Forget generic tourist traps and endless swiping on dating apps. Finland is redefining travel and connection with its 2027 'Finnish Dinner Date Trip,' a campaign centred on one simple, powerful idea: sharing a meal. It's an invitation to find love, or maybe
just your new favourite food.
A Fresh Take on Tourism
Visit Finland, the country's tourism board, is offering an all-expenses-paid trip to 16 lucky single travellers from around the world in February 2027. This unique initiative, called the Finnish Dinner Date, aims to introduce international visitors to one of Finland's best-kept secrets: its cuisine. The campaign will fly winners to either the vibrant seaside capital of Helsinki or the city of Tampere, known as the sauna capital of the world, for a curated four-day experience. The trip is designed not as a formal matchmaking service, but as a chance for genuine connection—with people, places, and most importantly, food.
From Supermarket Baskets to Dinner Dates
The inspiration for the campaign comes from a uniquely Finnish viral trend known as 'sinkkukori', or 'single basket'. In select supermarkets, single shoppers who are open to meeting new people can use a pink basket to signal their status. Visit Finland has adapted this playful, organic idea into a global campaign that replaces the grocery aisle with a shared dinner table. According to Heli Jimenez, Senior Director of International Marketing at Business Finland, the goal is to bring people together in a 'truly one-of-a-kind way' by celebrating how food unites Finns.
What's on the Menu?
The highlight of the four-day trip is a group dinner where the eight international guests in each city will be joined by two local Finnish singles. The meal will feature one of Finland's official tasting menus, crafted by renowned chefs. In Helsinki, the menu is designed by Adele Kinnunen, a MasterChef Professionals star, while Tampere's feast is handled by Bocuse d'Or representative Henry Tikkanen. Finnish cuisine is deeply connected to nature, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients. Dishes are often simple but flavourful, featuring staples like fish, root vegetables, wild berries, and rye bread. Travellers can expect to taste authentic flavours that reflect the country's landscape, from creamy salmon soup (lohikeitto) to savoury Karelian pies.
More Than Just a Meal
While the dinner date is the main event, the trip is a full cultural immersion. The packed itinerary includes various culinary and cultural experiences, such as sightseeing, outdoor activities, and, of course, traditional Finnish sauna visits. These activities are designed to give participants an authentic taste of the Finnish lifestyle. Previous campaigns by Visit Finland, like 'Rent a Finn', have shown a commitment to this style of experiential travel, where visitors connect with local guides to understand the secrets to Finnish happiness. The Finnish Dinner Date continues this tradition, focusing on the communal joy of breaking bread and sharing stories.
How to Secure Your Seat at the Table
The application process is simple and creative. Interested singles (18 and over, non-Finnish residents) must complete two steps before the deadline of 10 November 2026. First, applicants need to record a short video in English answering the question: 'What would you serve on a dinner date, and why?'. This video should then be posted to Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube with the hashtag #FinnishDinnerDate, tagging one of Visit Finland's official accounts. The second step is to fill out the official application form on the campaign's website, including a link to the video. The 16 winners will have their flights, accommodation, and scheduled meals and activities completely covered.
