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FINN Partners to Support Ukraine during ITB Conference in Berlin

March 4, 2024

FINN Partners, a global independent marketing and communications agency, has announced its commitment to provide pro bono public relations support to the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine (SATD) during the upcoming ITB Congress, scheduled for March 5-7 in Berlin. This initiative is a part of FINN Partners’ efforts to drive purposeful campaigns in assisting in the promotion of Ukraine as a vibrant and culturally rich destination.

International tourism to Ukraine largely ground to a halt, since the full-scale invasion of the country by Russia. However, the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine is committed to reminding the global travel industry that it is on a journey to revitalize the tourism sector despite the challenges posed by the ongoing war. Leveraging its extensive experience in travel and tourism, FINN Partners is working to elevate Ukraine’s presence at one of the world’s most prestigious travel industry events. The work will show how Ukraine remains steadfast in its commitment to showcasing its abundant cultural, historical, and natural treasures to the world and how the country is ready and waiting to welcome visitors when the war is over.

FINN Partners is supporting the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine by facilitating and supporting appointments for SATD representatives, ensuring they engage with key stakeholders, media, and trade professionals at the event, as well as securing speaker opportunities. The agency will also focus on showcasing the bravery of the Ukrainian people with a specially edited short film and a design concept built around the message “WE ARE HERE”, echoing the now famous words of President Zelenskyy of February 25, 2022. The message and assets are built to highlight the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Ukraine, and to demonstrate that multiple cities, monuments and natural resources of Ukraine are still there waiting for the world to explore.

Debbie Flynn, Global Travel Practice lead commented on the collaboration: “Our team is deeply passionate and committed to showcasing Ukraine’s unique cultural and historical tapestry to the world. FINN Partners has a long-standing history of working to elevate Ukraine’s interests.”

EMEA Managing Partner, Chantal Bowman-Boyles, added: “Our team has been working with the Victor Pinchuk Foundation, on various projects promoting Ukraine’s strategic importance to Europe and the world, for over ten years. We worked with the team on the opening of the Russian War Crimes House at the 2022 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, and have continued to provide support for events designed to keep the plight of Ukraine high on the news agenda, most recently providing support for a series of events in Kyiv, marking the 2nd anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

Over the years we have been working together, we have been lucky enough to experience Ukraine, and to get to know its people, and the beauty and warmth of the country and its culture has inspired us. Our empathy with the Ukrainian people galvanizes our efforts. This project for the upcoming ITB Conference is more than a partnership; it’s a heartfelt endeavour to support our Ukrainian friends, bringing global attention to their resilience and the rich, diverse beauty of their nation. It’s our way of standing in solidarity, contributing meaningfully to Ukraine’s journey through tourism development”.

Mariana Oleskiv, Chairperson of the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine, expressed her appreciation for the support from international partners, “We are immensely grateful for the solidarity and support from FINN Partners. The ITB Congress presents a unique opportunity for us to showcase Ukraine’s resilience and the indomitable spirit of our people. We are excited to present a side of Ukraine that reflects our bravery and the ongoing fight for our country’s future. This partnership allows us to tell our story on a global stage, sharing the heart and soul of Ukraine with the world.”

This partnership reflects a shared dedication to supporting initiatives that promote Ukraine’s cultural heritage, foster international understanding, and support the nation’s development on various fronts.

For more information about the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine, please visit their website.