Year after year, Finland and Helsinki tops the world Happiness index. In Helsinki, we enjoy simple pleasures: clean air, pure water, relaxing sauna, unique food, walking around in the woods and seashore, experiencing various events, enjoying design in everyday life. Helsinki Happiness is the calm and peaceful type; it’s an appreciation for how things work and the ability to pause and admire the little things in life. Helsinki is a place where everyone’s free to be themselves.

In Helsinki, you are always welcomed. Read more

Espoo is a part of the metropolitan area and second biggest city in Finland. It is easily accessible from Helsinki City Centre and Helsinki International Airport. In Espoo you can enjoy the delights of the coast and archipelago, cultural and other events as well as the countryside, lakes, and the wilderness in Nuuksio National Park. 

On your visit you will meet happy Finns, get to experience unique moments, and have a chance to talk about sustainable tourism. Sustainability is important for travel companies in Espoo and for the entire city. Learn more about sustainable Espoo.

Some of the longhaul flights departure
 

Those arriving from Osaka and Shanghai

After arriving early in the morning to Finland, you will be escorted by David Wu (Visit Finland, Head of China, tel. +86 18621901877) to Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport (indoor access from airport), where you can have few hours rest and enjoy the breakfast, until you will be picked up by Visit Espoo.

11:30 Lobby call at the hotel, meet your Visit Espoo host Paula Lappalainen
Senior Advisor, Conventions & Tourism (tel. +358 40 823 0816)

12:45 Lunch and site visit at the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia & Finland, Naturally

The Nature on a Plate lunch at Finnish Nature Centre Haltia’s restaurant is inspired by Finnish nature, wild herbs, as well as organic and local food. All the ingredients are pure, fresh and flavorful.

Finnish Nature Centre Haltia is a fascinating nature, visitor, exhibition, and events center that gives the visitor the feel of Finnish pristine nature and a chance to experience spectacular nature destinations under one roof. The building is highly ecological, and the services have been built around the surrounding nature. Haltia’s exhibitions, guided tours, and events help visitors deepen their relationship with nature and increase their environmental awareness.

Finland, Naturally is your go-to activity company for outdoor adventures. They are passionate about spreading the joy of outdoor life and taking your clients to their custom-made tours and guiding them at their carefully planned activities, whether it is wine tasting in the woods, snowshoeing in the winter or getting familiar with Finnish mythology on a guided hike.

Those arriving from Delhi and New York

~14:45 Meet your Visit Espoo host Miikka Valo at the airport
Director, Conventions & Tourism (tel. +358 43 824 6038)

15:00 Meet the reindeer in Nuuksio Reindeer Park!

Experience a touch of northern magic in Finland's southernmost reindeer park. Together with visiting the reindeers we will have a chance to hear about the services for the groups that Sea and Mountain Adventures have in Nuuksio area.

16:15 Site visit at Haltia Lake Lodge – a nature and boutique hotel in Nuuksio National Park area

Haltia Lake Lodge, with 20 hotel rooms and five glamping tents, is the place to nest up in a nature boutique lodge and enjoy the good life. Take a step back from busy life and reconnect with nature by the enchanting Pitkäjärvi lake – just 30 minutes from bustling Helsinki. In addition to lodging, Haltia Lake Lodge provides the perfect outdoor experiences to make a stay both inspiring and invigorating. Everything done here, is built on nature conservation, sustainable development, and local sourcing.

Those arriving from Bangkok and USA (flying from Europe)

~16:45 Meet your Visit Espoo host Hanna Saari at the airport
Marketing Communications Manager, tel. +358 43 824 6035

18:00 Site visit and dinner at Hawkhill Resort

Hawkhill Resort offers accommodation and experiences in high-end log cottages. Each cottage has a sauna and private beach by a pristine lake. Eight separate cottages can accommodate visitors from 2 to up to 10 persons. The forest restaurant Korpelan Laavu, close to the cottages in its own privacy, is among Southern Finland’s most breathtaking. It offers a magical atmosphere with perfect meals for the occasion.
“We are a family company in the third generation. The surrounding woods and the Nuuksio National Park were our playgrounds when we were children. We want to make sure that the Finnish nature and the planet stays clean also in the future. These values and nature in essence is our company’s bedrock.” 

