Helsinki attracts a vast number of Finnish and international travelers annually, resulting in significant benefits for a diverse array of businesses. It is important to us that Helsinki is a dynamic, functional and responsible event city that offers people a range of experiences throughout the year.
Helsinki was granted the Green Destinations GSTC certificate in March 2025. The certificate meets the strictest criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) for a sustainable travel destination. Achieving it essentially requires full compliance with the criteria. There are over 280 items in the GSTC criteria that cover all areas of sustainability. The criteria examine operations from the perspectives of environmental, cultural, social and economic sustainability and sustainable governance. Helsinki is the first and so far the only city with over half a million residents to receive it. See the certificate.
The joint programme of the Helsinki City Group operators has been prepared to support the long-term development of the tourism and event sectors for 2022–2026. It has three main strategic objectives:
The joint objectives guide the City Group’s operations for the benefit of travellers, residents, event visitors, local businesses and other operators.
Helsinki Tourism and Events Programme 2022–2026 (pdf)
Helsinki Tourism and Events Programme 2022–2026 Appendix: Measures and indicators (pdf)
The progress of the Helsinki Tourism and Events Programme is reported annually to the Economic Development Sub-committee of the City Board:
Helsinki Tourism and Events Programme annual report 2023 (pdf)
Helsinki Tourism and Events Programme annual report 2024 (pdf)
Nina Vesterinen, Tourism Director
+358 40 635 4508(Link starts a phone call)
nina.vesterinen@hel.fi(Link opens default mail program)