NordicMarketing Blog - News and trends in tourism marketing and from Northern Europe

Visit Finland Lakeland Outdoors Online Workshop 2026

Written by Anja | Jan 21, 2026 10:01:48 AM

Meet Finnish outdoor suppliers from Eastern Finland – efficiently and online

For tour operators looking to expand their Nordic portfolio with nature-based experiences, spring 2026 offers a focused opportunity. On 25 March 2026, the Visit Finland – Lakeland Outdoors Online Workshop brings selected outdoor suppliers from Eastern Finland’s Lakeland directly to buyers across Europe.

The format is simple and practical: one day, online, with pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings. No travel, no long presentations. Just time set aside for concrete conversations about products, seasons and cooperation.

© Juho Kuva Visit Finland

Why Finland’s Lakeland deserves a closer look

Finland’s Lakeland is often described as one of Europe’s largest lake regions – but for tour operators, its value goes beyond geography. The region offers space, calm and strong nature-based experiences that align well with current demand for slow travel, small-group formats and sustainability-focused programs.

Rather than competing with well-known Nordic highlights, Lakeland works particularly well as an addition to existing itineraries, adding depth, variety and a different rhythm to Nordic journeys.

What buyers can expect from the workshop

This workshop is designed with efficiency in mind. Instead of general inspiration sessions, the focus is on short, targeted meetings that help buyers quickly understand whether a product fits their portfolio.

Participants can expect:

  • Pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings with selected Finnish suppliers
  • Outdoor products that are bookable, clearly defined and ready for discussion
  • A compact online format that respects buyers’ time
  • Free participation for tour operators

The goal is straightforward: make it easy to explore cooperation opportunities and decide what’s worth taking forward.

Who will benefit most from joining

The workshop is particularly suited for:

  • Tour operators working with outdoor, nature-based or experiential travel
  • Buyers developing small-group or slow-travel programs
  • Companies already active in the Nordics or Baltics and looking to broaden their offer

It is especially relevant for buyers who prefer working with ready-to-sell products rather than early-stage concepts.

Practical details at a glance

Date: 25 March 2026
Time: 9:00 - 16:00 CET
Format:
Online workshop with pre-scheduled 1:1 meetings
Markets: DACH, Benelux, UK, France, Spain & Italy
Matchmaking opens: 11 March 2026
Participation: Free of charge for tour operators

Why we see value in this format

From our experience at NordicMarketing, focused online workshops remain a highly effective way for buyers to discover new regions and partners, especially when time and travel budgets are limited. A clear regional focus combined with structured matchmaking helps conversations stay concrete and productive. The Lakeland Outdoors Workshop brings together both elements, making it easier for buyers to identify relevant suppliers and move discussions forward without unnecessary complexity.

Matchmaking opens on 11 March 2026. Tour operators interested in meeting Finnish Lakeland outdoor suppliers can register via the event platform:

👉 https://visitfinland-lakelandoutdoors2026.converve.io/

The workshop is organized in cooperation with Visit Finland and forms part of the Eastern Finland Sustainable Tourism Growth Program:

Itäisen Suomen kestävän matkailun kasvuohjelman rahoituksen on myöntänyt Etelä-Savon maakuntaliitto Visit Finlandille työ- ja elinkeinoministeriön osoittamasta alueiden kestävän kasvun rahoituksesta.