News

Via Hansa & Borealis is continued committed to the North American market and will, as usual, join the USTOA Annual Conference & Marketplace at the Hotel JW Marriott Los Angeles, December 2nd–6th. Marcella Infantino, CEO Via Hansa & Borealis Nordic, and Hans-Henrik Kjoelby, CEO Via Hansa & Borealis Baltic/Poland, will be attending to offer new high-end FIT and group products in the whole destination area. Appointments can be pre-booked via the appointment system of the conference or by contacting: marcella.infantiono@viahansaborealis.com

Via Hansa & Borealis has completed its usual FIT product manual for the Baltic countries for 2022. The product manual includes wholesale FIT rates for a number of selected hotels in all three Baltic States. The price list marks the hotels as: Preferred hotels – urban hotels offering good value and perfect for city breaks; Wellness hotels – hotels offering extensive fitness, wellness and SPA facilities; Family hotels – hotels offering great family rooms and added value for families; and Nature hotels – countryside hotels offering a wide choice of outdoor activities. Besides, the manual includes offers for Great Value and Great Quality Package Tours, Themed City Breaks, Private City Tours and Excursions, Private Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers, Fly & Drive and Private Transfers. We have last week sent the offers to all customers, please let us know in case you have not received the offers. For more information, please contact: elina.jansone@viahansaborealis.com

Headed by Senior Sales & Project Manager, Arnar Mar Arnthorsson, a team from Via Hansa & Borealis recently embarked on an unforgettable journey to the captivating Faroe Islands in collaboration with our local suppliers. The archipelago, located in the North Atlantic Ocean and steeped in mystique and wonder, welcomed our adventurers with open arms, unveiling a tapestry of experiences that would forever leave an indelible mark. They wandered through the charming streets of Thorshavn, absorbing the island’s unique atmosphere. As the sun dipped below the horizon, they experienced a local culinary masterpiece—the “shoulder of a lamb.” Another memorable stop was Vágar Island, where they braved the elements to witness the breathtaking “Lake Above the Ocean” at Trælanípa. Kalsoy beckoned, with a vintage schooner journey to Syðradalur and Mikladalur, revealing the legend of Kópakonan. Trollanes and Kunoy’s charms left an enduring impression, and a thrilling RIB boat tour to Hestur Island took the travelers through hidden caves, creating unforgettable memories. They all departed with a newfound appreciation for this remote paradise, vowing to return someday.

In a world where travel has become increasingly commercialized and uniform, the Faroe Islands stand out as an immersive destination that promises to engage all your senses. Its genuine authenticity, awe-inspiring natural beauty, and deep-rooted culture make it a place where travelers can truly connect with the world around them. Via Hansa & Borealis encourages trips to the Faroe Islands for discerned travelers looking for something out of the ordinary. For inquiries about the Faroe Islands, please contact: Arnar.Arnthorsson@viahansaborealis.com

Via Hansa & Borealis will, as usual, be participating at the WTM2023 in London from November 6th to 8th. This year we are exhibiting at the Lithuanian National Stand at Europe Hall, Stand No. N7-514. The Via Hansa & Borealis product line includes leisure and MICE products in Scandinavia, Iceland, Finland, the Baltic countries, Germany, Poland and beyond. Moreover, we will be exhibiting together with our hospitality brands – THE WORLD OF BOREALIS and BALTICVISION – offering an abundance of Guaranteed Escorted Departures in the whole destination area both in summer and winter, and we will be happy to make a presentation of our concept for high-end tailor-made FIT arrangements.

For pre-arranged appointments, please contact Mr. Stelios Lund, Mr. Eriks Lingeberzins or Mr. Hans Henrik Kjoelby or book an appointment through the appointment system of the WTM.

During the fair, we can be reached at: +45 3142 0952 or +371 2917 2752, or +45 5360 5299.

As an active member of the European Tourism Operator Association (ETOA), Via Hansa & Borealis will be attending the ETOA Global European Marketplace Workshop on November 3rd at Intercontinental London – The O2. Stelios Lund, Director of Sales & Operations, and Hans Henrik Kjoelby, CEO Baltic, will represent the company, and participants of the workshop can book appointments via the appointment system of the workshop. After a busy 2023 season, Via Hansa & Borealis is looking forward to meeting old and new customers.

