When embarking on a holiday, many travelers instinctively seek out unique souvenirs to bring home. However, if your journey leads you to Finland, it’s essential to navigate the country’s regulations regarding the importation of plants and foodstuffs—these items are not as freely exchanged as you might think. A Cautionary Note on Souvenirs While exploring an EU country may afford you the luxury of bringing back various goodies, those arriving from outside the EU should lean toward safer bet items like fridge magnets rather than food or plant-based souvenirs. EU Countries: A Little More Freedom Plants and Seeds Traveling within the…
Author: Finland Review
The recent disclosure that Minister of Social Affairs and Health, Kaisa Juuso of the Finns Party, has employed her own son as a Parliamentary Assistant has sparked significant debate across Finland regarding nepotism in politics. In light of this controversy, Pertti Rauhio, the Parliamentary Administrative Director, indicated to Iltalehti that he is contemplating a proposal to shift the responsibility for hiring Parliamentary Assistants away from Parliament itself. Instead, he suggests that the various Parliamentary party groups take on this duty. This potential change hinges on the approval of the legislature’s Committee Secretariat, according to the newspaper’s report. If realized, the…
Jacob Grandison’s Case Under FIBA Investigation Finnish national basketball star Jacob Grandison has recently captured attention in France, albeit under unfortunate circumstances. For the past few weeks, Grandison has been absent from the court, sidelined from matches with his team, Boulazac. Reports indicate that this situation stems from a test he underwent during the European Basketball Championships held in August and September, as noted by the French sports outlet Bebasket.fr. Details surrounding the nature of this test remain unclear, but it is currently under review by the International Basketball Federation, FIBA. In light of this development, communications and marketing manager…
In a swift turn of events, the Spa Hotel Järvisydän in Rantasalmi filed for bankruptcy on Friday, only to retract the application almost immediately. This striking development comes on the heels of a particularly eventful summer and autumn for the hotel and spa resort. While initial concerns about the establishment’s future loomed large, the quick cancellation of the bankruptcy filing offers a glimmer of hope for the venue. Järvisydän, it seems, is navigating a turbulent period, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the hospitality industry.
In the first nine months of this year, Finnair experienced an uptick in both revenues and passenger numbers; however, the airline’s comparable operating result slipped by €1.5 million due to industrial action that directly impacted its bottom line. Between July and September, Finnair’s comparable operating profit fell to approximately €51 million, a drop of nearly 30% from the same period last year when the airline reported a profit of around €72 million for the third quarter. According to company reports, a wave of employee walkouts during the spring and summer resulted in a significant €68 million loss. Notably, while profits…
Toni Saukkola Set to Take the Mic for Lions’ Matches at the Winter Olympics On Wednesday, Yle unveiled its ice hockey team for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, generating excitement among fans across Finland. Notably, Toni Saukkola, an emerging voice in sports commentary, will serve as the narrator for the Finnish national team, the Lions. Saukkola has gained recognition in recent years, particularly for his work covering the SM league and Euro football broadcasts on MTV. His passion for the game runs deep, and he took to LinkedIn to share his reaction following the announcement of his…
A printed boarding pass, an empty middle seat, or even the simple act of reclining your seat can unexpectedly inflate the cost of your flight. The experience of flying involves much more than the thrill of navigating security and anticipating takeoff; it requires a keen awareness of potential hidden fees. AirAdvisor, a company focused on securing compensation for flight disruptions and luggage issues, has compiled a list of airline surcharges that can catch even the savviest travelers off guard during the booking process. Their findings serve as a stark reminder that the true cost of air travel often extends far…
Decline in School Lunch Participation Raises Concerns Among Educators In a startling revelation from the latest School Health Survey conducted by Finland’s public health authority, THL, nearly half of the teenagers surveyed admitted they do not partake in the free school lunch provided every day. Notably, female students are particularly inclined to skip this meal. The findings indicate a significant shift in eating habits among eighth and ninth graders, with only slightly more than half consuming the free lunches regularly—a decline from over 60 percent just two years ago. While the national initiative to provide free school lunches dates back…
Sanni Utriainen Sets Her Sights on a Comeback Javelin thrower Sanni Utriainen is stepping back into the limelight after a lengthy hiatus, sharing her journey with followers on Instagram. “ONE SUMMER STILL!” she boldly proclaimed, accompanied by a video that showcases her return to the sport she loves. In her heartfelt announcement, Utriainen revealed, “I never really ended my sports career properly, and it has left me with a problem. This summer, I decided it’s now or never!” With determination in her eyes, Utriainen expressed her commitment to spend another year refining her athletic career, aiming to close this chapter…
Dress Codes Around the World: What Tourists Need to Know As globetrotters embark on their adventures, understanding local customs is vital—not just for polite interaction, but for respecting cultural norms. In some countries, how you dress can significantly impact your experience. Here’s a rundown of nations where adhering to local dress codes is particularly important. 1. Saudi Arabia In Saudi Arabia, both men and women are expected to don business attire when in urban environments and public places. While women aren’t mandated to cover their hair or face, it’s advisable to avoid short sleeves and hemlines that fall above the…