Helsinki Airport breaks another record

THE 20 millionth passenger of the year has visited Helsinki Airport.This historical milestone is the climax of the unprecedented growth in the past few years. The current development programme budgeted at €1 billion helps the airport to prepare for serving up to 30 million passengers a year.

Up to 21 million passengers are expected to visit #Helsinki Airport by the end of the year. The corresponding figure last year was 18.9 million passengers.  Joni Sundelin, Director of Helsinki Airport says that responsibility is a key factor in the growth of Helsinki Airport.

“We do our best to ensure that the volume air traffic can grow responsibly.Helsinki Airport is already a carbon neutral airport.We use renewable energy and fuels and compensate for other emissions.”


Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Top Christmas Destination

HAVING been named the world’s number one Christmas city, #Helsinki is more than ready for another festive holiday season. The unique appeal of the Finnish capital is obvious also during the Christmas season, the warm atmosphere, fun activities, stunning nature and other Christmas elements are described in detail on the MyHelsinki.fi website. 

Helsinki has been highlighted as a top destination this Christmas by numerous international media outlets, The Guardian listed Helsinki has one of Europe’s best Christmas getaway destinations. Christmas in Helsinki is a mix of new and old traditions. A Christmas atmosphere is guaranteed all the way from late November through to Epiphany at the start of the New Year. The holiday season is rounded off by the popular Lux Helsinki light festival, which presents brilliant light art throughout the city centre from 5 to 9 January 2019.

The most anticipated architectural grand opening of the year takes place around Finnish Independence Day at the start of December, when the internationally acclaimed Helsinki Central Library Oodi opens to the public. The grand opening programme includes dance, music and theatre performances over two days on 5 and 6 December.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Helsinki and Lyon Awarded Titles of 2019 European Capitals of Smart Tourism

HELSINKI and Lyon the winners of the first edition of the European Capital of Smart Tourism competition were awarded their titles yesterday, November 7 at a ceremony in Brussels, on the occasion of the European Tourism Day.Cities of more than 100.000 inhabitants were eligible in the first edition of this competition, 38 cities from 19 EU Member States applied.In addition, four cities received 2019 European Smart Tourism Awards for their outstanding achievements in the four categories of the competition: Málaga (Accessibility), Ljubljana (Sustainability), Copenhagen (Digitalisation) and Linz (Cultural Heritage & Creativity).

The European Capital of Smart Tourism is a new EU initiative, based on a proposal from the European Parliament, which secured its funding for 2018 - 2019 through a Preparatory Action. The initiative seeks to strengthen tourism-generated innovative development in EU cities and their surroundings, increase their attractiveness as well as strengthen economic growth and job creation.

To celebrate their success, Helsinki and Lyon have planned an exciting schedule of activities for 2019. For example, Helsinki will be launching a smart city guidance pilot scheme, making use of collaborative work with businesses and digital tools to create a smarter way to guide people in the city. Lyon's representatives will be travelling the globe for shows, press meetings and special events to inform new audiences about the city's smart opportunities.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

European Capital of Smart Tourism nominees

A new EU initiative aims to promote smart tourism in the EU, foster innovative, sustainable and inclusive tourism development, as well as spread and facilitate the exchange of best practices. The European Capital of Smart Tourism initiative recognises outstanding achievements in four categories: sustainability, accessibility, digitalisation as well as cultural heritage and creativity, by European cities as tourism destinations.

The following cities have been shortlisted as finalists in the competition for the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2019 are:

Brussels (Belgium), Helsinki (Finland), Ljubljana (Slovenia), Lyon (France), Málaga (Spain), Nantes (France), Palma (Spain), Poznań (Poland), Tallinn (Estonia), and Valencia (Spain).


Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Best connected airport

HELSINKI Airport has been voted the Best Airport in Northern Europe by passengers in the SKYTRAX World Airport Awards. The results were announced at Passenger Terminal EXPO in Stockholm, Sweden on 21 March 2018.

