This week, Visit Arctic Coast welcomes eight Chinese tour operators specializing in educational travel, along with representatives from Visit Finland and Finnair. The three-day familiarization trip, organized in close cooperation with Visit Finland and Finnair, showcases the coastal region’s potential for international school and study tours.
The program includes visits to Nallikari, Liminka, Kalajoki, Pietarsaari, and Lappajärvi. In each destination, the group will meet local schools and discover how Finnish education can be integrated into international school camp packages. They will also experience the region’s unique coastal nature and cultural activities to high-quality accommodations and seaside adventures.
Highlights include coastal programs in Nallikari, nature learning in Liminka’s wetlands, e-biking through Kalajoki’s beaches, a tour of the Nanoq Arctic Museum in Pietarsaari, and an introduction to the UNESCO Arctic Crater Lake Geopark in Lappajärvi. Every stop also features a school visit.
The tour offers Chinese operators a comprehensive view of the Arctic Coast’s strengths in educational travel: world-class Finnish education, proximity to nature, maritime heritage, cultural richness, and warm local hospitality. These qualities make the region attractive for both international school camps and professional study groups in the future.
According to Visit Finland’s China representative, Lisa Li, interest in Finnish education travel is growing:
“Chinese parents are intrigued by the balance between low stress and strong results in Finnish schools, especially in contrast to the competitive and high-pressure environment in China.”
Educational travel from China typically takes place during academic holidays in July–August and January–February—timing that aligns well with the Arctic Coast’s values and offerings.
The group is hosted by Visit Arctic Coast’s Sales Manager Anu Kärnä, who notes:
“Educational travel is a perfect fit for responsible tourism. It benefits not only tourism businesses but also schools, while creating invaluable intercultural encounters in classrooms.”
Schools in every destination are ready to welcome international groups, offering learning experiences that enrich both visiting students and local communities.
