The theme country this year is Spain which is one of the favourite destinations of Finnish travellers in addition to Greece and Turkey. Visitors can get tips on travelling around the world, not forgetting Finland’s neighbours the Baltic countries, the other Nordic Countries and Russia.
The MATKA Nordic Travel Fair gives everyone the opportunity to travel around the world in one day. It presents over 80 countries and regions from all corners of the globe with new additions such as Bolivia, Tatarstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uruguay. The Faroe Islands is also a newcomer at the event displaying its possibilities for travel trade professionals on Thursday. All in all the event has over 800 exhibitors. The MATKA Nordic Travel Fair is open for the public 22-24 January 2016.
The theme country this year is Spain which is one of the favourite destinations of Finnish travellers in addition to Greece and Turkey. Visitors can get tips on travelling around the world, not forgetting Finland’s neighbours the Baltic countries, the other Nordic Countries and Russia.
European novelties
There are still some corners of Europe that haven’t been introduced at the MATKA fair. The Faroe Islands is participating for the first time but only on the professional day, Thursday. Tatarstan on the other hand is presenting its specialities for both professionals and consumers hoping to enter the travel plans of Finnish travellers.
Tatarstan is a federal subject of Russia with its own president and parliament. Located on the banks of the river Volga, Tatarstan is only a 3 hour flight away from Helsinki. The capital Kazan is number three on the list of popular travel destinations for Russians in Russia, right after Moscow and St. Petersburg. The country has a lot to offer: orthodox churches, mosques, and two Unesco World Heritage Sites, the Kreml wall surrounding the capital city, and the nearly ruined ancient city of Bolgar.
Cure for travel fever
Kyrgyzstan is located in Central Asia and gained its independence as the Soviet Union collapsed. There are two Unesco World Heritage Sites also in Kyrgyzstan: the Sacred Mountain of Sulaiman-Toon and the Silk Road running in the Tian Shan mountain range. The magnificent and unique nature make Kyrgyzstan the perfect destination for hiking and trail riding.
Bolivia is located in South America. Located in the river basin of the great Amazon River, the nature in Bolivia is phenomenal. Bolivia has six Unesco World Heritage Sites: the city of Potosi, the Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos, the historical city of Sucre, Fuerte de Samaipata pre-columbian holy site and fortress, the political and religious centre of the Tiwanaku culture Tiwanaku, and the national park of Noel Kempff Mercado.
In addition to Spanish, Bolivia has tens of other languages and most people are the descendants of the native people. In Uruguay, however, the majority of the population descent from European conquistadors which makes the nation also more westernized. Bolivia is located next to the South American giants Brazil and Argentina, and nearly half of the population live in the capital city Montevideo. Tourists are attracted by fabulous beaches, beautiful nature, relaxed atmosphere and hospitality.
The MATKA Nordic Travel Fair at Messukeskus Helsinki 21-24 January 2016. Open for travel trade professionals Thu 21 January 9-19 and Fri 22 January 9-12. The MATKA Nordic Travel Fair and the Caravan fair are open for the public Fri 22 January 12–19 and Sat-Sun 23-24 January 10-18.
The MATKA Nordic Travel Fair is the biggest travel event in Northern Europe. It gathers nearly 1000 exhibitors, 70,000 visitors and 1,200 members of the press to Messukeskus Helsinki. This year the MATKA fair celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