#Helsinki Airport is the best connected airport in Northern Europe with 145 non-stop destinations all around the world by over 50 airlines. It is an important air traffic hub between Europe and Asia. In 2017, Helsinki Airport served 18.9 million passengers, which was 9.9% more than the year before. In 2018, the airport expects to reach the 20 million passengers milestone.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Up in the air . . .

SCOTLAND'S only route to Finland will now operate the whole year round following an extension to the Edinburgh Helsinki service.

Finnair’s direct flight between the two capitals will extend to year round from 25th March with up to nine weekly flights in the summer season and up to three in winter.

It follows the announcement of two new routes from Edinburgh to Seville and Jersey in a positive start to 2018 for Scotland’s busiest airport.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Helsinki sees growth in cruise visitors in 2017

INTERNATIONAL cruises to the Baltic Sea are growing in popularity. The summer cruise season in #Helsinki too was extremely busy, as international cruise ships brought a total of 478,000 cruise visitors to the Finnish capital. This represents growth of almost 17 percent compared to last year, when Helsinki attracted 409,000 cruise visitors. 

This year’s figure also beats the previous record of 436,500 cruise visitors, which was set in 2015. A total of 266 cruise ships visited Helsinki in 2017. Although this is fewer than the record set in 2013, the record number of cruise visitors in 2017 reflects the growing capacity of international cruise ships. Helsinki also anticipates a busy cruise season in 2018.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Sweat it out in Finland

WHAT do a gondola, the Finnair SkyWheel and a fast food restaurant all have in common? In a country home to over three million saunas it is perhaps no surprise that Finland’s most famous export, the sauna, can be found in unexpected places.  In #Finland, the sauna is an integral part of daily life offering physical and spiritual cleansing, promising an array of health benefits. For many Finns, the sauna is a sanctuary – a place for mental and physical purification and renewal.

In Helsinki’s Hartwall Arena, home to the Jokerit ice hockey team, guests can stay warm at the ice rink with a private sauna. A selection of VIP Skyboxes include saunas fitted with windows so guests can keep their eye on the puck whether they are entertaining clients and colleagues or enjoying a night with family and friends.

Visitors can even enjoy a sauna as they soar above the beautiful Helsinki skyline in the Finnair SkyWheel SkySauna. Spot Helsinki’s most famous landmarks, look out over the open sea and the surrounding islands along the south coast of Finland from the private sauna in the heart of Helsinki which can accommodate up to 20 people.

Roasting sausages on an open fire is often a key part of the Finnish sauna experience, but one newly-opened sauna will give Finns a different dining experience. Guests visiting the Mannerheimintie Burger King branch in Helsinki can enjoy a Whopper while they relax in a 15-person sauna that comes complete with a TV, Burger King bath robes and towels.

Further North, the world’s first sauna gondola takes guests through the breathtaking Lapland landscape at Ylläs ski resort, 718 metres above sea level. On a 20-minute roundtrip journey, guests can enjoy the majestic scenery from the comfort of the four-person sauna gondola.


Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Qatar Airways increases frequencies to Eastern Europe and the Nordics

QATAR Airways has doubled its frequencies to a number of destinations in Eastern Europe and the Nordics, following a significant increase in passenger demand to the popular destinations of Prague, Warsaw and Helsinki.

Commencing mid-December, the award-winning airline will introduce an extra daily flight on each of the routes to meet the growing inbound and outbound travel demand by adding an Airbus A320 service, offering an additional 132 daily seats in both directions.
  
Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Helsinki Highs

IN March 2017, 287,000 bednights were recorded in #Helsinki, of which 140,000 nights were spent by domestic visitors and 147,000 nights by foreigners. 

Domestic bednights increased 18 percent and foreign bednights increased 20 percent. In total, bednights increased 19 percent from last year's March. 

