Explore Nordic Wonders

A Comprehensive Training for Travel Professionals

Training Objectives

The objective of this training program is to equip Chinese travel professionals with a comprehensive understanding of Nordic countries' cultural, historical, and natural resources, as well as the business and tourism landscape. By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  1. Understand Nordic Culture and History: Gain insights into the unique cultural values, traditions, and historical backgrounds of the five Nordic countries (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland).

  2. Develop Cultural Sensitivity: Learn about Nordic customs, social norms, and interpersonal etiquette to foster respectful and effective interactions with local partners and clients.

  3. Identify Key Tourism Opportunities: Explore the diverse natural attractions, seasonal activities, and sustainable tourism practices that define the Nordic region's appeal.

  4. Navigate Industry Structures and Regulations: Understand the Nordic tourism industry, legal frameworks, and policies to ensure smooth operations and compliance.

  5. Design and Promote Nordic Travel Experiences: Create tailored travel itineraries and establish partnerships with Nordic businesses to deliver high-quality, culturally enriched, and memorable experiences for Chinese travelers.

Day 1: Overview of the Nordics and Human History

Morning

  • Introduction to the Five Nordic Countries: Geographical location, population distribution, languages, and cultural characteristics (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland).
  • Historical and Cultural Highlights: From the Viking Age to the development of modern Nordic society and how history influences today’s tourism experience.
  • Cultural Diversity and Uniqueness: Exploring cultural differences among the countries and their significance for attracting tourists.

Afternoon

  • Key Historical Sites and Cultural Landmarks: Palaces, museums, old towns, and ruins (e.g., Stockholm Old Town, Bryggen in Bergen, Helsinki’s iconic churches).
  • Examples of Cultural and Natural Integration: Combining Norway’s fjords with traditional wooden cabin experiences.

Day 2: Nordic Customs and Interpersonal Relationships

Morning

  • Core Values of Nordic Lifestyle: Equality, freedom, and sustainability.
  • Nordic Food and Dining Culture: From Denmark’s “hygge” to Sweden’s “fika” and how these can be incorporated into travel itineraries.
  • Daily Etiquette and Behavior Norms: Tips for interacting with locals, including attire, dining habits, and communication styles.

Afternoon

  • Nordic Festivals and Tourism Opportunities: Celebrations such as Sweden’s Midsummer, Norway’s National Day, and Finland’s Christmas experiences.
  • Planning Interactive Cultural Experiences: Examples include visiting Icelandic farms, Danish cycling tours, and Finnish sauna traditions.

Day 3: Nordic Natural Resources and Tourism Experiences

Morning

  • Overview of Nordic Natural Resources: Aurora Borealis, fjords, glaciers, forests, and lakes as key tourism attractions.
  • Recommended Natural Destinations:
    • Geiranger Fjord in Norway.
    • Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon in Iceland.
    • Finnish Lapland and the Arctic Circle.

Afternoon

  • Seasonal Tourism Development:
    • Winter activities: Skiing, dog sledding, ice hotels.
    • Summer activities: Hiking, fishing, kayaking.
  • Sustainable Tourism Practices: How Nordic countries protect natural resources while attracting tourists.

Day 4: Nordic Tourism Industry Structure and Legal Frameworks

Morning

  • Overview of Nordic Tourism Industry: Market status, popular products, and trend analysis.
  • Structure of the Nordic Tourism Industry: Roles of national tourism organizations (e.g., Visit Sweden, Visit Norway) and collaboration with local resources.

Afternoon

  • Tourism Policies and Regulations in the Nordics:
    • Visa requirements and application processes.
    • The importance of travel insurance and medical support.
    • Scenic area regulations and tourist responsibilities (e.g., Icelandic environmental laws).
  • Common Legal Issues for Chinese Tourists in the Nordics: Traffic regulations, shopping tax refund policies, and natural park rules.

Day 5: Nordic Travel Itinerary Design and Business Collaboration

Morning

  • Classic and Customized Travel Itinerary Design:
    • Regular tours: 10-day Nordic highlights tour.
    • Custom tours: In-depth exploration of a single country’s unique attractions.
  • Challenges and Solutions for Cross-Country Travel: Transportation planning, and optimizing time allocation.

Afternoon

  • Building Partnerships with Nordic Collaborators: How to work with local travel agencies, hotels, and guides.
  • Successful Marketing Case Studies: How Nordic travel programs attract Chinese tourists.
  • Practical Exercise: Design and present a complete Nordic travel itinerary.

Conclusion and Additional Support

  • Provide an e-handbook on major Nordic tourism resources.
  • Establish a WeChat group for ongoing Q&A and sharing.
  • Recommend connections to Nordic tourism organizations and resource providers.