Via Hansa & Borealis

05/03/2025

Via Hansa & Borealis rocking ITB Berlin again!

28/02/2025

ESTONIA INVITING FOR A NEW ERA OF LUXURY TRAVELERS
Opening in spring 2025, The Burman Hotel is a luxurious boutique establishment nestled in the heart of Tallinn's Old Town. Housed in a historic building dating back to 1850 as Hotel St. Peterbourg, it stands as Estonia's oldest continuously operating hotel. The hotel offers 17 elegantly designed rooms, where guests can indulge in a boutique spa, a large luxurious casino, and several restaurants featuring diverse styles. The Burman Hotel seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury, situated within a complex of three interconnected historic buildings in the Old Town. More high-end properties are set to open in the coming years, further enhancing Estonia’s luxury hospitality scene. For more information, please contact [email protected]

26/02/2025

VIA HANSA & BOREALIS SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFIED
In order to comply with the EU CSRD regulations on sustainability and confirm our commitment to sustainable practices, Via Hansa & Borealis has recently obtained full sustainability certification from BIOSPHERE. As part of the certification process, BIOSPHERE conducted a comprehensive audit of the company’s administrative and operational practices, focusing on both sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
Via Hansa & Borealis has been implementing more sustainable practices for several years. However, this is the first time the company and its operations have undergone a full and thorough audit, leading to further adjustments in certain areas.
A number of key employees have been involved in the certification process, and going forward, the company will continue to train and educate its staff on sustainable practices and products. Moreover, it will place greater emphasis on environmental and social responsibility in its offerings. The company will introduce more sustainable product options for customers, collaborating with hotels, restaurants, transport providers, and other suppliers that are themselves certified. Additionally, Via Hansa & Borealis will offer program solutions aimed at reducing its CO₂ footprint.
For more information, please visit our web portal at www.viahansaborealis.com or contact Henrik Kjölby at [email protected]

24/02/2025

VIA HANSA & BOREALIS AT ITB BERLIN 2025
Via Hansa & Borealis Baltic will once again be participating in ITB Berlin from March 4th to 6th, 2025. This year, we are exhibiting in collaboration with the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia at Hall 18, Booth 105, and with Visit Estonia at Hall 18, Booth 106. We look forward to connecting with both long-standing and new partners to showcase our latest innovative and sustainable leisure travel products across the Baltic countries, Poland, and Finland. Our team will be present throughout all three days of the event. To schedule a pre-arranged meeting, please contact: [email protected] or [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you in Berlin!

24/01/2025

Join Our Riga Team !

02/01/2025

VIA HANSA & BOREALIS AT VAKANTIEBEURS IN UTRECHT
Via Hansa & Borealis Baltic will, as usual, attend the Vakantiebeurs in Utrecht, January 9th – 12th. Mrs. Anete Rublane, Director for Northern Europe and Overseas, and Mrs. Svetlana Matulenko, Manager of the FIT Department, will attend the fair on Thursday, January 9th, and Friday, January 10th, and are available for presentations and talks related to the Via Hansa & Borealis leisure and MICE products in the various destination areas. For pre-scheduled meetings, please contact: [email protected] or [email protected]

23/12/2024

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May the holiday season bring warmth and joy, and the year ahead be filled with new opportunities, success, and growth!🎄✨

