Finnish Dinner Date campaign invites 16 international singles for a free four-day trip
Visit Finland will host 16 single travelers from outside Finland for a curated four-day cultural and culinary program in February 2027. The trip covers return airfare, private-room accommodation, meals and all scheduled experiences. Each group will end the program with a chef-prepared communal dinner where international participants meet Finnish singles. The campaign focuses on introducing Finland’s food traditions and social life through small-group activities rather than guaranteeing romantic matches.
What the four-day program includes in Helsinki and Tampere
Two cohorts of eight guests will run parallel tracks: one in Helsinki and one in Tampere. Each cohort follows a tightly organized schedule over four days (within the 9–19 Feb 2027 window) that blends:
– Local gastronomy sessions: tastings, market visits and a guided tasting tour with commentary on seasonal Nordic ingredients and foraging traditions.
– Cultural touring: short museum visits, architectural walks and a curated introduction to Finnish design and public sauna culture.
– Sauna experience: supervised, traditional sauna visits with clear guidelines for first-timers and explanations of etiquette.
On the final evening, each group of eight international guests will be joined by two Finnish singles. The dinner will feature menus from prominent Finnish chefs showcasing seasonal local produce. The format emphasizes group conversation and cultural exchange rather than one-to-one matchmaking.
Who can apply and essential eligibility rules
Open to single adults aged 18 or older who live outside Finland. Finnish citizens and Finnish residents cannot participate. Applicants must produce a short English-language video answering a single prompt and share it publicly on a supported social platform, then submit the video link to Visit Finland’s application form.
Key eligibility and submission rules:
– Residency: Non-residents of Finland only.
– Age: 18+.
– Video language: English.
– Platforms accepted: Instagram, TikTok or YouTube (YouTube videos may be unlisted; Instagram and TikTok accounts must be public for the submission period).
– Social tagging: Use #FinnishDinnerDate and tag Visit Finland’s specified account when posting.
How to create a qualifying application video — step-by-step
Follow these practical steps to create a clear, compelling submission that meets requirements and stands out:
1) Understand the prompt: You must answer: “What dish would you bring to a dinner date and why?” Keep an angle that reveals personality, cultural context or creativity (for example, a family recipe with a short personal anecdote).
2) Plan a 60–90 second structure: 10–15s hook, 30–60s description of the dish and why it fits a dinner date, 10–15s closing that links you to Finland (curiosity about Finnish food, willingness to cook, etc.).
3) Show, don’t only tell: Briefly show the dish or ingredients on camera if possible; visual evidence increases engagement. If you can’t show food, use a confident, description and a natural specific setting (kitchen table, outdoor market).
4) Technical checklist: shoot in landscape or portrait depending on platform, ensure good lighting and clear audio, keep the background tidy and non-distracting.
5) Caption and tags: Add a caption that repeats the prompt answer in one or two lines, include #FinnishDinnerDate and tag Visit Finland’s account as instructed.
6) Upload and record the link: After publishing, copy the post or video URL and paste it into the official application form on Visit Finland’s website before the deadline.
Selection criteria and timeline
Submissions will be evaluated on creativity, authenticity and how well the candidate answers the prompt. Organizers specifically aim to create a mix of ages, countries and backgrounds to enhance cross-cultural exchange.
Important dates and process:
– Application deadline: 10 Nov 2026 at 23:59 Finland time.
– Announcement of selected participants: 1 Dec 2026 on Visit Finland’s Instagram and TikTok.
– Trip dates: Four-day visits scheduled between 9–19 Feb 2027 (exact cohort dates provided to chosen participants).
What Visit Finland covers and what participants must arrange
Covered by the campaign:
– Return international flights to the designated Finnish city.
– Private-room accommodation for the four-day program.
– Scheduled meals, including the final chef-hosted dinner.
– All organized activities on the itinerary.
Participant responsibilities:
– Travel documents: Hold a valid passport and obtain any visas required for travel to Finland.
– Local transport to departure airport and personal travel insurance: Confirm whether insurance is required; bring standard coverage for health and travel disruptions.
– Flexibility: Accept assignment to either Helsinki or Tampere — the organizers allocate city placement.
Tips to improve your chances of selection
Concrete actions that increase selection probability:
– Be specific and memorable: Use a short anecdote about why the dish matters to you, or link it to a cultural story that highlights cross-cultural curiosity.
– Show personality: Smile, vary tone, and keep body language open; selection panels look for guests who will engage positively in group activities.
– Produce high-quality audio and visuals: Clear voice and steady framing make the video easier to assess.
– Tailor for Finland: Mention a reason you want to explore Finnish food or culture (eg, interest in foraging, sauna rituals, Nordic flavors).
– Follow every requirement: An otherwise excellent submission can be disqualified for privacy settings or missing form entries.
Common questions answered
Can Finland residents or citizens apply? No — the campaign is limited to people living outside Finland.
Can I post the video as private on YouTube? YouTube videos may be unlisted, but Instagram and TikTok entries must be posted from public accounts during the application period.
Does the trip guarantee dating outcomes? No — the program emphasizes cultural exchange and group dinners; it does not promise matches or personal pairings.
Final reminders before applying
Prepare your short English video, publish it with the correct tag and account mention, then complete the Visit Finland online application form and paste the video link. Double-check account privacy settings and submit both post and form before 10 Nov 2026 23:59 Finland time. If selected, expect a notification and detailed travel instructions on 1 Dec 2026. This campaign offers a structured way to meet Finnish culture and people through food, not a matchmaking service.
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