Finland launches Official Tasting Table
Finland has launched Finland’s Official Tasting Table, a culinary tourism initiative inviting international visitors to experience Finnish cuisine through exclusive dining experiences in September 2026.
Recently named the world’s happiest country for the ninth consecutive year, Finland is using the programme to showcase its food culture and connection to nature.
The experience will feature two curated tastings in Lapland and the coast and archipelago region, with only 16 guests selected globally.
Menus created by Finnish chefs Erik Mansikka and Joel Manninen will highlight regional ingredients, Nordic simplicity and sustainable food traditions inspired by local communities.
Antwerp showcases meetings potential
Antwerp Convention Bureau hosted eight international association buyers in Antwerp for an exclusive familiarisation trip highlighting the city’s growing appeal for international meetings and events.
The programme focused on gastronomy, sustainability, fashion and innovation, showcasing Antwerp’s ability to deliver immersive delegate experiences beyond traditional conference venues while strengthening its profile in the international association meetings market. A key highlight was the MICHELIN Guide Ceremony at the historic Handelsbeurs, alongside visits to BlueChem, Belgium’s first sustainable chemistry incubator, and MoMu Fashion Museum. Delegates also toured leading venues including Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, Hilton Antwerp Old Town and A Room with a ZOO.
Leo & Loona Kids Park opens in Bahrain
Leo & Loona Kids Park Bahrain has officially opened at The Avenues Mall Bahrain, bringing one of the GCC’s fastest-growing family entertainment concepts to the Kingdom. Recognised as the “Best Family Attraction in the Middle East,” the immersive indoor destination combines adventure, creativity, technology and dining in a multi-themed edutainment experience designed for modern families.
Inspired by mascots Leo and Loona, the park features role-play environments, climbing zones, trampolines, interactive sports games, soft play areas and a dedicated toddler zone. The destination also includes educational workshops, creative activities and a premium family-friendly restaurant, positioning it as a full-day lifestyle experience rather than a traditional play centre.
Poland expands appeal to Gulf travellers
Poland is targeting tourism growth from the United Arab Emirates while strengthening cooperation across tourism, aviation, trade and agriculture, according to Grzegorz Gawin, Head of Mission at the Embassy of Poland in Abu Dhabi.
Travel flows between Poland and the UAE continue to grow, with nearly 200,000 exchange visits recorded last year. Strong aviation links through Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia, Qatar Airways and LOT Polish Airlines support this growth, while additional direct connections are being explored. Poland is also enhancing its appeal through halal dining, Arabic-language services and tourism promotions.
Türkiye records strong tourism growth
Türkiye recorded a 4.2 per cent increase in international visitors during the first quarter of 2026, reaching 9.2 million visitors, while tourism revenue rose 4.2 per cent year-on-year to nearly $9.9 billion, according to Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy.
Speaking in Istanbul, Ersoy highlighted Türkiye’s strong tourism resilience despite global geopolitical tensions and regional uncertainties.
The country welcomed 64 million visitors in 2025 and generated $65.2 billion in tourism revenue.