19/12/2024

VILNIUS - EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS CAPITAL 2024
Vilnius, the historic and vibrant capital of Lithuania, has been honoured with the title of European Christmas Capital 2025 by the Christmas Cities Network. This recognition celebrates the city’s outstanding dedication to fostering the holiday spirit through its unique blend of history, culture, and community engagement. With its dazzling displays, iconic Christmas tree, and rich program of events, Vilnius invites visitors to experience a festive season like no other. The selection process is overseen by the Christmas Cities Network, an organization dedicated to promoting the cultural, social, and economic values of Christmas celebrations across Europe. Supported by the European Parliament, this initiative aims to highlight cities that exemplify community engagement, innovation, and heritage preservation during the holiday season.
“Christmas in Vilnius” is one of the most anticipated and magical events of the year in Lithuania’s capital, lasting from late November until Epiphany in January. This lively celebration fills the city with a variety of events and joyful atmosphere for over a month, attracting both locals and increasing numbers of visitors from around the world. The highlights include traditional events such as the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Cathedral Square, the Christmas Market, an ice skating rink, and the International Christmas Charity Fair. The Vilnius Christmas Tree, a symbol of the celebration, has gained international recognition as one of the most beautiful in Europe. Visitors can also enjoy the Christmas Train, the Vilnius Christmas Run, and the New Year’s Eve celebration, promising a bright start to the year. For more information, please contact: [email protected]

04/12/2024

ITALIANS IN THE SNOW!
As the first snow fell, Via Hansa & Borealis Baltic welcomed a group of Italian tour operators to Riga. The guests explored the city’s medieval treasures and exiting restaurant and bar scene. Moreover, the guests ventured beyond its borders to visit the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, the Jurmala beach resort, and the Gauja National Park, including the town of Sigulda, known for its rich medieval heritage.
The Baltic division of Via Hansa & Borealis has experienced a remarkable recovery during the 2024 season, with business growing by more than 50% across all segments and exceeding all expectations. With numerous reservations already secured for 2025 and an extensive schedule of sales and marketing activities planned for the low season, the company is optimistic about the upcoming year and is preparing for further growth.

02/12/2024

BALTIC FIT PRODUCT MANUAL 2025 NOW AVAILABLE
The Baltic FIT Product Manual for 2025 has been finalized and distributed to all FIT customers. As always, the manual includes wholesale FIT rates, private package tours, private tours and excursions, fly-and-drive options, private transfers, and other products.
If you have not received your copy, please let us know. The manual will soon be updated to include similar products for Poland and Finland. Additionally, we offer extensive options for tailor-made tours – please contact us with your specific requirements. For more information or to make reservations for the Baltic countries, Poland, or Finland, please reach out to: [email protected]

22/11/2024

FIRST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN GREENLAND TO OPEN SHORTLY

Greenland, the largest island kingdom in the world, is set to make a significant leap in international connectivity with the opening of its first international airport in the capital, Nuuk. Scheduled for November 28, 2024, Nuuk Airport is expected to boost tourism and stimulate the economy of this fascinating island.Initially, the airport will operate with current airlines Air Greenland and Icelandair, offering five daily domestic flights to destinations such as Narsarsuaq, Paamiut, Maniitsoq, Sisimiut, Ilulissat, and Kulusuk.

A noteworthy addition is the new direct route between Nuuk and Copenhagen, which will start with five flights per week and expand to up to eight during the holiday season and summer of 2025. Additionally, a weekly seasonal flight to Billund will offer further connections to Denmark. Plans for more international flights are also underway, with two weekly flights from Nuuk to Keflavik, Iceland, enhancing Greenland’s access to both North America and Europe.

This new international airport is part of a broader expansion in Greenland’s air traffic, with two additional airports planned in Ilulissat and Qaqortoq, both set to be operational by the end of 2026. Via Hansa & Borealis looks forward to welcoming guests to Greenland as the new airport opens up fresh travel opportunities to this remarkable destination. For more information, please contact us at [email protected]

20/11/2024

DREAMING OF CHRISTMAS - IN LAPLAND

Dreaming of an unforgettable December in Rovaniemi, the heart of Christmas magic? With over 40 direct flights bringing travelers to Santa’s homeland, Rovaniemi is the top destination of the season! Envision a winter wonderland where your clients can cozy up under the Northern Lights, embark on reindeer sleigh rides, and even meet Santa himself. Via Hansa & Borealis has exclusive premium availability for Christmas and New Year, offering an enchanting experience for all ages.
Our tailored experiences feature cozy lodge accommodations, immersive cultural encounters, and unforgettable excursions through the snow-clad wilderness. Whether it is a thrilling snowmobile adventure or a serene reindeer sleigh ride, every detail crafted for a truly magical holiday. Give your clients the chance to make memories that last a lifetime. Don’t miss out – book now to secure a spot in Lapland’s ultimate festive escape and make their holiday dreams come true! For more information and bookings, please contact us at [email protected]