After the site visit, we will enjoy a nature and seasonal products inspired dinner at their forest restaurant.

21:00 Departure for your hotel in Helsinki, arrival latest at 22:00

Visit Espoo thanks you for your visit and wishes you great days at Matka Travel Fair 2025!

Those arriving on Sunday and Monday morning, program for the day and
everyone else joins for the evening program starting at 18:00

Those arriving from Haneda

After arriving early in the morning to Finland, you will meet your driver at the airport arrival hall with Matka 2025 FHB sign. Transfer to your hotel. Early check-in.

Those arriving from Seoul and Singapore

After arriving early in the morning to Finland, you will meet your driver at the airport arrival hall with Matka 2025 FHB sign. Transfer to your hotel. Early check-in.

Breakfast at the hotel

12:15 Lobby call

Meet your hosts at the hotel.

12:30 Lunch at Gillet

Lunch, after work, dinner? Gillet Bar & Bistro is always a place for a feast.

Since the time of the Prohibition Act, celebration and enjoying life has been at the heart of Gillet. For some, the purest joy is to enjoy a quiet dinner with best friends, while another one makes lunch a feast. The historic, multi-milieu Gillet Bar & Bistro offers a festive setting for a variety of events.

Gillet Bar & Bistro is a place to celebrate the good in life.

14:00 Visit to Amos Rex

Amos Rex is a new type of museum, a space dedicated to art, that is easy to reach and a cool place to hang out; a protean space that can readily take on various forms, is open to experimentation and new forms of collaboration. The new museum, designed by architectural firm JKMM, connects to a functional style building from 1930’s called Lasipalatsi. The old “Glass Palace” will retain its distinctive character while the adjacent Lasipalatsi square will undergo considerable modernization. In connection with the construction of the art museum, the protected building has been gently renovated to its original glory.

15:00 Visit to Kulttuurikasarmi

In the center of Helsinki, Kulttuurikasarmi is a unique meetingplace for the lovers of movies, food, drink, concerts and other events.

Those arriving from Europe at 14:05-14:55

After arriving to Finland, you will meet your driver and Visit Finland representatives Jyrki Oksanen (Tel +49 15228677233) & Ulla Hempel (+49 17643915335) at the airport arrival hall with Matka 2025 FHB Group 1 sign. Transfer to your hotel at 15:30.

Those arriving from Europe at 15:05-15:30

After arriving to Finland, you will meet your driver and Visit Finland representatives Jyrki Oksanen (Tel +49 15228677233) & Ulla Hempel (+49 17643915335) at the airport arrival hall with Matka 2025 FHB Group 2 sign. Transfer to your hotel at 16:00.

18:00 Lobby Call

Meet your hosts at the hotel lobby. By foot to Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 (20-25 min)

18:30 Inspection at the Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4

The new Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 aims to be the most sustainable hotel in Finland in terms of everything from the building itself to the hotel’s functions and services. The hotel is located in Katajanokan Laituri building, designed by Anttinen Oiva Architects, which is an impressive new solid wood building on Helsinki's shoreline that complements the city's signature skyline right next to the Market Square. The hotel has 164 rooms, 43 of which afford unobstructed views to the sea. The hotel also has conference facilities, a seaside café and a rooftop terrace with views over the Market Square and South Harbour.  The hotel restaurant Harbore is led by Sauli Kemppainen, a Finnish chef with passion for simplicity and pure taste. He has previously been awarded a Michelin star. 

19:30 Get together dinner at Restaurant Cock

Located near Esplanadi Park, The Cock offers a lively yet relaxed atmosphere with a menu inspired by international and Finnish cuisine. It’s known for its variety of crowd-pleasing dishes, and the space is vibrant, making it a great spot for groups. The Cock is popular for both brunch and dinner. 

Happiness Trivia Quiz

A light-hearted quiz about Finnish culture, traditions, history, and Helsinki highlights.

Breakfast at the hotel

9:00 Lobby call

Meet your hosts at the hotel

You will be divided into two groups, group A and group B (the program will be same for both groups, but in a different order)

 

PROGRAM FOR GROUP A

9:15 Helsinki Sight Seeing

Join us on a unique journey through Helsinki, where you’ll experience the secrets behind Finland’s happiness—ranked the happiest country in the world. We will concentrate on the  design and food scene of the city, going through the Kallio and Hakaniemi district, and continuing to see the more “off the beaten path” spots in Helsinki such as the Olympic Stadium, Finlandia Hall, The Desing District and the Eira shoreline.

Learn more about the Finnish philosophy of well-being, from the simplicity of design to a deep connection with nature and food. This tour offers a glimpse into the Helsinki lifestyle, where social equality, inner strength “sisu”, and community create a sense of happiness.   

12:00 Hotel Inspection at NH Collection Grand Hansa

NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa is in the heart of Helsinki. An ideal base for both leisure and business guests, the hotel sits near top attractions like Helsinki Market Suare and the Finnish National Theater, as well as major shopping areas and top restaurants. Plus, the hotel is also close to several transportation hubs, including the historical Central Station. This makes it easy for guests to access trams, buses and trains to explore other parts of the city or take day trips to nearby destinations.  

The hotel itself is located within two historic buildings that stand as a testament to Helsinki’s architectural and cultural heritage. Since the early 20th century, one of these buildings has served as a hub for Helsinki’s high society, intellectuals and cultural elite. Once a place for socializing, hosting banquets, concerts and literary events, the hotel’s grand ballroom has been a venue for many notable celebrations and gatherings over the years.   

12:45 Lunch at the Grand Hansa restaurant Hansa Café

A unique blend of history and modern hospitality. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the property has been "the place to be,” where townspeople, artists, cultural figures and decision-makers have gathered to enjoy quality food and good company. The restaurant honours the house´s history as an ambassador of French-influenced cuisine and with roots proudly in the Finnish culture. 

The hotel contains 224 guest rooms and suites that are decorated in a modern Scandinavian style. 

14:00 Inspection at Hobo Hotel Helsinki

Hobo is our idea of community. A place where we live, work, create, learn and have fun – together. A home for the wild at heart and the constantly curious. With 183 unique rooms, the whole 2nd floor filled with venues, a bar and always something fun happening in our house, we know you’ll find something here to love. 

15:45 Lobby call

Transfer to Eiranranta

16:00 Survival suit experience   

Meet your host Redrib Leif Rosas at of Café Carousell.

In the heart of Helsinki, try how it feels to float around in cold water staying completely warm and dry. Hear also about resque at sea, hypothermia and about the benefits with winter bathing!

They will provide you with everything you need for the float.

17:45 Transfer (by foot, about 8 min walk) to

18:00  Löyly Helsinki Sauna and swimming in the sea

The Finnish sauna culture is enjoying a revival in Helsinki. The impressive Löyly design sauna opened in spring 2016 on the southern tip of the Helsinki peninsula. In addition to a smoke sauna, traditional sauna and private sauna for groups, you will be able to enjoy refreshments while admiring the stunning views from the large terrace that stretches out over the sea.

NB! Remember to take your swimsuit with you! Towels, seat covers and shampoo and soap are offered by Löyly. 

20:00  Dinner at Restaurant  Elm in Kaivopuisto

Restaurant Elm is an all-day neighbourhood restaurant located in the beautiful Kaivopuisto. ’’In our kitchen we trust in simplicity, find joy in seasonality, and are inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.’’ 

 

PROGRAM FOR GROUP B

9:15  Hotel Inspection at NH Collection Grand Hansa

NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa is in the heart of Helsinki. An ideal base for both leisure and business guests, the hotel sits near top attractions like Helsinki Market Suare and the Finnish National Theater, as well as major shopping areas and top restaurants. Plus, the hotel is also close to several transportation hubs, including the historical Central Station. This makes it easy for guests to access trams, buses and trains to explore other parts of the city or take day trips to nearby destinations.  

The hotel itself is located within two historic buildings that stand as a testament to Helsinki’s architectural and cultural heritage. Since the early 20th century, one of these buildings has served as a hub for Helsinki’s high society, intellectuals and cultural elite. Once a place for socializing, hosting banquets, concerts and literary events, the hotel’s grand ballroom has been a venue for many notable celebrations and gatherings over the years.  

