions, projected 2.5% GDP growth.
MARKET OVERVIEW
China will be predominantly taking the lead of the biggest traveller group. There are still many obstacles to go there more related to visa procedures. ADS status and business visa travellers are those which are currently the issues we are talking here. The role of independent travelers (FIT) is increasing. Luxury market is quite strong despite some economical worries. There are more customer segments than in previous years. Travel trade is getting more professional and consumers more experienced travellers. Still the main stream of the Chinese outbound travellers are those who are travelling in groups and perhaps very first time in Baltic Sea area.
The Chinese are frequently combining many countries in their tours, which is the reason for why we are also promoting a larger area opposed to one specific country. The average length of stay can be under two nights in each destination. The number of experienced indvidual travellers looking for new destinations will increase and they will be prepared to stay longer in one destination. School Camps and Medical Tourism are also popular.
WE RECOMMEND
- Sales visits
- Media and PR
- Campaigns with local tour operators
- Campaigns with on-line tour operators
- Travel Agent visits to the destination
- Incentive travel packages
- Cruise packages
- Cross-marketing
- Social media campaigns
China – Hong Kong
Hongkong outbound tourism market differs from the one in mainland China. It is more mature and travelling habits include also incentive travel, FIT travel, family travel, cruise travel and in- and outdoor activities. It is good to remember that the Hong Kong residents don’t need a visa to enter EU countries.
Many Hong Kong tour operators and travel agencies are showing a growing interest in the Baltic Sea area, which is considered one big destination. “Country hopping” is a normal phenomenon both in connection with FIT and group travel.
WE RECOMMEND
- Travel fairs and workshops
- Sales visits
- Social media campaigns
- Special Interest and Stopover-programmes to be launched
- Travel Agent visits to the destination
- Cross marketing campaigns
- FAM trips amd media visits
- Sales material and internet pages in Chinese language
MARKETING ACTIVITIES IN CHINA 2025
Acting as a General Sales Agent (GSA) for your destination/company
Our Chinese speaking staff is acting as an intermediate agent between Chinese customers and your company. We can act as help desk for the travel trade and consumers by using Chinese social media sites, emailing and portals (Qunar.com, Green North).
COTTM 2024
China’s leading outbound travel exhibitions for the Chinese travel trade only.
Time: October 2025
Place: Beijing, China
More information about the event / Link:
MARKETING ACTIVITIES IN HONGKONG 2025
Hongkong and Guangzhou Workshop Roadshow B2B sales event
Time: October 2025
Place: Hongkong and Guangzhou
Hong Kong International Travel Expo
The only travel show in Hong Kong for the MICE sector. Buyers are from Hong Kong, China and Asia.
Time: June 2025
Place: Hong Kong
Japan
ECONOMY
Real GDP is projected to rebound by 1.5% in 2025, driven by domestic demand, with growth reverting towards potential in 2026, at 0.6%. Private consumption will be driven by robust wage growth, moderating headline consumer price inflation, and recent government support measures. Large profit gains, partly due to the weak yen, and government subsidies, especially for green and digital investment, will boost business investment.
MARKET OVERVIEW
One can say that Japanese ladies are decision makers. Word of mouth is more important when it comes to decisions on short-haul destinations. The role of tourist offices and agents is more important for long-haul destinations. IT promotion only has limited role in final decision making. Japanese consumers appreciate printed materials in Japanese.
There are several interesting trends in Japan:
• Group travel →Individual travel
• Ordinary sightseeing →Purpose-led programmes
• Touring → Single destination
Travel agencies shift to inbound business. At the same time the package tour business is getting smaller. Global booking engines are getting more popular. Cruises are gaining more sales and more Japanese consumers. Websites are the main booking tool among consumers.
Communications Landscape
Japan has one of the most unique communications landscapes on earth and is completely free from government control, at least from a legal perspective. Unlike most of the Western world, traditional media outlets such as newspapers and magazines are more powerful than their online counterparts. This means that even though the Internet is the fastest way of transmitting information, business trends often begin offline before going online.
WE RECOMMEND:
- Sales visits to tour operators
- Media and consumer events
- Tour operators and media visits to Finland
- Participating in traditional workshop events
- Viral marketing in social media
MARKETING ACTIVITIES 2025
Guide books
Printed guide books are popular among Japanese travel consumers. Many bring these books with them on their holiday. They follow the tips and guidelines of the book. Guide books are valid 1 – 3 years. There are also internet versions available too. Guide book sizes are 135mm x 210mm.
Time: All year around
Place: Distributed in Japan
Travel Expo Japan 2024 Sales Event
Japan Travel Expo is the biggest annual event in Japan for travel trade. JATA is aimed at both consumers and the travel trade, where the first two days are dedicated to travel trade and weekend for consumers. The ToolBox Sales Event is organized parallel to the JATA event in a nearby hotel, to which we invite both representatives of the travel trade and consumers to meet Suppliers. The event is a combination of a reception and a workshop. The event is open to all Suppliers operating in the Baltic states, Nordic countries and Western Russia (St.Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast).
