The Finnish Tourist Board has launched its first Australian website, www.visitfinland.com/au, which they say offers Australians a unique and in-depth insight to all that Finland has to offer, not only as a tourist destination, but also as an experience.
The new Australian website includes downloadable brochures, guides and maps, as well as timetables for when to experience the Midnight Sun, up-to-date weather info and an introduction to Finland, and, of course, its most famous inhabitant, Santa Claus himself!
www.Visitfinland.com/au also has a comprehensive list to all events including those crazy events only the Finns can put on, including the Wife Carrying World Championships, the Kutemajärvi Sex Festival, , the World Championships in Haymowing, the Swamp Soccer World Championships, the Visuvesi Kissing Competition, the Sauna World Championships, the Mobile Throwing World Championships and the Finnish Championships in Berry Picking, to name just a few. Helsinki will this May also host the world-famous Eurovision Song Contest.
The launch of an Australian website for the Finnish Tourist Board is timely after Australia’s own Lonely Planet brand named Finland as one of the ten countries to visit in 2007 in the popular The Blue List: The best in travel 2007. Lonely Planet describes Finland as a “breath of fresh air on a European adventure.”
The web site highlights the life and music of one of the great symphonists of the 20th century, Jean Sibelius, will be celebrated next year, the 50th anniversary of his death in 2007. Various events and concerts will be held in honour of the Finnish composer and violinist in Finland and around the world – with plenty happening in Australia.
Besides the low down on Finland as a tourist destination, the website offers detailed information aimed at Australian travellers, such as wholesalers, travel packages and special offers.
At present, seven online brochures are available to download, as well as maps. These brochures highlight all events, seasons and regions of Finland.
For more information on visiting Finland please contact the Finnish Tourist Board Australia; Email [email protected] or Tel 02 9929 3391
Report by The Mole
