More than 600 exhibitors will participate in the fair, in addition to which there will be an extensive programme coverage of topics related to health-safe and responsible travel as well as food tourism.

”The industry strongly believes in the restart of travel and tourism and we expect the Matka Nordic Travel Fair to be a public success, as the travel fever among Finns is at a historically high level. In January, most trips will probably be booked to our partner country, Greece,” says Lumia Ankkuri, Business Manager for Matka Nordic Travel Fair.

This year, the strongest representation of foreign exhibitors comes from Europe, but there are also exotic destinations, eg. Tanzania, Malesia and the Maldives bring warm breezes from the equator. The popularity of domestic tourism can be seen in many different areas: Lapland, Saimaa, Ostrobothnia, Kainuu, Lakeland and the Archipelago. New tourist areas are also launched, such as the Lauhanvuori-Hämeenkangas Geopark biking area and the Zeniitti Tourist Resort in Kempele (10 km from Oulu).

Inspiring programme, encounters, food tourism, music and dance performances

Once again, the Matka Nordic Travel Fair offers culinary experiences in the Helsinki Travel Food District area. The programme, for its part, will present an Experiential Food Tourism panel on Friday.

”For the fair visitor, the Matka Nordic Travel Fair is already a journey in itself, in addition to information and site presentations, there are also magnificent musical performances from opera to ukulele and everything in between. I recommend that you reserve enough time and enjoy the atmosphere,” adds Lumia Ankkuri.

Responsibility and outdoor activities rise as tourism themes

In addition to various destinations and activities, the fair visitor learns how tourists can visit destinations as responsibly as possible, so that the nature at the destinations and the communities sustain the number of tourists. Traveling over land has also grown in popularity, and this is strongly reflected in that there is an own area for this. The theme is also presented in the stands and exhibition program supply. Interest in camping vehicles has been growing with the growth of domestic tourism and automobile tourism has gained many new enthusiasts. In connection with the Matka Nordic Travel Fair, the Caravan fair will be opened as usual.

The largest travel fair in Northern Europe Matka Nordic Travel Fair is arranged 20-23 January 2022 at Messukeskus in Helsinki. The international travel trade event Matka Workshop Day will open the Matka Nordic Travel Fair 19 January 2022. The Global Travel Summit event is arranged during the Matka Nordic Travel Fair 21 January 2022. The Helsinki Caravan Fair is organised simultaneously 21-23 January 2022.

More information: Messukeskus, Business Manager Lumia Ankkuri, lumia.ankkuri@messukeskus.com, +358 50 3870 023, Communications Manager Anu-Eveliina Mattila, anu-eveliina.mattila@messukeskus.com, +358 50 555 6183. Photos from Matka Nordic Travel Fair: http://mediabank.messukeskus.com

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