Matka Travel Fair kicked off the travel year strongly – encounters and experiences leave a lasting impression

Matka Travel Fair and the Caravan Fair were held from Thursday to Sunday, 15–18 January 2026, at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre.

Organised for the 38th time, the international Matka Travel Fair welcomed visitors to explore destinations, experiences and tourism offerings. Interest in nature, culture and domestic travel was evident across the entire event, and exhibitors responded by presenting a wide range of experiential content. Visitors could, for example, try virtual reality experiences such as white‑water rafting with VR glasses, learn about regional handicraft traditions and sample local delicacies.

Nearly 1,000 exhibitors from around 60 countries participated in the Matka this year. More than 56,400 visitors, including trade professionals, attended between 15 and 18 January 2026.

“Growing exhibitor and visitor numbers clearly demonstrate the importance of Matka Travel Fair for the entire industry and its role as a key meeting place that supports business growth. The event offers visitors the opportunity to receive information directly from experts, while exhibitors can create memorable impressions that influence future travel plans,” says Noora Haatainen, Business Manager of Matka Travel Fair.

A significant meeting place both internationally and domestically

The event continues to be highly attractive to international exhibitors. Many destinations have expanded their presence by bringing more programme content and new products, and several countries have increased the number of companies represented. Visibility at the fair has clearly been shown to boost interest in those destinations.

Interest in domestic tourism also continues to grow. Among the record number of Finnish regions present, strong cooperation and joint promotion played a central role.

“We are stronger together – tourism is, above all, about networking, and together we can present the region’s offering to visitors in an engaging and memorable way. The new VisitKarelia brand launched at the fair, uniting all 13 municipalities and cities under a shared message and visual identity, has been very well received by visitors,” says Terhi Millar, Development Manager at VisitKarelia.

Caravan Fair highlights the appeal of vehicle‑based travel

The Helsinki Caravan Fair 2026 showcased new recreational vehicles and presented the opportunities offered by vehicle‑based travel, featuring nearly 200 caravans and motorhomes.

“At the Caravan Fair we meet not only experienced vehicle travellers but also visitors interested in travel who have no previous experience of caravan holidays. Holding the event alongside Matka Travel Fair is a major advantage for us. Interest is clearly growing, and the range was extensive and diverse this year. Companies have been very satisfied, and business has been good,” says Mika Jokinen, Executive Director of the Association of Touring Vehicle Importers.

A total of 704 professionals participated in Matka Workshop Day, the sales and networking event held on 16 January 2026 in conjunction with Travel Fair. Matka Workshop Day is the most important buying and selling event for travel services in the Nordic countries. Nearly 260 companies from 52 countries presented their destinations, and more than 260 international buyers attended. Over 5,300 meetings were held during the day.

Matka Travel Fair, the largest travel event in Northern Europe, will take place from 21 to 24 January 2027 at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. The international travel trade event Matka Workshop Day will open the fair on 20 January 2027. The Helsinki Caravan Fair will take place from 21 to 24 January 2027.
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For more information:
Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre

Matka Travel Fair Communications:
Terhi Laine, terhi.laine@messukeskus.com, tel. +358 40 626 6447

Caravan Fair Communications:
Teija Armanto, teija.armanto@messukeskus.com, tel. +358 50 376 0804

Event photos: http://mediabank.messukeskus.com