Israeli travel operator Aviation Links is investing in Lapland, Finland to enhance tourism offerings, capitalizing on the region's favorable perception among Israeli travelers.

Target Information

Olga Robacha, a tourism entrepreneur from Rovaniemi, has noted that Finland is perceived as an attractive holiday destination for Israelis, primarily due to its neutral stance on the Middle Eastern conflict. The practicality of snow and winter activities, coupled with Finland's lack of public commentary on the violence in Gaza, has kept it a favored vacation choice among Israelis. Unlike many nations, Finland has no plans to recognize Palestine, maintaining a robust arms trade with Israel.

Recent surveys suggest that while a majority of Israelis are reluctant to travel abroad due to increased scrutiny of their country's actions, Rovaniemi has emerged as a popular destination, ranking among the largest tourist groups in Lapland behind Germans and French. Robacha's company, Polar Explorer, expects the arrival of approximately 3,000 to 3,500 Israeli clients during the upcoming winter season, which she estimates represents about half of the expected charter flight passengers from Israel to Rovaniemi.

Industry Overview in Finland

The tourism industry in Finland, particularly in Lapland, has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, especially among international visitors. The beginnings of 2023 saw an impressive 163% increase in tourist overnight stays from Israel,