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5.10.2026

Major International Tourism Congress Awarded to Finland for 2028 – Skål International World Congress Heads to North Karelia, Hosted at Original Sokos Hotel Kimmel

Skål International has selected Finland and North Karelia to host its 2028 World Congress. Skål International Helsinki won today's vote against the competing candidate, Guadalajara, Mexico. Joensuu will serve as the main congress destination, with the programme also extending to Lieksa and Koli. The decision was made on 1 October 2026, during the 85th Skål International World Congress in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa. The 2026 World Congress takes place from 29 September to 2 October. Founded in 1934, Skål International is one of the world's major international networks of travel and tourism professionals, bringing together industry leaders and professionals from different sectors of tourism around the world. www.skal.org

Soul of Finland brings the World Congress to North Karelia

The winning Finnish congress proposal is built around the theme Soul of Finland, reflecting North Karelia's international tourism brand and highlighting the region's beautiful lakes and forests, Karelian culture, hospitality and commitment to sustainable tourism. In addition to Joensuu, delegates will have opportunities to discover Lieksa and Koli. The iconic landscape of Koli National Park is one of Finland's best-known national landscapes and forms an important part of the Soul of Finland experience. The 2028 Skål International World Congress is expected to attract approximately 400–600 tourism professionals and delegates from around the world. The congress will provide North Karelia and Finland with a significant opportunity to showcase the region's tourism offering to international tourism decision-makers and professional networks.

Strong regional cooperation behind the successful bid

The successful congress bid was developed through cooperation between Skål International Helsinki, Business Joensuu, Lieksa Development, Koli DMC and Original Sokos Hotel Kimmel. Hotel Kimmel will serve as the main congress hotel and principal venue for the 2028 World Congress. The Finnish bid was presented at the World Congress in South Africa by Tanja Tähtinen, Hotel Manager of Hotel Arthur and Past President of Skål International Helsinki.

A historic year for Skål International Helsinki

The successful bid comes during a particularly significant year for Skål International Helsinki, which celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2026. The anniversary will be marked with a Tourism Gala in Hotel Arthur and other special events in Helsinki in October 10th.

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