|
|
Subscribe to our Travel Podcasts
Press Releases - The Traveler's Journal
Informative Press Releases for Travel
Press Release information you can use!
The following information is provided by the travel supplier or its public relations representative. The Traveler's Journal can accept no responsibility for the accuracy or validity of any material in this section.
News from Finland
05-30-2008
Rebranding of the Finnish Tourist Board Finds Kindred Spirits Among Finnish Suppliers
NEW YORK, NY May 29, 2008 – The Finnish Tourist Board’s new brand image – rippling outlines of lake-like shapes and colors of midnight sun and pure waters– bespeaks the merits of an eco friendly country whose citizens are as passionate about pristine nature as they are about honesty and equality. The very appeal of these qualities may be influencing an increase of US visitor totals to Finland, up 4% in 2007 from the year prior, and making a strong showing into 2008 despite the Euro’s strength and a stagnant economy at home.
“Visit Finland’s new brand identity takes its inspiration from the Finnish nature,” according to Finnish Tourist Board Marketing Coordinator Raija Lehtonen. “In its visual language one can see references of rocky banks of the Finnish archipelago, midnight sun, northern lights and the movements of water.”
A land of contrasts, Finland offers a fresh alternative to travelers seeking a European getaway with a quirky twist that is typically Finnish. The country’s cool inhabitants are keen on Finland: incredible diversity in climate and landscapes; rich culture –from indigenous Sami to Eurovision fame; smart technology – from bio-med tools to plant genomics —and a forward thrust that never looses its footing in Mother Earth.
Authenticity rules in Finland where words like uncrowded, safety and service are givens. Finland offers the wilderness and indigenous environment of Lapland as well as the cosmopolitan pace of Helsinki and the idyllic beauty of the southern archipelago. It is a country of remarkable things: Midnight sun versus Arctic winter; where “good design is every man’s right”; and a population that would rather partake in the spiritual tranquility and refreshment of sauna rather than do just about anything else.
Visit Finland’s new look, which will soon appear on collateral materials such as brochures, on its website, in promotions, etc. , heralds a new era of self-definition and identification on behalf of many Finnish suppliers whose products are integrally linked with the authentic qualities and unique characteristics of the Finns.
Finlandia, for instance, defines itself as the “Vodka from a purer place.” Their web site touts the use of “pristine glacial spring water and crisp six-row barley grown in the glow of warm Midnight Sun.” Even the shape of a Finlandia bottle, with its clean, simple lines so characteristic of Finnish design, appears to be sculpted from pure, melting ice. www.finlandia.com
Lumene, the high performance skin care and cosmetics company, is “powered by raw materials from the Nordic wilderness combined with advanced technology”. It is the purity of Finnish Lapland’s environment and the intensity of Midnight sun that make the ingredients --such as Arctic cloudberries, Arctic blackcurrants, birch and pine-- that go into Lumene products so good. TIME magazine reports that the Arctic berries found in Lumene products contain more healthy nutrients than their American counterparts: "Because they have to withstand extreme temperatures, they've developed properties that make the superhearty". Lumene’s quality products are sold in CVS and Target stores. www.lumene.com
“Design Against Throwawayism” – with respect to nature and the environment – is the motto of the Finnish house wares manufacturer iittala, a major driving force in Scandinavian design. Objects created by some of Finland’s most revered designers such as Alvar Aalto (1898-1976), Kaj Franck (1911-1989), and Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) have elevated everyday objects to functional works of art for contemporary living. iittala objects are design essentials stripped to their core; the pure union of function, form and quality. www.iittala.com
And what would Nokia be without the excellence of its Finnish design? The communications giant owes its distinguished looks as well as its high tech workings to Finnish designers and engineers. True to its Finnish origins “Nokia aims to be a leader in environmental performance by developing environmentally sound business practices and producing sustainable products.” www.nokia.com
Marimekko’s famous poppies continue to be the hallmark of its design which is thoroughly inspired by Finnish nature. The company is promoting its natural motifs worldwide by making important international appearances. www.marimekko.com Among them: the recent New York Design Week and the concurrent HARDCORE New Finnish Design exhibition that took place in the uber trendy Meatpacking District.
The HARDCORE exhibition presented 20 individual design projects and concepts from Finland, presented in collaboration with major Finnish design companies and a host of their top talent. The exhibition was organized by Design Forum Finland, the Consulate General of Finland in New York and the Finnish Cultural Institute in New York. www.hardcoredesign.net
For brochures or more information about Finland visit www.visitfinland.com or call 877-GOFINLAND (877.463.4652).
[Back to Press Releases Main]