December 2023 will see the opening of the Hotel Maria in Helsinki, heralding a new era in luxury Nordic hospitality with a level of refinement and excellence that is a first for the region. The luxurious property is located in one of the city’s most prestigious addresses, in close proximity to the Presidential Palace and Senate Square. Steeped in tradition and reimagined to create a sophisticated escape for discerning guests, the hotel features 117 unique guest rooms, including 38 majestic suites. The hotel offers fine dining at Restaurant Lilja and at the Garden Terrace, as well as cocktails and snacks at the Maria Bar. The Maria Spa features a traditional Finnish sauna, a unique steam room, four intimate treatment rooms, and a series of jacuzzi and plunge pools designed for absolute relaxation.
The hotel’s name refers to Grand Duchess Maria Feodorovna, a royal of Nordic descent born as Princess Dagmar of Denmark, who became Empress of Russia and the mother of the last Emperor of Russia, Nicholas II. Known amongst her fellow royals for her grace, captivating beauty and intelligence, Grand Duchess Maria was a true cosmopolitan of her day. She often retreated to Finland, which became her sanctuary to escape the pressures of royal life. The Hotel Maria is bookable for 2024 already now. Via Hansa & Borealis recommends the hotel for discerning individual travelers. For more information, please contact: evija.snorina@viahansaborealis.com

While Estonia joined the prestigious Michelin Guide in 2022, Latvia is getting ready to join from this year. The inspectors from Michelin have already reviewed the Latvian restaurant scene and on a Michelin event in Riga, on November 21st, the first Latvian Michelin-starred restaurants will be recognized. The first Michelin-starred restaurants in Latvia is a testament to the country’s culinary prowess. This prestigious recognition shines a spotlight on the exceptional skills of Latvian chefs who have mastered the art of combining flavors, textures, and presentation to create unforgettable dining experiences. Via Hansa & Borealis is offering gourmet tours to Latvia and the Baltic countries. For more information, please contact: anete.rublane@viahansaborealis.com

Nestled in the picturesque Kurzeme region of Latvia, the charming town of Kuldīga has recently gained international acclaim as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town’s historic center is a treasure trove of architectural wonders, boasting beautifully preserved buildings that display a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Kuldīga is also renowned for its charming wooden houses, which add to the town’s distinctive character. The unique blend of architectural influences creates a captivating tapestry that tells the story of Kuldīga’s rich past. Whether seeking a tranquil escape or an immersive cultural adventure, Kuldīga offers a captivating journey that will leave a lasting impression. For more information, please contact: ilze.sproge@viahansaborealis.com

BalticVision, a dedicated brand of Via Hansa & Borealis doing Guaranteed Escorted Tours in the Baltic countries, Poland and Finland, is seeing a strong recovery this year and is doubling the turn over compared to 2022. The company has not only survived the three very difficult years 2020-2022, but is slowly getting back to pre-pandemic numbers and 2023 has laid a solid foundation for continued growth in the years to come. The company is now ready with its catalogue for Summer 2024 and Winter 2024/2025. The new catalogue features on all the destinations both traditional products and new programs and new ideas reflecting the need to move on after pandemic and the impact of war on Ukraine.

Via Hansa & Borealis was recently entertaining a group of fifteen travel executives from companies in Europe, Canada and Australia through a week-long tour in the Baltic countries. The purpose of the trip was to reconnect traditional customers and to acquaint new customers with the Baltic destinations as they are today. The trip which was supported by the three Baltic national tourism boards and a number of regional Baltic tourism boards, was in particular inspiring the customers to innovate traditional programs, and the guests were acquainted with a lot of novelties in the capitals cities, introduced to many cultural immersions and soft nature adventure in all three countries. The trip was blessed by unusually warm and sunny spring weather, and the guests went back with an impression of the Baltic destinations as safe and secure and with a lot to offer in the future.