Travel operators say that at least so far, the downswing in the economy has not affected business and a weekend travel trade show in Helsinki was packed with travel shoppers. News of gloomy economic prospects has not yet convinced most Finns to cancel holiday plans.

"The recession is not being seen yet, at least in travel sales, and package trips for next summer are selling well. Also, sales of trips to distant destinations and the 2010 winter holiday season have got off to a good start," says Deputy Director Päivi Laatikainen-Mattsson of the Association of Finnish Travel Agents.

The growing favourite faraway destination for Finnish holidaymakers is Thailand, which was visited by 93 000 Finns last year. Thailand has become an alternative to the more traditional destination of the Canary Islands, but the Canaries do still draw over 200 000 Finns a year.

Nearly one million Finns purchased package holidays last year, and increasing numbers make their own arrangements for holiday travel abroad.