Time: September 2024
Place: TBC, Japan
More information about the event / Link:
South Korea
ECONOMY
After strengthening to 2.3% in 2024 real GDP growth is projected to settle at 2.1% in 2025 and 2026. Strong global demand will continue to support exports. Private consumption should pick up from late 2024 thanks to lower interest rates and rising real wages. Inflation will continue to undershoot the target in the near term. Increased female and elderly labour market participation will further boost employment, while unemployment will remain low.
MARKET OVERVIEW
The market leader in South Korea is Hana Tour, which also organizes its own annual sales event. Baltic Sea region receives both FITs and groups. An oddity from South Korea is student groups, which mainly consist of young adults. These groups stay in country capitals and major cities for several weeks and are looking for leisure programmes especially for the weekends. South Koreans tend to combine several European countries during their journeys. There is an emerging new market of older consumers. Travelling is a relatively new thing to many.
WE RECOMMEND
- Sales visits to tour operators
- Media and consumer events
- Tour operators and media visits to Finland
- Participating in traditional workshop events
- Viral marketing in social media
MARKETING ACTIVITIES 2025
HITS – Hana Tour International Travel Show
This is the largest travel marketplace (B2B) organized by Hana Tour (No.1 wholesaler) in Korea and the best way to distribute your product brochures to many qualified travel retailers & agencies. As B2B travel fair, the participants are companies (travel wholesaler, retailers, destination, airlines, etc.) Number of visitors in 2013: 85,000 (consumers), more than 600 (travel trade).
As Joint Partners’ participation at Finland Travel Booth, it is also possible to participate with the theme of Region or Special Theme.
Time: May 2025
Place: Seoul (Greater Seoul area), Korea
Sales calls to the Korean travel trade
Sales calls accompanied by a Korean professional (English). All the appointments will be made upon request by and via a discussion with the seller. Face to face meetings with travel agencies are almost “must” activity for companies entering the Korean market. This is the best activity to discuss product development.
Digital marketing activities
All digital marketing activities are available all year round. There are no minimum or maximum limits.
1) Online Viral Marketing on Korean portal website (Naver, Daum)
When potential travellers look for specific travel information. The seller’s company product information will be displayed as an online posting.
2) E-newsletter distribution (to the travel trade and media)
We will produce the e-newsletter, for distribution to the valuable trade/media (100 companies).
E-Newsletter can combine the information/news of 5-10 sellers and is suggested to be sent 3-4 times/year.
3) Company online blog or Café creation/ operation
Range of services can be discussed on demand. Café Creation means that a ToolBox representative rents an existing Seoul- based cafeteria and creates a hosted café for the client.
Sales Data Development
Development of a sales database e.g. travel agents, media journalists etc. Organized by the ToolBox representative in Seoul. Th database will be delivered in English.
Our partner companies:
in mainland China: Astroshiny Investment, Finnish-Chinese Cultural Association
in Hong Kong and Southern China: Aster Lai
in South Korea: Michelle Kwan
We are mainly interested in the Polish market. The Polish market is interesting because of its number of inhabitants. The amount of close to 40 million people in Europe makes it a very interesting target group. What we have experienced so far is that many European destinations – especially euro currency markets- are quite expensive for Polish customers. This poses a small hinder in the markets.
Polish visitors can reach the Baltic States, Finland and Nordic countries in several ways:
- via the Baltic countries by car and by bus
- via Denmark by car and by bus
- via ferry connections to Sweden and from there to Estonia, Finland and Latvia
- by plane from Krakow and Warsaw
Czech Republic
ECONOMY
GDP growth is set to pick up from 1% in 2024 to 2.4% in 2025 and 2.6% 2026. The recovery in real disposable incomes will support stronger consumer demand. Investment will be bolstered by easing financial conditions and the stronger use of EU funds. The growth of exports will pick up, as demand from Czechia’s main trading partners strengthens. Headline inflation is projected to remain around the 2% target, with core inflation gradually easing.
MARKET OVERVIEW
WE RECOMMEND
- Media, bloggers and PR
- FAM trips
- Travel Agent visits to the destination
- Sales visits
- Trade events
Hungary
ECONOMY
Following a contraction in 2023, GDP growth is projected to increase gradually to 0.6% in 2024, 2.1% in 2025 and 2.9% in 2026. Private consumption, supported by increasing real wages amidst declining inflation, will be the main engine of growth. Private investment is expected to rebound gradually as macroeconomic and financial conditions improve.
MARKET OVERVIEW
WE RECOMMEND
- Media, bloggers and PR
- FAM trips
- Travel Agent visits to the destination
- Sales visits
- Trade events
Poland
ECONOMY
The economy will grow by 2.8% this year as rising real wages and fiscal policy support demand. GDP growth should pick up to 3.4% in 2025 with EU funds boosting investment but decline to 3% in 2026 as the pace of fiscal consolidation increases.