Most foreign bednights in Helsinki were recorded for Japanese (14,100 nights). 

The FIS Nordic Ski Championships in Lahti in February and March and the World Figure Skating Championships in Helsinki increased the number of nights spent in Helsinki in March.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Finland's 100th year of independence

UK visitors looking to explore #Finland, in this, its 100th year of independence, are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation. From the modern Nordic-inspired hotels of Helsinki to the remote waterside cabins of Lakeland, there’s something for every holidaymaker.

Visitfinland.com have put together some great out of the ordinary stays for adventurous travellers.

Tentsiles, Nuuksio National Park, Espoo

Hang out in the trees at Nuuksio National Park’s new Eco Camp, the most ecologically friendly site in the world. Stay in a suspended Connect Tree Tentsile or Stingray Tree Tentsile for an unforgettable night surrounded by Finnish nature. Make the most of your experience by swimming in Nuuksio Long Lake, visiting the private beach at the Eco Camp, hiking through magnificent rocky hills nearby, or viewing nature exhibitions at the Finnish Nature Centre. The Tentsile Experience Eco Camp will be open from 01 June – 30 September, 2017. Prices start at €150 per night for a 2 person Connect Tentsile tree tent inclusive of sleeping bags, towels, breakfast at Restaurant Haltia, tickets to exhibitions at the Finnish Nature Centre, campfire firewood, bottled water and an eco toilet. On darker summer nights a Luminaid solar lamp will be provided. (www.honkalintu.fi / +358 50 330 8077)

Aurora Domes, Torassieppi
Situated on the banks of Lake Torassieppi and the first of their kind in Finland, these igloo-shaped tents are far from the bright lights of large resorts. Kick back in your dome and watch the blazing colours of the Aurora Borealis dance across the night sky. The insulated domes feature a wood burning stove, a cosy double bed, and clear panels offering a perfect view of the glistening lake and vast sky. Sauna and washroom facilities are located just 50 metres away from the lakeside camp. Due to the popularity of Aurora glamping, a further two domes are being opened this year. Harriniva Hotels & Safaris Aurora Domes start at €300 per night for two people including breakfast. (www.harriniva.fi / +358 400 155 100)

Mobile Cabins, Lake Inari

Gaze upon the glorious night sky from the comfort of a kitted out mobile cabin at Lake Inari. Weather permitting, your friendly host Esko will drive your cabin onto the frozen lake with a snowmobile before leaving you to enjoy spectacular views overnight. As well as large windows in the walls and roof, each cabin features a double bed, heating and toilet. The base camp offers many activities including fishing, snowmobiling, skiing and husky sledding. Prices for the mobile cabins start at €175 for cabins that stay onshore or €280 per night on the frozen lake for two people inclusive of breakfast and a pick up service in Inari Village. (www.lakeinari.com / +358 40 737 8181)

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, Rovaniemi

The first Arctic TreeHouse Hotel enables guests to experience the Arctic Circle from nest-like suites perched among the trees. Offering spectacular views over the treetops, the suites are a marriage of Lappish heritage and modern Scandinavian design. Located only 10 minutes by car from the centre of Rovaniemi, the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel puts you on the doorstep of many of Lapland’s attractions such as SantaPark, the Ranua Zoo and the Provincial Museum Arktikum. Rooms at the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel start at €299 per night for two guests inclusive of full buffet breakfast and Wi-Fi. (www.santaparkarcticworld.com/arctic-treehouse-hotel / +358 505 176 909)

