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Estonia We're Backing Agents
Estonia FACTFILE
Size: About the same as Denmark, Estonia has a long coast and 1500 islands
Average length of stay: Two-three nights. Recommend four to fi t two cities in, or a week to add islands or beaches
Top destinations: Tallinn and Tartu make a great twin city break, whilst Summer capital Parnu has miles of golden sandy beaches, and islands Muhu and Saaremaa are a romantic rural retreat
When to go: Summer in the north brings light evenings and sunny weather up to the 30s – the perfect conditions for al fresco dinners, time on the beach or appreciating the beautiful green country- side. Winter gives a different perspective, with activities like dog sledding on offer
Flying times: Around three hours from London to Tallinn
Average Costs: Estonia has been tagged to the Euro for some time and in January joined the currency offi cially
Nightlife/Entertainment: Tallinn's nightlife ranges from fun medieval-themed restaurant Olde Hansa, to local bars and clubs. Tartu is a university city with a thriving nightlife. In 2011 Tallinn is hosting over 7000 events
Accommodation choices: Luxury boutique hotels like the 14th century Merchant’s House, or the modern Nordic Hotel Forum (both in Tallinn), as well as apartments. Those on a budget will fi nd hostels, guest houses and camping.
Learn more
www.visitestonia.com www.tourism.tallinn.ee www.tallinn2011.ee/eng www.tumlare.com
This tiny Baltic state is best known for its capital – the medieval walled city of Tallinn. With a past reputation for cheap stag dos, Tallinn has moved on from this and is the proud co-host of the 2011 Capital of Culture. This January, in the year Estonia celebrates 20 years of independence, it has attracted 34 per cent more British and Irish visitors.
The challenges • Some people think Estonia only has Tallinn to offer – make people realise there’s more for second or third-timers – like the city of Tartu, two hours by train from Tallinn • With a reputation for city breaks, Estonia is dismissed when it comes to traditional summer holidays - but with 1500 islands and a relatively large coastline, Estonia has many beaches and lots of outdoor activities on offer • People think of Estonia as Eastern Europe, meaning low expectations in terms of accommodation. In fact, many cultural aspects are more akin to Scandinavia – including its luxury properties and quality service
The opportunities
• Sell Estonia to those who’ve only seen Tallinn on a whistlestop cruise tour • 2011 is THE year to be booking trips to Tallinn because of the buzz created by its Capital of Culture status and its extensive events calendar • Suggest self-drive. The country is
compact and the roads are easy to navigate. In just three hours your clients could drive from Tallinn to the Baltic islands.
• Estonia is perfect for twin-centres. Try a Baltic States
tour with Latvia and Lithuania. Tallinn is 50 miles from Helsinki, a two-hour ferry crossing, and there is now a ferry connecting to St Petersburg too.
• Got a spa lover? The therapeutic mud of cute coastal town Happsalu is just one choice and prices are low
• For romantics, the islands of Muhu and Saaremaa are a step back in time. Padaste Manor on Muhu is a high-end
Selling Estonia with superlatives "Estonia is the most meteor-cratered country on earth, meaning some dramatic landscapes; it's one of the most bio-diverse bird regions in the Baltic; has Europe’s fi fth largest lake; and Estonians are amongst the world's most prolifi c mobile phone owners." Mary Stuart Miller, UK director, Estonian Tourist Board
In conclusion Estonia has year-round appeal. Beautiful and culturally rich Tallinn is great for clients who like Prague, Budapest or Stockholm, but up-sell! Whether it’s another city, a beach extension or a country spa break, you can pack a lot in, and what’s on offer changes from season-to-season.
14 May/June 2011 •
www.shortbreaksholidays.com
boutique hotel, with fi ne dining, a spa and even a private cottage
• For clients who book Christmas
market trips to Germany or Scandinavia, suggest Tallinn. Its size is manageable, the handmade crafts on offer are authentic and the snow magical
Getting there
Estonian Air fl ies between Tallinn and Gatwick four times a week. Ryanair has direct fl ights from Dublin, Edinburgh, Luton and East Midlands. easyJet now fl ies from Liverpool to Tallinn as
well as Stansted.
Destination Dialogue
Held in the intimate wood-panelled Estonian Embassy in leafy Kensington, our third Destination Dialogue brought together key suppliers, including the Estonian Tourist Offi ce, and invited agents to discuss the pre-conceptions versus the realities and the practicalities of selling Estonia. Special guest was Aino Lepik von Wirén, the Estonian Ambassador to London
toptip
itineraries and queries, and we have experts on the ground in Estonia” Rannveig Snorradottir,
“We can package tours, excluding fl ights, help with
Tumlare – DMC
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