The flights operate on Fridays on a triangular route: Amsterdam–Kajaani–Kuusamo–Amsterdam. The aircraft lands first in Kajaani and then continues to Kuusamo before returning to Amsterdam.
Sales for this year’s flights show growth, with current sales at +3% compared to last year. Demand remains strong in the Netherlands, particularly through TUI’s brick-and-mortar travel agencies in Utrecht, where Arctic Lakeland Finland–themed interior decorations were installed for January to support destination marketing.
TUI brings customers to the Arctic Lakeland region through ready-made travel packages, with accommodation options focusing primarily on the Kajaani and Vuokatti areas and complemented by destinations in Kuhmo. The selection includes, among others, Hotel Kajanus and Original Sokos Hotel Valjus in Kajaani, Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti, Vuokatinmaa Cottages and Holiday Club Katinkulta in Vuokatti, and Hotel Kalevala in Kuhmo.
“Flights launching from Amsterdam to Kajaani strengthen Arctic Lakeland’s international accessibility and support winter tourism across the entire region by bringing increased customer flows to accommodation providers, activity service companies and restaurants. Cooperation with major international tour operators is also an important step in increasing awareness of the Arctic Lakeland Finland region in the Dutch market”, says Aija Laukkanen, CEO of Vuokatti Tourist Centre Ltd.
Winter nature experiences are at the heart of TUI’s Arctic Lakeland Finland products and are a key motivation for many Central European travellers. TUI’s offering includes guided excursion packages featuring activities such as cross-country skiing introductions, husky and snowmobile safaris, snowshoeing and fatbike tours. Some packages also specify that the necessary thermal clothing is included for the excursions.
“Winter holidays in the far north of Europe are becoming increasingly popular among Dutch travelers. Arctic Lakeland is a wonderful addition to our existing destinations in Kittilä, Kuusamo and Ivalo, all of which have been served by TUI fly for several years. Kajaani is a destination with great potential. We are therefore delighted to offer flights there again this winter, enabling more Dutch travelers to discover this beautiful region. From 16 January to 13 March 2026, TUI fly will operate flights every Friday to Kajaani, in combination with Kuusamo”, Paavo Planckaert, Head of Commercial Sales Benelux Region, from TUI Netherlands says.
Developing tourism through cooperation
Cooperation with TUI Netherlands under the Arctic Lakeland Finland brand continues through the Arctic Lakeland Charter project. The project is implemented by the Municipality of Sotkamo and is funded by the Municipality of Sotkamo, the Regional Council of Kainuu, and the cities of Kajaani and Kuhmo.
The aim of the cooperation is to promote TUI Netherlands’ Arctic Lakeland winter travel products and to increase the region’s visibility among TUI’s Dutch consumer base.
Arctic Lakeland Finland is the international tourism brand of the Kainuu region and is used across all Kainuu tourism areas in international marketing.
Further information
Arctic Lakeland Charter Project
Aija Laukkanen, Project Manager
CEO, Vuokatti Tourist Centre Ltd
Tel. +358 40 611 6950
aija.laukkanen@vuokatti.fi