SnowVillage, Kittilä

Sleeping at SnowVillage is not only an exotic Arctic experience, but a surprisingly cosy one too. SnowVillage is a magical world constructed with around 20 million kilograms of snow and 350,000 kilograms of crystal clear ice. Tucked into a thermal sleeping bag, you can enjoy serene silence and marvel at beautifully illuminated snow and ice art in your suite. Make the most of SnowVillage by devouring a delicious dinner at the Ice Restaurant or ordering a drink ‘on the rocks’ at the Ice Bar. SnowVillage is constructed each October/November when the temperature falls to about -10°C. Prices for the Snow Hotel Suite, which accommodates up to four people, start at €420 per night. The price includes a guided tour of the SnowVillage with sleepover instructions, high quality sleeping bags and fleece lining bags, room wake up with hot berry juice and buffet breakfast inside the warm log restaurant and a diploma to commemorate your overnight stay. (www.snowvillage.fi / +358 040 416 7227)

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Finnair inaugurates Helsinki-Edinburgh route

FINNAIR has celebrated its inaugural flight from Edinburgh and Helsinki. The carrier now operates three flights a week between the two capitals.

To offer summer travellers greater flexibility, a fourth weekly flight will operate on Wednesdays between June 22 and August 10.

The new Edinburgh service joins London Heathrow, Manchester, and Dublin as Finnair gateways in the UK and Ireland.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Nordic connections for Cambridge flights

SCANDINAVIA’S SUN-AIR is planning to expand its range of Nordic destinations from Cambridge, England, with connecting services to #Stockholm and #Helsinki. 

The move comes after the successful introduction of the Gothenburg service in March this year. Passengers from Cambridge travelling to the two Scandinavian capitals – Stockholm and Helsinki – will be able to use the connections at Gothenburg for onward flights.

Says David Surley, head of business and route development at Cambridge Airport: ‘SUN-AIR has not only brought us closer to Scandinavia with its daily midweek Gothenburg flights, it is now connecting Cambridge and our region to two of Europe’s most important capital cities.

‘Flight links to Stockholm’s downtown airport take you right to the heart of the Swedish capital, avoiding lengthy road journeys, while the link to Helsinki is particularly significant – the only connection from the East England region, shaving hours off the alternative journey using Gatwick or Heathrow.’

Daily flights are operated from Cambridge, Monday-Thursday at 7am, Return flights depart Helsinki and Stockholm at approximately 4pm.

Flights and hotel bookings for both Stockholm and Helsinki can be made online at www.ba.com.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/93824963@N00/5301800766">sunset in Stockholm</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)

Up in the air ...

Flybe to commence Liverpool-Edinburgh route – A domestic route from Liverpool to Edinburgh is being started by Flybe in September.

The daily service from October will be the regional carrier’s fourth route from Liverpool, complementing other services to the Isle of Man, Belfast, and Amsterdam.

Fares start at £27.99 one-way.

Finnair launches Edinburgh-Helsinki flights – Finnair is start a seasonal service, thrice-weekly service from Edinburgh to Helsinki in 2016. The service begin

Icelandair starts year-round service from Aberdeen – Icelandair’s year-round service from Aberdeen to Reykjavik commences in March next year, and will run four times weekly

Investment deal for Liverpool Airport – A major investment programme for Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport has been announced by its owners, The Peel Group. The operator said it has reached a long-term agreement with the airport’s lenders to underpin investment over the next five years.

The Peel Group said the arrangement will support future growth and has reduced the airport’s bank debt. It has also committed funding to improve the airport’s terminal and passenger facilities.

Ryanair in car hire partnership – Ryanair has launched a partnership with CarTrawler – a travel-technology platform and online aggregator of car rental services – allowing its passengers to book on the airline’s website.

The deal gives customers direct connections to more than 1,500 independent car rental agents in more than 30,000 airport and city locations in 174 countries.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Where not to buy a Club Sandwich …

GENEVA has retained the top spot as the most expensive city in the world to order a Club Sandwich, at an average of $32.60 (£19.40), according to research released by Hotels.com.

Paris took the No. 2 spot with an average of $29.36 (£17.45), followed by Helsinki at $24.35 (£14.48).

New Delhi remained the cheapest destination for a Club Sandwich, with an average of $8.78 (£5.22).

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk