Country Manager Germany – Market Development and Strategic Partnerships

Visit Finland promotes Finland globally as a travel destination and supports the travel industry in developing and marketing travel services for international markets. Visit Finland cooperates with travel destination regions, businesses in the travel industry and other export promoters and embassies. Visit Finland is part of Business Finland and is funded by the government

We are now looking for experienced, locally hired

Country Manager, Germany – Market Development and Strategic Partnerships

to accelerate growth opportunities and build strategic partnerships for Visit Finland and Finnish travel suppliers in the German market. Position is permanent, starting 1stJan 2027. The role will be based at the Business Finland office in Berlin and reports to the Director, International Operations, Visit Finland, based in Finland.

At Visit Finland, we work closely with Finnish travel industry partners to increase Finland’s visibility, appeal, and demand as a travel destination. Germany is a leading source market for Finland, and a priority focus market for many Finnish destinations and travel companies.

In your role, you will focus on building and strengthening strategic partnerships with key travel trade stakeholders, airline partners and cruise operators in Germany. You will connect Finnish travel suppliers with local industry partners and identify market opportunities that drive sustainable business growth and increased travel demand to Finland. The role also includes close collaboration with the Embassy of Finland in Germany and other Team Finland partners.

YOUR TASK

In your role you will:

• Create new business opportunities and provide value-adding support for Finnish travel companies and destinations.
• Develop and maintain strong strategic partner relations with key travel trade stakeholders, airline partners and cruise operators.
• Drive sales promotion activities and partner campaigns to increase demand for travel to Finland.
• Plan and deliver sales events, workshops and destination webinars in collaboration with Visit Finland units.
• Represent Visit Finland and Destination Finland at travel trade events, workshops, and trade fairs.
• Host familiarization (FAM) trips for key travel trade partners
• Monitor market trends and share relevant insights with Visit Finland teams and the wider Finnish travel industry.
• Align activities with other Visit Finland functions and teams, e.g. marketing & communications, business intelligence and travel industry cooperation.
• Cooperate with local Team Finland partners, such as The Embassy of Finland in Germany to support national objectives.

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU

We are looking for a true professional with strong grassroots understanding of the German market, focusing on strategic market development and finding new business opportunities for Finland.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in destination marketing, travel trade, or the transportation industry.
• Comprehensive travel trade networks in Germany, and a deep understanding of the German leisure travel market and distribution channels.
• Holistic understanding and expertise in international leisure travel business and industry landscapes.
• Proven experience working with airlines, charter operators, and other transportation partners.
• Good networking skills and strong background in managing and developing customer relations.
• Creative and bold out of the box thinker, recognizing new business and promotional opportunities.
• Project management skills and experience in international projects.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Ability working in multicultural environment and experience in various business negotiations and presentations to wide audiences.
• Team player and open communicator.
• Master's degree, preferably in tourism, business, marketing, communications or public administration.

Fluency in German and English is required to succeed in this position.

WHAT WE WILL PROVIDE FOR YOU

With Visit Finland, you will have a central role in the Finnish travel industry’s development. We help Finnish travel companies go international, enhance the attractiveness of Finnish travel services in international markets and promote Finland as attractive and sustainable travel destination.

You will work alongside a Visit Finland colleague in the Berlin office with shared responsibilities and close coordination across key activities in the market. An Area Manager based in Finland works closely with this role, supporting collaboration and engagement with Finnish travel industry partners.

We offer a professional, yet fun international work environment. As part of our International Operations team, you will connect with colleagues across multiple markets and countries.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION .

This position is local recruitment and requires permit to work in Germany.

Germany will be your primary market, with occasional responsibilities covering Benelux, Austria, and Switzerland. The role requires travel primarily within Germany, as well as regular trips to Finland.

In Business Finland we must operate in a responsible and fair manner. Certain secondary employment or some other commitments might jeopardize the impartiality of our operations.

As part of the recruitment process, we will be carrying out a security clearance check on a successful candidate with his/her consent.