Posts

Dave

Radisson RED unveils contemporary oasis in Helsinki’s historic Kaisaniemi Park

/in /by

Radisson RED, the vibrant hotel brand renowned for its contemporary design and art-centric ethos, has made its debut in Helsinki, the green capital of the world’s happiest country.

Nestled in a modernist masterpiece within the historic Kaisaniemi Park, Radisson RED Helsinki promises an inspiring blend of art, culture, and relaxation at the pulse of the Finnish capital.

Urban Oasis: Radisson RED Helsinki captures city sophistication and serenity

Designed by the acclaimed Finnish architecture firm Anttinen Oiva Arkkitehdit, the eight-story Radisson RED Helsinki boasts 195 stylish rooms and suites, each showcasing the brand’s signature cutting-edge design. With its strategic location within walking distance of Helsinki Central Station, the iconic Oodi library, and vibrant hotspots, the hotel is a gateway to the city’s architectural marvels and cultural hubs.

One of the standout features of Radisson RED Helsinki is its commitment to art. The lobby welcomes guests with a three-meter red artwork inspired by the monumental “lantern carriers” sculpture at Helsinki Railway Station. Hanging proudly in the hotel’s center is Finnish artist Jenni Rope’s 24-metre tall mobile masterpiece, “Gust of Wind,” bringing the verdant beauty of Kaisaniemi Park indoors.

The ground floor beckons with the RED Bar and Kitchen, offering a laid-back dining experience and a trendy bar with an outdoor terrace overlooking Kaisaniemi Park. This space, open from morning until late, becomes a hub for socialising, featuring DJs, local artists and availability for private events.

Radisson RED Helsinki also introduces the RED Guide, a curated insider’s guide to Helsinki’s authentic local sights and unique experiences, crafted in collaboration with the City of Helsinki and locals.

Unveiling in January 2024 at the grand opening party, the guide promises to reveal hidden gems and provide guests with a local’s perspective on the city.

Tom Flanagan Karttunen, Area Senior VP for Northern and Western Europe at Radisson Hotel Group, expressed excitement about the launch, stating,

Radisson RED Helsinki is our fourth Radisson RED in Scandinavia, following the success of our properties in Denmark and Oslo. Its focus on cutting-edge design and art, combined with a relaxed setting, has resonated well with Nordic travellers. We look forward to welcoming both local and international guests to this vibrant addition to our portfolio.

General Manager Mika Virtanen added,

We’re proud to open Finland’s first Radisson RED in Helsinki and work with prestigious designers, artists, and architects, reflecting Radisson RED’s award-winning design-focused ethos. Radisson RED Helsinki is an excellent base for exploring the design, architecture, and urban culture of Helsinki.

Radisson RED brand movie

For those eager to delve deeper into the authentic experiences Radisson RED Helsinki has to offer, the invitation is extended to contact their Global Travel Account Manager for further information. Discover the allure of Helsinki through the lens of Radisson RED, where bold design meets local immersion.

Dave

Finnair to accept Covid-19 vaccination certificate as an alternative to negative test result or an immunity certificate when travelling to Finland

/in /by

Finnair will start accepting a Covid-19 vaccination certificate from the first vaccination dose as an alternative to a negative test result or a certificate of a previous Covid-19 infection, on Finnair flights to Finland from 11 May, 2021.

Since late January 2021, Finnair has required that all passengers travelling to Finland – excluding transfer passengers – present either a negative test certificate or an immunity/recovery certificate as a prerequisite for boarding, in line with the recommendation by the Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare.

In addition, from 11 May, there is no requirement for children under the age of 16 to present a health certificate, but Finnair recommends children between 12 and 15 years of age arrive with proof of a negative test result. This is to speed up the arrival procedure at Helsinki Airport, where passengers with a negative test result are exempt from testing on arrival.

Kimmo Ketola, Finnair Medical Director said,

Vaccines have proven their power in fighting the pandemic, and vaccination certificates will play a key role in the upcoming EU Digital Green Certificate to ensure the health and safety of travellers.

The likelihood of a vaccinated person being infected and transmitting Covid-19 is very small.

Finnair will accept vaccination certificates for all Covid-19 vaccines approved by the World Health Organization or the European Medical Agency. The vaccine needs to be administered at least 21 days before the travel date. The certificate needs to include the customer’s name, date of birth, the name of the vaccine producer, the time and place the vaccine was administered, as well as the issuer of the certificate.

As an alternative to the vaccination certificate, customers can present proof of a negative Covid-19 test result or a certificate of a previous Covid-19 infection.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of GTM explained what this can mean for UK-based business travellers,

Finnair specialises in traffic between Europe and Asia, because the fastest connections between many European destinations and Asian megacities fly over Finland. Finnair’s requirement of a Covid-19 vaccine certificate as an alternative to a negative Covid-19 test will be useful for British business travellers, since the vaccine rollout has been so successful in the UK so far.

