NordenBladet — The MATKA Nordic Travel Fair together with the Caravan fair gathered nearly 67,000 visitors to Messukeskus Helsinki. Visitors came to get inspiration and new ideas, and to dream.
According to a survey done by TNS Gallup, 69 % explored European destinations, 56 % Finnish destinations, 49 % more remote destinations, and 43 % different forms of transportation. Visitors came to get information about next summer’s (44 %) and spring’s trips (41 %). 17 % reported to plan trips for next winter.
When compared to last year, 80 % of the visitors plan on using the same amount of money or more on travelling. Two thirds replied that visiting the MATKA fair will affect their travel plans.
83 % of the respondents value the fact that Finnish destinations are also on display. In Finland the visitors are interested in nature travel (37 %), Finnish cities (36 %) and different events and culture (35 %).
Visitors come to the MATKA fair to dream (80 %), to get new experiences (78 %) and to find special offers (73 %). Three thirds state that meeting travel trade professionals face to face is also important.
– Despite the freezing winter temperatures and heavy snow people came to get new ideas and inspiration for their trips. The MATKA Nordic Travel Fair definitely has a firm position as the meeting place of travel buffs and travel trade professionals. With over 80 countries represented plus various Finnish destinations it provides an excellent overview of the variety of travel options, states Heli Mäki-Fränti from the Association of Finnish Travel Agents (AFTA)
The survey was done by TNS Gallup, commissioned by the MATKA fair. The number of respondents was 300 visitors.
♥ Next year the MATKA Nordic Travel Fair and the Caravan fair are organised 19-22 January 2017.
PICTURES: ©OHMYGOSSIP / Helena-Reet Ennet