5 October 2026 · Helsinki, Finland
Continuing discussions begun in Dubai, GapEdu is supporting the development of practical tourism opportunities across Groups, Incentives and Leisure travel.
Jyrki Nilson, Co-Founder and CEO of GapEdu – Global Consultancy on Development Policy & Practice, met with Mathew D’Costa from dnata Travel Management in Helsinki as part of the series of meetings surrounding Emirates’ Helsinki launch from 1 October 2026.
Their discussion focused on Finland as a destination and opportunities to develop programmes for dnata Travel Management’s clients in the UAE and wider region.
Stronger connectivity, greater opportunity
Emirates’ launch of its daily Dubai–Helsinki service on 1 October introduced a year-round direct connection between the UAE and Finland. Operated by an Airbus A350, the route also connects Finland with Emirates’ wider international network through Dubai.
For tourism businesses, this creates an opportunity to reach new audiences. Developing that potential requires programmes that reflect market demand, supported by reliable services and coordinated delivery at destination level.
Developing Finland’s year-round offering
From Helsinki’s urban and cultural experiences to Lapland and Finland’s distinctive natural landscapes, the discussions explored opportunities across three travel segments:
- Groups: coordinated itineraries combining destinations, accommodation and experiences.
- Incentives: distinctive programmes tailored to corporate objectives and participant expectations.
- Leisure: travel experiences reflecting different interests and seasons.
The focus is on matching Finland’s strengths with client needs, while considering transport, seasonality, service standards and local delivery capabilities.
GapEdu’s role: putting development policy into practice
As a global consultancy working across development policy and practice, GapEdu helps translate tourism development objectives into practical action on the ground.
Within this engagement, its focus is on applying market insights to programme development, identifying suitable local partners and supporting coordination around the services international clients require.
This means connecting strategic planning with on-site practice: assessing what destinations can offer, how programmes can be delivered and how local businesses can prepare to participate.
For GapEdu, market access forms part of a wider development process that brings together commercial relevance, operational readiness and long-term destination value.
Taking the dialogue forward
The Helsinki meeting continued the engagement initiated in Dubai and provided a basis for further discussions with dnata Travel Management and Finnish partners.
GapEdu looks forward to advancing cooperation that turns stronger connectivity and international interest into well-designed travel programmes, practical business opportunities and sustainable destination benefits.
Explore cooperation with GapEdu
To discuss tourism development, destination readiness or international market access, contact GapEdu.