Finnair closely follows the development of health and safety measures in travel, and regularly updates its own procedures. Finnair flights have comprehensive health and safety measures in place, including a requirement to wear a mask during the flight. Measures are also in place when boarding and disembarking the aircraft, as well as during the flight.

Passengers will need to be sure of the travel restrictions in place between the UK and Finland and should check with GTM before travelling.

Dave

Finnair is offering free Covid-19 insurance cover

/in /by

Finnish airline Finnair has announced it is offering complimentary Covid-19 insurance cover for customers departing from Finland.

Finnair Corona Cover provides extra protection and security for customers for all existing and new bookings, for travel departures between 3 November, 2020 and 31 March, 2021.

The insurance cover comes complimentary with all Finnair tickets booked through Finnair sales channels – including Finnair.com, the Finnair mobile app or via the airline’s customer service – for international travel originating from Finland.

It means any customer who falls ill with coronavirus in their destination can claim for any coronavirus-related medical and quarantine expenses incurred in their destination. The cover supplements travellers’ own travel insurance.

Tiina Tissari, Finnair Vice President, Customer Experience and Products, said:

It is important that Finnair customers feel they can travel safely as we recognise that travelling during the pandemic comes with new kinds of concerns and challenges.

To meet the needs of our customers during the COVID-19 outbreak, Finnair has introduced its complimentary Finnair Corona Cover.

Now Finnair customers can enjoy the peace of mind and additional security which comes from Finnair Corona Cover, including cover for medical and quarantine expenses should those insured with us become sick with coronavirus while travelling.”

Finnair Corona Cover includes the following expenses for customers in their destination:

  • Covid-19 related medical expenses and medical repatriation up to €50,000, e.g. for a hospital stay or doctor visits
  • The price of a coronavirus test, if the result is positive
  • Additional quarantine costs, resulting from falling ill with coronavirus, up to €100 for a maximum of 14 days, which could cover additional overnight accommodation
  • A new return flight back to Finland, if the original flight is missed due to illness related to coronavirus.

The cover is valid in all foreign destinations, with no excess fees.

As well as including Finnair Corona Cover with all Finnair tickets booked from Finland, the cover is included also in Aurinkomatkat package trips and Finnair Holidays bookings, when the destination is outside Finland.

Customers are advised always to contact Finnair’s insurance partner for a consultation and approval for any medical or other expenses, before using local services. Expenses will be settled directly with local service providers, provided each customer first contacts and is given approval from the insurance partner. This prevents customers from having to pay for the services themselves or carry any risk for the costs.

The service is provided to Finnair customers, 24/7, with English-speaking customer service agents on hand to provide assistance.

For more information and advice on Covid-19 insurance contact your GTM Account Manager. T

Dave

KLM mandates face masks and increases daily flight capacity

/in /by

KLM has become the latest airline to mandate the use of face masks by passengers.

In a statement released on 4 May, the carrier stated that the requirement for masks starts on 11 May.

The statement said:

Since the Covid-19 outbreak began, KLM has introduced many measures around screening and hygiene to protect customers and KLM staff, on board and at airports. KLM’s policy is based on national (RIVM) and international (WHO, IATA) guidelines, and complies with international law and regulations. In situations where social distancing cannot be guaranteed, the wearing of face masks will be recommended or made compulsory. Some destinations already require face masks to be worn on board flights.

Starting 11 May, masks will be compulsory on board and during boarding.

The airline also clarified that passengers will be responsible for providing their own face masks.

The announcement comes as KLM confirmed the reintroduction of a number of flights. One, daily flight will operate to Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Milan, Budapest, Prague, Warsaw and Helsinki, operating from 11 May. This will meet KLM’s target of reintroducing 15% of the airline’s pre-pandemic capacity.

Paul

Finnair Mega Far East Summer Sale!

/in /by

For a short period only Finnair has some amazingly low air fares on sale to the Far East. Eff immediately, and until 27th June 2013, you can book economy class air fares from just £71 (plus airport taxes).

The offer is valid for travel from 31st August – until various dates in November and December 2013. Finnair’s Far East route network, flying via Helsinki, from either London or Manchester, includes the following destinations : Delhi, Bangkok, Singapore, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Chongqing, Xi’an, Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, Osaka, Nagoya & Tokyo.

Business Class fares are equally low, starting at just £628 to Xi’an, or £728 to Chingqing (both plus airport taxes).

Remember the sales period only runs until 27th June – so what are you waiting for?!

Paul

Amazing Finnair Prices to Asia!

/in /by

Book air fares to China & Japan from just £62!

For a limited period only Finnair are selling flights from London & Manchester to various destinations in China & Japan, however, the selling period ends on 12th November 2012. The headline fare of £62 applies to Chongqing in China. The highest fare to any of the following destinations is only £123 (prices exclude airport taxes and fuel surcharge) : Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, Osaka & Nagoya.

Whilst the sales period ends on 12 November, travel can take place right through to 31st March 2013.

NB. Finnair flights connect via Helsinki, which is widely regarded as an efficent airport to transfer in, with minimal time spent on the ground.