10:15  Inspection at the Hobo Hotel Helsinki

11:30  Lunch at the Restaurant Scolare

12:45  Helsinki Sightseeing

Join us on a unique journey through Helsinki, where you’ll experience the secrets behind Finland’s happiness—ranked the happiest country in the world. We will concentrate on the  design and food scene of the city, going through the Kallio and Hakaniemi district, and continuing to see the more “off the beaten path” spots in Helsinki such as the Olympic Stadium, Finlandia Hall, The Desing District and the Eira shoreline.

Learn more about the Finnish philosophy of well-being, from the simplicity of design to a deep connection with nature and food. This tour offers a glimpse into the Helsinki lifestyle, where social equality, inner strength “sisu”, and community create a sense of happiness.   

15:45 Lobby call and transfer to Eiranranta

16:00 Survival suit experience   

Meet your host Redrib Leif Rosas at Café Carousell.

In the heart of Helsinki, try how it feels to float around in cold water staying completely warm and dry. You will also hear about rescue at sea, hypothermia and about the benefits of winter bathing!

They will provide you with everything you need for the float.

18:00  Dinner at Restaurant Elm in Kaivopuisto

Restaurant Elm is an all-day neighbourhood restaurant located in the beautiful Kaivopuisto. ’’In our kitchen we trust in simplicity, find joy in seasonality, and are inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.’’ 

20:30  Löyly Helsinki Sauna and swimming in the sea

The Finnish sauna culture is enjoying a revival in Helsinki. The impressive Löyly design sauna opened in spring 2016 on the southern tip of the Helsinki peninsula. In addition to a smoke sauna, traditional sauna and private sauna for groups, you will be able to enjoy refreshments while admiring the stunning views from the large terrace that stretches out over the sea.

NB! Remember to take your swimsuit with you! Towels, seat covers and shampoo and soap are offered by Löyly. 

22:30 Transfer back to the hotel

Breakfast at the hotel

Transfer by buses to Messukeskus fair center:

Bus 1
approx. at 8:00 Sokos Helsinki
approx. at 8:00 Hobo => Please walk to Hotel Sokos Helsinki (100 m)
approx. at 8:10 Hotel Grand Central
approx. at 8:30 Messukeskus

Bus 2
approx. at 7:55 Hotel Marski 
approx. at 8: 00 Hotel  St. George
approx. at 8:10 Hotel Mestari
approx. at 8:30 Messukeskus

Bus 3
approx. at 8:05 Hotel Haven
approx. at 8:10 Hotel Pier 4
approx. at 8:30 Messukeskus

Workshop day at Messukeskus fair center

11:25-12:55 Lunch – please show your badge

17:25 -18:00 Post-Work Mingle, get together at Messukeskus

18:15 Transfer to dinners from the main entrance of Messukeskus

Bus 1
Hotel Marski
Hotel Mestari

Bus 2
Hotel Pier 4

Bus 3
Hotel Lilla Robert
Hotel Kämp
Hotel St. George

19:00 Dinners:
- Japan: dinner at hotel Kämp, restaurant Notes by Kämp
- USA: dinner at hotel St. George, restaurant Boon Nam 
- UK: dinner at hotel Lilla Roberts, restaurant Krog Roba  
- France, Italy, Spain: dinner at hotel Mestari’s restaurant 
- Germany, Netherland, Belgium, China + Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Korea, India: dinner at hotel Pier 4, restaurant Harbore 

Back to hotel by foot

Breakfast at the hotel

Check-out

Transfers to Messukeskus fair center

Bus 1
approx. at 8:30 Sokos Helsinki
approx. at 8:30 Hobo => Please walk to Hotel Sokos Helsinki (100 m)
approx. at 9:00 Messukeskus

Bus 2
approx. at 8:25 Hotel Marski 
approx. at 8: 30 Hotel  St. George
approx. at 8:40 Hotel Mestari
approx. at 9:00 Messukeskus

Bus 3
approx. at 8:35 Hotel Haven
approx. at 8:40 Hotel Pier 4
approx. at 9:00 Messukeskus

Matka Travel fair at Messukeskus fair center

Public transportation from Messukeskus to airport

Flights back to home