Starting January 2025, global tour operator TUI will begin offering direct flights and holiday packages from Amsterdam to the Arctic Lakeland region in Finland. The weekly flights, scheduled to operate from January 17 to March 14, 2025, will connect travelers to Kajaani, the heart of Kainuu. The holiday packages are already available for booking on TUI’s Netherlands website, marking a significant step for international tourism in this Finnish region.
TUI is also targeting the German market, offering similar packages that combine flights with Eurowings from Berlin to Rovaniemi. This initiative aims to boost tourism in the Arctic Lakeland area, providing visitors with unique winter experiences that include local culture, outdoor activities, and serene natural beauty.
The new flight route and travel packages are the result of lengthy negotiations and partnerships. Discussions between TUI and local stakeholders, including the “Direct International Flight Connections to Kajaani” project, began in late 2023. The project, funded by the Regional Council of Kainuu, the City of Kajaani, and the Municipality of Sotkamo, was managed by Kainuu University of Applied Sciences (KAMK). Other key partners in the negotiations included Visit Finland and Finavia, Finland’s airport operator.
Petri Vuori, Director of Route Development at Finavia, expressed enthusiasm about the new flights, stating, “This will greatly enhance accessibility to the entire Kainuu region.”
For years, Kainuu’s tourism sector has been working to increase demand in Central Europe, and TUI’s decision to offer flights and packages is a major win for the region. “It’s great to see our efforts paying off,” said Jaana Keränen of the Kuhmo-Suomussalmi region, known as Wild Taiga. “We’ve been working closely with TUI for years, and this new development strengthens the appeal of Arctic Lakeland.”
Aija Laukkanen, CEO of Vuokatti Tourist Centre, echoed this sentiment, welcoming Dutch tourists to experience Finland’s authentic winter environment. “Arctic Lakeland offers peace, space, and an authentic setting where visitors can enjoy a range of activities while immersing themselves in local culture and hospitality.”
The Dutch market has shown a strong interest in winter vacations in Finland, and TUI aims to meet this growing demand. Petra Kok, Head of External Communications at TUI, noted, “We are proud to expand our holiday portfolio with Arctic Lakeland as a new destination. Dutch holidaymakers love Finland, and we’ll be offering a variety of packages, from 8-day excursions to individual flight tickets.” The flights will operate every Friday during the winter season, and tourists will have access to a range of services, including accommodation, transfers, and organized activities in the Arctic Lakeland area.
TUI’s entry into the market is a positive sign for the future of tourism in Kainuu. According to project manager Saara Uusiheimala, the collaboration with TUI could lead to further expansion, with plans to broaden the range of travel packages and flight routes in the coming years. “This is a significant milestone for the Arctic Lakeland brand and a testament to the region’s growing appeal in the international market,” Uusiheimala said.
The current project, which concludes in November, will transition into the “Arctic Lakeland Charter” project, which aims to expand TUI’s offerings and continue discussions with airlines such as Eurowings. Additionally, other international marketing efforts will be launched later this year to support TUI’s campaigns and further boost tourism in the region.
TUI’s introduction of direct flights and holiday packages to Finland’s Arctic Lakeland marks a major achievement for the region’s tourism industry. With partnerships in place and increasing demand from Central Europe, the winter season of 2025 promises to bring new visitors and opportunities to the Kainuu area, showcasing the unique attractions of Finland’s northern wilderness.
More on TUI and Arctic Lakeland.
Header: © Harri Tarvainen