MARKET OVERVIEW
Due to the high cost of travelling outside the country, the majority of outbound Poles are expected to shorten the duration of their outbound stays, although they are also expected to organize outbound trips more often. This tendency is set to include weekend trips and city breaks. Other ways to save time when booking overseas holidays is to choose countries which are located in closer proximity to Poland. Mainstream holidays, sun and beach holidays and round trips offer the best product potential. Demand for niche products is still relatively small, but interest is expected to increase. As Polish travellers are very price sensitive, tour operators underline the importance of price promotions.
WE RECOMMEND
- Media, bloggers and PR
- FAM trips
- Travel Agent visits to the destination
- Sales visits
- Trade events
MARKETING ACTIVITIES 2025
Poland – Czechia – Slovak Republic – Austria – Hungary Workshop Roadshow
Time:
Place: Warsaw (Poland), Prague (Czechia), Vienna (Austria) and Budapest (Hungary) as workshop events. Bratislava (Slovak Republic) as sales visit destination.
TV Programme Project
We are looking for a destination in winter 2023-2024 and spring 2023 for a tv programme series. Target audience groups are families with children and young adults. Each episode is 15 minutes long and the idea is to show travel destinations in Scandinavian. One programme presents three themes or travel destinations.
Tour operator, travel agent and media visits in one Scandinavian country
A typical tour operator FAM trip normally takes 3 – 4 days.
Media trips also include article(s) in winter and spring. It is possible to choose the print for the article.
The availability is for activities, fishing or other hobbies. Other options are for daily magazines and family lifestyle media. Paid articles are the most common way of marketing, in the right media.
Gazeta Wyborcza
Gazeta Wyborcza is the biggest newspaper in Poland. The newspaper has over 180 000 daily readers. Our campaign includes 1 or 4-page articles and the main distribution areas of the newspaper are Warsaw, Gdansk, Krakow and Poznan.
Registration: Not later than one month prior to the chosen date
Gazeta Wyborcza Internet Campaign
Gazeta Wyborcza is a popular internet site which is divided into four different geographically local sites. We produce article campaigns for one week in the sites as follows: www.warszawa.gazeta.pl, www.trojmiasto.gazeta.pl, krakow.gazeta.pl and
poznan.gazeta.pl
To increase the volume a banner campaign is offered during the week of the internet campaign. Banner clicks will be around 70 000.
Registration: One month prior to the chosen date
Other media
Fishing travel articles ”Wedkarski Siwat” magazine
1 page article. The articles are editorials. We are able to use existing texts and images of tourist destinations and companies.
Travel Enclosure ”Odkryj Europe”, 1 – 4 page articles.
Registration: One month prior to the chosen date of publication
Tour Operator event
Half day with catering and Suppliers’ Manual.
Time: All year round
Place: Warsaw
Translation in Polish
Slovak Republic
ECONOMY
Real GDP is projected to grow by 2.4% in 2025 and 2.1% in 2026. A tight labour market and strong nominal wage growth will lead to higher real incomes, supporting consumption growth. Easing of financial conditions, higher absorption of EU Recovery and Resilience funds and the expected recovery in foreign demand will increase investment and exports. On the other hand, higher taxes will weigh on growth, in particular through subdued consumption and investment.
MARKET OVERVEW
WE RECOMMEND
- Media, bloggers and PR
- FAM trips
- Travel Agent visits to the destination
- Sales visits
- Trade events
For more information and/or a tailor made offer please contact us at: .
Global Markets
ECONOMY
The global economy has remained resilient this year, despite differences in the strength of activity across countries and sectors. Inflation has continued to moderate and headline inflation is now back to central bank targets in most economies. Labour market tightness has also eased, although unemployment rates generally remain at or near historical lows. However, risks are casting a shadow over what is otherwise a relatively benign central projection. Key risks pertain to the intensification of geopolitical tensions, inflation turning out more persistent than anticipated and a sharp repricing of risk in financial markets.
The global economy is projected to remain resilient despite significant challenges, according to the OECD’s latest Economic Outlook. The Outlook projects global GDP growth of 3.3% in 2025, up from 3.2% in 2024, and 3.3% in 2026.
Inflation in the OECD is expected to ease further, from 5.4% in 2024 to 3.8% in 2025 and 3.0% in 2026, supported by the still restrictive stance of monetary policy in most countries. Headline inflation has already returned to central bank targets in nearly half of the advanced economies and close to 60% of emerging market economies.
MARKET OVERVIEW
The global outbound travel market is expected to see significant growth in 2025-2026, driven by increased international mobility, improved economic conditions, and a rising demand for unique travel experiences. With the continued recovery of the travel industry post-pandemic, international tourism is forecasted to surpass pre-2020 levels, particularly in regions with strong airline connectivity and streamlined visa policies. Asia-Pacific and North America will continue to be major sources of outbound tourists, while Europe remains a top destination due to its cultural richness, diverse landscapes, and efficient infrastructure.
Within this global travel boom, Northern Europe is increasingly viewed as an attractive destination for foreign tourists. Countries like Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland are gaining popularity due to their stunning natural landscapes, sustainable tourism initiatives, and high-quality travel experiences. Adventure tourism, Northern Lights viewing, and eco-friendly travel are major draws for visitors seeking authentic and environmentally conscious experiences.
MARKETING ACTIVITIES 2025
TRIPADVISOR CAMPAIGN
We recommend a year-long campaign in which the tourist area gets its own landing page to make the area and its services known to millions of site users. The page can have e.g. link to own pages/offers/partner’s pages, downloadable brochure, pictures, videos and event listing. The company can focus its marketing efforts on exactly those times when the need for new business is greatest. The timing of the campaign can be controlled for the whole year. The recommendation is to focus on a few months. The TripAdvisor campaign is mostly banner advertising on the company’s own pages.
Registration: 1 month prior the campaign start.
Routes 2025
As the region’s leading aviation event, bringing together industry-leading professionals from airlines, airports and destinations, Routes Europe 2025 provides you with a powerful platform to build valuable relationships with a qualified audience of route development decision makers from across the region and beyond.
Time: 8.-10.4.2025
Place: Seville, Spain
We have become more and more interested in countries located on the Arabian Peninsula. All the activities we can do in the United Arab Emirates we are able to do in the other countries located in the area. Clients are mainly male travellers. Special Interest and incentive travel are our focus in product development.
Israel NEW!
ECOCOMY
The evolving conflicts in the Middle East since October 2023 will continue to shape economic activity. GDP growth is projected to be 2.4% in 2025 and 4.6% in 2026. Military expenditure keeps government demand high.
MARKET OVERVIEW
Israel tourism statistics for 2024 and 2025. Israelis have taken over 7 million outbound trips 2024, down (only) by 22% compared to 2023. In January 2024 Israeli travelers have taken some 570 thousands trips – reaching a level of 93% compared to the same period in 2023 (before the war). Incentive and group travel is popular towards Nordic countries. Pilgrimage travel instead more to Baltic countries.
Kuwait
ECONOMY
Kuwait’s government projected its budget deficit to rise by 11.9 percent to 6.31 billion Kuwaiti dinars ($20.4 billion) for the fiscal year 2025-2026, up from the 5.6 billion dinars shortfall estimated for the current fiscal period.
MARKET OVERVIEW
Travellers from Kuwait made 4.2 million outbound visits in 2023, with a total international tourism expenditure of US$14.3 billion. According to Fitch Solutions, Kuwait’s total departures are expected to fully recover by 2024, reaching 3.8 million, surpassing the pre-COVID level of 3.7 million in 2019. This upward trend is anticipated to continue, with total departures projected to reach 4.9 million by 2026, translating to an average annual growth rate of 40.3% over the 2022-2026 period.
WE RECOMMEND
- Sales visits
- Media and PR
- Campaigns with local tour operators
- Travel Agent visits to the destination
- Social media campaigns
Qatar
ECONOMY
Officials recently highlighted the estimates of the average economic GDP growth rate for the years 2025-2029, stressing that the annual growth in the current year is expected to see growth upsurge to 2.4 percent, in addition to 2026 by 5.2 percent, in 2027 by 7.9 percent and in 2028 by 3.5 percent increase.
MARKET OVERVIEW
Qatar’s economy is experiencing robust growth, driven by strategic investments in various sectors, including tourism. This economic expansion is likely to increase disposable income among Qatari residents, potentially leading to higher outbound travel expenditures.
Qatar Airways’ strategic partnerships, such as the proposed stake in Virgin Australia, aim to expand flight routes and frequencies. This expansion is expected to provide Qatari travelers with more destinations and flexible travel options, potentially boosting outbound tourism.
WE RECOMMEND
- Sales visits
- Media and PR
- Campaigns with local tour operators
- Travel Agent visits to the destination
- Social media campaigns
Saudi Arabia
ECONOMY
This underpins our forecast that economic growth will rise to 3.4% in 2025 and 4.6% in 2026, from 1.3% in 2024. However, OPEC+ has stated that the unwinding may be paused or reversed based on market conditions, highlighting potential risks to these projections.
MARKET OVERVIEW
Saudi Arabia’s outbound tourism is poised for significant growth in the coming years, driven by economic expansion and increased international travel interest among its citizens.
According to Renub Research, Saudi Arabia’s outbound tourism market is anticipated to generate approximately US$25.49 billion by 2027, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.28% from 2021 to 2027.
RENUB.COM. This substantial increase underscores the growing propensity for international travel among Saudis.
WE RECOMMEND
- Sales visits
- Media and PR
- Campaigns with local tour operators
- Travel Agent visits to the destination
- Social media campaigns
United Arab Emirates
ECONOMY
The UAE economy is projected to grow at 4% in 2025 and 4.1% in 2026, according to the latest World Bank forecast. In its January 2025 update, the World Bank estimates UAE growth for 2024 at 3.3%, 0.6 percentage points lower than its June 2024 projection.
MARKET OVERVIEW
Tour operators from the UAE perceive the Nordic countries as a new, interesting, and competitive product, compared to other countries. To market these countries, we have to promote events like travel fairs where you can meet people from various sectors to get an understanding of the current trends. There are also some challenges. Hence, to market our destinations in Arab countries, one must be familiarized with the needs of the target groups, and especially the Arab family travellers. The most important market areas are Dubai and Abu Dhabi. A few professional tour operators operate in these countries and they have also offices in neighbouring countries.
WE RECOMMEND
- Sales visits
- Media and PR
- Campaigns with local tour operators
- Travel Agent visits to the destination
- Cross-marketing
- Social media campaigns
MARKETING ACTIVITIES 2025
Arabian Travel Market
The leading travel and tourism event in the region and a true global marketplace for companies right across the industry. The number of exhibitors is more than 2,500.
Optionally: Targeted meetings with local tour operators without own section
Time: 28.4.-1.5.2025
Place: Dubai, UAE
More information about the event / Link:
Arabian Travel Market 2025 and Sales Visits in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia
Sales trip to Qatar and UAE 2025
Personal introduction of the Baltic Sea Region manual and suitable package tours to local tour operators personally. Follow-up: 2-4 Baltic Sea area briefings via email. Tailor-made.
Time: 2025
Place: Qatar (Doha) and UAE (Abu Dhabi, Dubai)
Our Partner Company in the United Arab Emirates:
Mrs. Tuija Sulkinoja
A third country, Mexico, could be added to this list, but our knowledge of that target market area is limited. We are mainly focusing on the Canadian markets in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec provinces.
Canada
ECONOMY
GDP growth is expected to strengthen from 1.1% in 2024 to 2.0% in 2025 and 2.0% in 2026. This improvement is supported by a stronger global outlook and lower interest rates, which will boost exports and business investment. Although the labour market has deteriorated in recent months, it is set to recover during 2025. Headline and core inflation have come down and approached the target level.
MARKET OVERVIEW
In 2025, Canadian travelers planning trips to Europe will encounter new entry requirements and expanded flight options. The European Union (EU) is introducing the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), a mandatory electronic travel authorization for visitors from visa-exempt countries, including Canada. This system requires travelers to apply online, providing personal and travel information, and pay a €7 fee.
WE RECOMMEND
- Sales visits
- Media and PR
- Campaigns with on-line tour operators
- Travel Agent visits to the destination
- Cross-marketing
- Social media campaigns
The United States of America (USA)
ECONOMY
With monetary policy easing having begun in the third quarter of 2024, further policy rate cuts are likely to continue until early 2026, with the policy rate settling at around 3¼ to 3½ per cent, a good bit above pre-pandemic levels. Real GDP growth is expected to slow gradually in 2025 and 2026. As immigration normalises, labour demand cools, and savings accumulated during the pandemic are fully exhausted, private consumption growth will slow.
MARKET OVERVIEW
In the USA specific states and areas have more travellers, for example to Europe. These are the western part of USA, the Great Lakes and the East Coast. We have good connections to tour operators and media and work with a specific operations agent. The competition in the North American Travel arena is fierce, marketing has to be targeted and continuity is the key. The US market offers endless opportunities and the upscale affluent traveller segment is of special interest to the Nordic Countries. A growing number of US citizens have a Hispanic background. The domestic economy, value for money and world events are the three major factors impacting US travel trends.
WE RECOMMEND
- Sales visits
- Media and PR
- Campaigns with local tour operators
- Campaigns with on-line tour operators
- Travel Agent visits to the destination
- Cross-marketing
- Social media campaigns
MARKETING ACTIVITIES 2024-2025
E-blitzes
E-blitzes are sent to approx. 84 -90,000 US & Canadian travel agents (per blitz) to drive traffic to website and to social media and highlight major themes as well as inspire the trade to make recommendations to their clients. An e-blitz is a broadcast of an especially designed computer/html form with promotional information to a large database, in order to create awareness. Current average hit rate ( open rate ) to e-blitzes range from 10 to 20 %. Blitzes go to agents from nearly every agency, consortium, host agency and home based agents. The message can also be tailored to reach Mice and/or consumer markets, but at a higher cost.
Management of the project
We will assist in designing a powerful message, catchy subject lines and a colorful simple form – travel trade will not take time to read lengthy e-mails. The message can also be tailored to specific markets; FITs, groups, luxury, special interest, LGBT, or other markets.
Press releases
For select trade press, short release to catch attention and direct mail to selected tour operators – providing information for tour development into the future.
North American Roadshow 2025
Time: April 2025
Place: Chicago, Toronto and New York + Mexico City
More information about the event / Link:
Our partner company in North America:
Global Marketing Initiatives, Inc.
Scandinavia / Nordic countries
Nordic people are big travellers in numbers and frequencies. That makes these destinations important and interesting to follow.
Denmark
ECONOMY
GDP growth is projected to moderate from 2.8% in 2024 to 2.5% in 2025 and 1.7% in 2026. Output growth in the pharmaceutical sector will continue to sustain higher activity, albeit at a slower pace. Domestic demand will strengthen, supported by stronger household purchasing power, lower interest rates and a housing market recovery. Inflation will reach 2% in 2025 and 2026, as wage growth slows. Labour market tightness is projected to ease, but persistent skills shortages in key areas remain.
MARKET OVERVIEW
Denmark as a source market is smaller than Norway and Sweden. Anyway Denmark plays important role because it’s legislation benefits DMC operations which cover not only Denmark but also Baltic and Nordic countries.
WE RECOMMEND
- Sales visits
- Media and PR
- Campaigns with local tour operators
- Campaigns with on-line tour operators
- Travel Agent visits to the destination
- Cross-marketingSocial media campaigns
Iceland
ECONOMY
The economy will grow by 2.3% in 2025 and 2.8% in 2026. Private consumption will recover as real wages rise. Business investment, which has been held back by high interest rates, will strengthen as confidence increases and financial conditions improve. Housing investment remains strong as pent-up demand is worked off. Exports will pick up, driven by a modest rebound of marine products and foreign tourism.
MARKET OVERVIEW
WE RECOMMEND
- Sales visits
- Media and PR
- Campaigns with local tour operators
- Campaigns with on-line tour operators
- Travel Agent visits to the destination
- Cross-marketing
- Social media campaigns
Norway
ECONOMY
Mainland GDP is projected to grow by 1.8% in 2025 and 2.0% in 2026, increasingly driven by private sector activity. Higher household disposable income and lower debt servicing costs will push up private consumption. The central bank is projected to start cutting the policy rate in early 2025 but to keep a restrictive stance over the projection period as inflation will remain above the 2% target.
MARKET OVERVIEW
WE RECOMMEND
- Sales visits
- Media and PR
- Campaigns with local tour operators
- Campaigns with on-line tour operators
- Travel Agent visits to the destination
- Cross-marketing
- Social media campaigns
Sweden
ECONOMY
The economy is expected to grow modestly by 0.6% in 2024, followed by stronger growth of 1.8% in 2025 and 2.8% in 2026. Private consumption will recover from late 2024, supported by reduced debt servicing costs, rising real incomes, and improvements in the labour market. Inflation is set to remain below target until mid-2026.
MARKET OVERVIEW
Global rank for international tourism expenditure: 19th. Swedish consumers are comfortable using the Internet to book travel, and consider themselves to be experienced international travellers. Sweden is the world’s 20th most valuable source market for international tourism. More than an eight of the population lives in the capital Stockholm. The key travel trade centres are Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo. Seven out of ten Swedes read reviews on the Internet before they book their holidays. The most common places are search engines (88 %) and contacting company directly (87 %). Ferry/cruise companies play an important role as distribution channels for the neighbouring countries.
WE RECOMMEND
- Sales visits
- Media and PR
- Co-operation with local and foreign ferry and cruise companies
- Campaigns with local tour operators
- Campaigns with on-line tour operators
- Travel Agent visits to the destination
- Cross-marketing
- Social media campaigns
MARKETING ACTIVITIES 2024 – 2025
Barnsemester
Advertisement on the website or in a newsletter. The website has 20.000-80.000 unique visitors/week and 50.000-350.000 exposures/week. The newsletter is distributed twice a month to 60.000 contacts (a 25% hit rate/opening rate).
Time: All year round, but especially recommended in April-May, results from May to September
More information / Link:
Archipelago Fair “Skärgårdsmässan”
The Archipelago Fair in The Royal Djurgården is since 1989 one of the most appreciated events in Stockholm with more than 50 000 visitors searching for ideas for the summer holidays.
Time: 7.-9.7.2024
Our partner companies in Sweden:
Market Makers
This Travel Workshop Roadshow gathers together Suppliers from all over Baltic and Nordic countries. Buyers are from Argentina, Brazil and Chile.
Argentina, Brazil and Chile
ECONOMY
Argentina
GDP is expected to contract by 3.8% in 2024 and rise by 3.6% in 2025 and 3.8% in 2026. The recovery in private consumption will be sustained by real wage gains amid declining inflation and a strengthening labour market. Investment will benefit from improving confidence as macroeconomic imbalances are gradually reduced, with further support from a new preferential regime for large projects.
Brazil
Real GDP is projected to grow by 3.2% in 2024, 2.3% in 2025 and 1.9% in 2026. Persistent job creation and strong wage growth will drive household consumption through 2025. Following a strong pick-up in 2024, private investment will remain buoyant although slowing gradually. A slowdown in export market growth will limit export expansion. Inflation has picked up in the second half of 2024 but is expected to converge towards the 3.0% target by 2026, although at a slow pace.
Chile
The economy is projected to grow by 2.4% in 2024, slowing slightly to 2.3% in 2025, and 2.1% in 2026. Growth will be driven by a gradual recovery of investment, solid consumption growth supported by increasing real wages and easing financial conditions, and sustained external demand for minerals. Inflation is expected to decrease steadily, converging to the 3% target by early 2026.
MARKET OVERVIEW
WE RECOMMEND
MARKETING ACTIVITIES 2025
South America Roadshow
Time: 4.-24.3.2025
Place: Argentina, Brazil, Chile
More information about the event / Link:
Our only target market area in South-East Asia is India. Still an undeveloped country but with many millionaires. Our target market areas in India are mainly in Bangalore, Mumbai and New Delhi.
In South-East Asia the focus is mainly on what goes on at ITB Asia in Singapore. We also recommend to look at the markets in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
India
ECONOMY
GDP is expected to grow by 6.8% in fiscal year (FY) 2024-25, and this momentum is set to be sustained at similar rates throughout FY 2025-26 and 2026-27. Strong investment is the main driver of this robust performance, with accelerating public infrastructure outlays. Vigorous credit growth is supporting private investment.
MARKET OVERVIEW
Indian people are one of the most remarkable travel group, together with the Chinese. The Nordic countries brand is gradually getting more known among local tour operators. The flight connections of Finnair support this. There are around 70 000-80 000 bed nights from India to Finland per year. Two-third of the population in India still lives in rural areas, but the urban middle class is now estimated at 300 million, 2,4 million of whom have wealth greater than $ 100,000.
WE RECOMMEND
- Sales visits to the destination
- Get focused on tour operators
- Media and PR
- FAM trips and media visits in Finland
- Cross-marketing
- SATTE Travel Fair in New Delhi
MARKETING ACTIVITIES 2025
Sales Visits
Time: Year-round in 2024, 2-4 day progrmme
Place: Mumbai (2 days) and Delhi (2 days)
Newsletters for the tourism industry and media
Time: All year around in 2025
Place: India
Singapore
ECONOMY
One of the wealthiest countries in the world, Singapore is consistently a draw for businesses from all over, thanks in part to its pro-enterprise government policies, investments in innovation, highly skilled labor force, and political and economic stability.
In the long-term, the Singapore Full Year GDP Growth is projected to trend around 2.60 percent in 2025 and 2.50 percent in 2026, according to our econometric models. In Singapore, services are the biggest sector of the economy and account for 72 percent of GDP.
MARKET OVERVIEW
WE RECOMMEND
- Sales visits to the destination
- Get focused on tour operators
- Media and PR
- FAM trips and media visits in Finland
- Cross-marketing
- ITB Asia B2B Travel Fair
MARKETING ACTIVITIES 2025
ITB Asia 2025, Singapore – Luxury Tourism Promotion
There will be a special luxury tourism section at ITB Asia where the stand promoting luxury tourism of Baltic and Nordic region is located. Specialized luxury tourism Buyers are not only from Singapore but also especially from East Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia.
Time: 15.10 – 17.10.2025
Place: Singapore
Southern Europe has faced many economic issues in recent years. Travelling has regardless been a big part of the population’s leisure activities. In our ranking Spain will come first, after that France and Italy.
France
ECONOMY
GDP growth is projected to remain subdued at 1.1% in 2024, before easing to 0.9% in 2025 and 1.0% in 2026. For the second consecutive year, external demand is the primary driver of growth in 2024. Domestic demand, which benefited from a temporary boost to private consumption in the third quarter of 2024 from the Olympic Games, is expected to recover from 2025, gaining momentum as disinflation boosts purchasing power.
MARKET OVERVIEW
The economic situation in France has been improving, Finland is still the leading country among the Nordic countries in terms of leisure tourism. Winter in Finland remains the privileged season for the French market.
What comes to summer, the sales to Baltic Sea Region could be more significant with more targeted nature activities, products, more visibility, more communication… Norway remains the leader among the Nordic countries for the French market during the summer season. Internet bookings are more and more popular for French travellers to all destinations.
WE RECOMMEND
- Sales visits in the destination ( Tour Operators and Travel Agents)
- Media and PR events
- Campaigns with local tour operators
- Campaigns with on-line tour operators
- Cross-marketing
- Social media campaigns
MARKETING ACTIVITIES 2024-2025
ILTM – International Luxury Travel Market
Time: 2.-5.12.2024
Place: Palais des Festivals et des Congres, Cannes
IFTM – International France Travel Market
Time: September 2025
Place: Palais de Versaille, Paris
Greece
ECONOMY
GDP is projected to grow by 2.3% in 2024, 2.2% in 2025 and 2.5% in 2026. Rising disposable income will strengthen consumption, as a tight labour market and minimum wage increases support wages. Employment growth is projected to ease progressively amid rising labour costs.
MARKET OVERVIEW
Italy
ECONOMY
Real GDP growth is projected to grow by 0.5% in 2024, before picking up modestly to 0.9% in 2025 and 1.2% in 2026. Collectively bargained wages have grown by about 4%, bolstering household incomes and private consumption. Real GDP is projected to grow by 0.5% in 2024, 0.9% in 2025 and 1.2% in 2026. In the near term, restrictive financial conditions and the wind-down of the Superbonus building tax credit will continue to weigh on private consumption and investment, especially in the construction sector.
MARKET OVERVIEW
Travelling continues to form a big part of leisure activities. The focus is in Northern Italy due to its biggest potential. There is also a demand for Northern European destinations in the Greater Rome area. E-commerce continues to grow rapidly in Italy with travel and tourism consistently as top sellers. Italians remain budget-conscious and are increasingly booking “last minute” to take advantage of special deals. It is a habit to use bank holiday to create a bridge or “ponti” which links the weekends to the bank holidays for a longer time off.
Italian travel trade consider there will be 3,2% growth coming in volumes especially to Northern Europe. The COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting to travel possibilities of outbound tourism. There are plans to open up travelling already during summer 2021. There have been bankruptcies within outbound tourism industry due to the travel restrictions for longer period.
WE RECOMMEND
- Media and PR
- Campaigns with local tour operators
- Campaigns with on-line tour operators
- Travel Agent visits to the destination
- Cross-marketing
- Social media campaigns
- FAM trips and media visits
MARKETING ACTIVITIES 2025
Baltic Sea workshop for travel trade
One day B2B sales event in Milan City centre. Meetings with approximately 25 Italian buyers, tour operators, big agents and incentive houses.
Time: –
Place: Milan city centre, Italy
TTG Travel Trade fair 2025 Rimini
International travel trade fair in Rimini. This annual three-day event takes place for the 53rd time in 2022. 50,000 trade visitors, more than one thousand direct exhibitors and 2,400 companies represented from 100 countries.
Time: 9.-11.2.2025
Place: Rimini, Fair center
More information about the event / Link:
Roadshows and promotional events: On request
Consumer Campaigns:
- Co-marketing campaigns with big companies.
- Product Campaigns in Summer and in Winter, online and offline.
Media
- FAM trips
- Press communication
- Press conferences
Consultancy
Consultancy in product development, sales and marketing.
Personalized marketing materials
Creation and production of sales and marketing materials.
Spain and Portugal
ECONOMY
Spain
GDP will grow by 3.0% in 2024, 2.3% in 2025 and 2.0% in 2026. Domestic demand will underpin growth, with private consumption expanding on the back of a resilient labour market, higher household savings and real income gains. Headline inflation is projected to fall to 2.8% in 2024, 2.1% in 2025 and 2% in 2026. The main downside risks are heightened geopolitical tensions that could increase energy prices and worsen demand from Spain’s main trading partners.
Portugal
Real GDP growth is projected to ease to 1.7% in 2024 and reach 2.0% in 2025 and 2026. The tight labour market and falling inflation are supporting real wage growth and private consumption. The implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) is set to further raise investment and public consumption in 2025 and 2026. A progressive strengthening of external demand will raise exports. As labour demand slows, inflation will moderate to 2.1% in 2026.
MARKET OVERVIEW
In Spain the main market areas are Barcelona (Catalonia) and Greater Madrid area. So far Catalonia has been the most important target market area in numbers. Many merging company events have been taken place during these few years. The economy has severely affected the volumes in Spain.
The Portuguese market is very dependent on transportation connections to the Nordic countries. Portuguese tour operators also have good connections to the Brazilian markets.
WE RECOMMEND
- Sales visits in the destination ( Tour Operators and Travel Agents )
- Media events ( e.g. in connection with travel fairs )
- Campaigns with local tour operators and on-line tour operators
- Cross-marketing
- Social media campaigns
MARKETING ACTIVITIES 2025
Fitur 2025
Time: 22-26.1.2025
Place: Madrid, Spain
More information about the event / Link:
Baltic Sea Workshop
Time: 2025
Place: Barcelona, Madrid in Spain, Lisbon in Portugal
Sales visits
Sales visits in the most important cities ( Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon, eventually Bilbao and Valencia ) visiting the main tour operators dealing with Finland and other Nordic and Baltic countries.
Product Development and FAM trip project
A 2-step project focusing on developing the products of a certain destination according to the market needs and finding committed sellers for the products.
1) Site inspection trip accompanied by ToolBox representative, evaluation of the products, selection of suitable products for the market, suggestion and support for the product development.
2) Invitation of the decision makers of the most important tour operators dealing with the area or interested in starting the programming, escorting of the group, follow-up.
Türkiye NEW!
ECONOMY
The economy has slowed in 2024, with year-on-year GDP growth dropping from 5.3% in the first quarter to 2.5% in the second quarter. Tight financial conditions weigh on domestic demand, causing household spending and investment to slow significantly.
MARKET OVERVIEW
Turkish tourists traveled abroad in record numbers in 2024, with 11.39 million people visiting foreign destinations for various purposes, including tourism, business, and family visits. The increase reflects Türkiye’s growing role as both a major tourist destination and a significant source of outbound travelers. Incentive travel is one important travel segment which is interesting towards Baltic and Nordic countries.
MARKETING ACTIVITIES 2025