SAMK EduTravel Daytrips offer nature magic and cultural heritage

– With the coronavirus pandemic, we have set out to seek new products and target groups. We got the idea together with the SAMK International Office to organize leisure trips for our international students. We are excited about it, says EduTravel Manager, Senior Lecturer Maaria Berg.

– We want to bring out Satakunta's nature and cultural sites and, on the other hand, the Finnish way of life to our international guests. For example, we can go hiking together in the wild forest, make campfire and visit places of cultural heritage.

– Our next trip head to the Joutsijärvi nature reserve, which is Satakunta’s silent paradise. It is a real gem, Berg tells.

– On the same trip, we also visit the Leineperi Ironworks area with its autumn market and enjoy harvester’s buffet of local ingredients in historical Savipakari restaurant, says Anniina Leikas, a third-year Bachelor student of Tourism and Hospitality Management. She is a team member, working as Daytrips & B2B suppliers coordinator productizing, marketing and handling the bookings and payments.

Great food, professional service providers, communality, and special destinations

The day trips are accompanied by professional guides who tell about the nature, characteristics, and history of the areas. To bring extra value for guests, student from EduTravel lead the excursion from start to finish.

The travel destination have been selected on the basis that they have already been commercialized in previous tourism courses. Their highlights are therefore known. The excursions are mainly outdoors, and the group sizes are small.

– Satakunta has a diverse cultural and nature offer, Berg says.

– We offer these especially for international students and other organizations with international customer groups in Pori and Rauma. The idea is not only to offer experiences, but also to help them get into this Finnish culture.

– It's nice to be able to do something concrete and see the imprint of your own hand. At the same time, we are also going through the concept of virtual tourism, Leikas tells.

– Great food, professional service providers, communality and special natural and cultural attractions, Berg sums up the content of the trips.