04/11/2024

VIA HANSA & BOREALIS AT THE PHILOXENIA INTERNATIONAL TOURISM EXHIBITION IN THESSALONIKI, GREECE, NOVEMBER 14–15

Via Hansa & Borealis will, as usual, be participating at the PHILOXENIA 2024 in Thessaloniki, Greece, from November 14 to 15.

Arta Berina, the Manager of South Europe Department, will be present at the fair as a visitor for both days.
The Via Hansa & Borealis product line includes leisure and MICE products in Baltic countries, Finland, Germany, Poland and beyond.
For pre-arranged appointments, please contact Mrs Arta Berina at [email protected]
During the fair, we can be reached at: +371 29 230 866.

29/10/2024

21/10/2024

VIA HANSA & BOREALIS AT THE WTM NOVEMBER 5th–7th, AT EXCEL, LONDON
Via Hansa & Borealis will, as always, be participating at WTM 2024 in London from November 5th to 7th. This year, we are exhibiting at the Latvian National Stand in Europe Hall, Stand No. N7-420. 🌍 Our product line includes leisure and MICE services across the Nordic countries, the Baltic countries, Poland, and beyond. In addition, we will be exhibiting alongside our hospitality brands – THE WORLD OF BOREALIS and BALTICVISION – which offer a wide range of guaranteed escorted departures throughout the destination area, both in summer and winter. We will also be happy to present our concept for high-end, tailor-made FIT arrangements.
For pre-arranged appointments, please contact 📧 Mrs. Anete Rublane: [email protected]
📧 Mr. Eriks Lingeberzins: [email protected], or book through the WTM appointment system.
📞 During the event, we can be reached at: +371 29 440 916 or +371 29 172 752.
See you at WTM! 🤝

17/10/2024

HAMPTON HOTELS UNVEILS A NEW HOTEL IN TALLINN
December 2024 will mark the opening of the new 4-star Hampton Tallinn. The hotel will feature 164 well-appointed rooms equipped with modern amenities, a restaurant and bar with seating for 150 guests, a gym, and a sauna. Conveniently located in the city center, it is within walking distance of the medieval Old Town.
While most Hampton hotels position themselves as 3-star properties to avoid conflicting with the Hilton brand, the Hampton Tallinn will be a 4-star hotel, offering all the facilities, standards, and services expected of such a classification. Via Hansa & Borealis recommends this hotel for individual travelers and leisure groups seeking modern 4-star accommodation in the heart of Tallinn. For more information, please contact: [email protected]

14/10/2024

A CULINARY REVOLUTION UNDERWAY IN THE BALTICS
October 24 – The Michelin Guide will unveil the Latvian restaurants included in the 2025 edition, along with those receiving Michelin stars. Last year, the guide featured 26 restaurants—19 in Riga and seven outside the capital—highlighting one Michelin-star recipient, three Bib Gourmand establishments, and 22 recommended restaurants, including one with a Green Star. Max Cekot Kitchen was the first Latvian restaurant to earn a Michelin star, significantly boosting its visibility and attracting new clients, according to Chef Maksims Cekots.
In 2024, Milda, Shōyu, and Sn**ch received Bib Gourmand recognition, while Pavāru Māja became the first in Latvia to be awarded a Michelin Green Star for sustainable practices.
With Michelin stars now recognized in all three Baltic countries, and a total of six restaurants receiving one Michelin star and one restaurant receiving two stars, a culinary revolution is underway. Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania are collectively elevating their gastronomic profiles, attracting food enthusiasts from around the world. Each country offers a unique culinary landscape, making the Baltic region a rising star in the global culinary scene.
Via Hansa Borealis is offering special gourmet tours for both FIT and individual travelers. For more information, please contact: [email protected]