Pioneering Lapland operator marks 50 years

Canterbury Travel has sent more than 750,000 people to Finnish Lapland since 1970 when Delores and Adrian Collins thought of theming winter breaks to the region.

The operator’s sales and marketing consultant Donna Blackmore said the anniversary had been marked with “a small gathering for staff members” due to Covid restrictions.

Finland’s borders remain closed, but Blackmore said the majority of bookings had been switched to 2021.

Managing director Jacqui Banham, who has been with Canterbury Travel for 34 years, added:

“Each year, I am humbled by the number of families that trust us with their dream to search for Santa in the most enchanting place in the world – Lapland.

“I now find myself talking to mums and dads who travelled with us as young children, returning with their own offspring to continue that magic. This is what it is all about for us, the chance to step away from reality and have the most magical, family time and fulfil those childhood wishes to meet with Santa and his special elves.”

To mark the anniversary, Canterbury Travel is offering one family of four the opportunity to win a two-night holiday to Lapland next December.

The prize includes return flights from Manchester, Stansted or Dublin plus accommodation, all meals and a themed itinerary of traditional Arctic activities culminating in a private family meeting with Santa Claus. The competition is open to agents.