The number of domestic overnight stays rose for the third time over the 2019 figures. Last year, the number of overnight stays increased by 13% compared to 2019. Foreign overnight stays grew by 17% compared to 2023. They still fell a little short of the 2019 level, though they have been growing steadily since 2022.
Foreign overnight stays, especially from Japan and China, are growing strongly. The biggest impact was from an increase in the number of visitors from the United States: their overnight stays increased by 19% from the previous year.
The increase in the number of visitors arriving from the United States has not come as a surprise, as the United States has been Helsinki’s top 5 market for 30 years. Reasons for the growth include improved flight connections and increased awareness through NATO membership, for example.
Tourists spent EUR 1.66 billion in Helsinki
Tourists spent an estimated EUR 1.66 billion in Helsinki last year, over 10% more than in 2023. Tourism income includes not only hotel guests but also those staying in short-term rentals and with friends or relatives.
“Last year, a total of more than 13.2 million visitors stayed in Helsinki, not forgetting day visitors,” says the City of Helsinki’s Tourism Manager Nina Vesterinen.
In 2024, the average occupancy rate of accommodation establishments was 59%, compared to 74% in 2019.
“For Helsinki, the low occupancy rate is due to the current geopolitical and economic situation, and especially the accommodation capacity that has increased by more than 3,000 rooms in recent years. The financial indicators of Helsinki’s accommodation establishments, such as occupancy rate and average price, are not yet at the desired level. However, there has been a need for new accommodation capacity. At the time of major concerts and organisation congresses last summer, for example, the city’s accommodation establishments were almost full,” Vesterinen continues.
Audience and professional events important to the city
Last year, more audience and professional events were held in Helsinki than the year before. The summer’s major concerts brought EUR 114 million to Helsinki.
“Of the professional events, the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) congress attracted more than 7,000 neurologists from around the world to the congress held at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. Information on the importance of brain health was conveyed in a way unprecedented in Finland to schoolchildren, event visitors and, more broadly, to Helsinki residents, with the help of the city’s outdoor digital displays, for example. Warm reception, high-tech facilities and a rich, scientific atmosphere will inspire people to choose Helsinki as their congress host city also for the coming Midsummer,” Vesterinen describes.
Happiness and responsibility attract tourists to Helsinki
In the Global Destination Sustainability Index, Helsinki was chosen as the world’s most sustainable tourism city last year. In addition, Finland has been selected as the happiest country in the world for the seventh time.
“The theme of happiness clearly attracts international visitors. Through the Edible Helsinki food year, we were also able to bring Helsinki’s diverse, high-quality and innovative food culture into the spotlight,” Vesterinen continues.
In Helsinki, billions of euros have also been invested in hotel, restaurant and experience offerings, as well as in infrastructure that supports tourism. In cooperation with companies in the area, the city strives to ensure that more and more visitors would find their way to Helsinki and spend a longer time in the city.
The year 2025 looks positive for tourism. The volume of tourism has continued to grow in the early part of the year, and in the coming months, 15 percent more flights have been purchased to Helsinki than in the corresponding period last year.
“However, work towards sustainable growth must be continued, while at the same time ensuring that locals have a positive attitude towards tourism,” Vesterinen points out.
Helsinki invites you to winter holidays
Helsinki is also full of interesting things to see and do during the winter holidays.
“Among others, the Winter Bash, the Helsinki City Museum’s Snowy Fun workshops and the HAM Helsinki Art Museum’s winter break workshops in the spirit of Tove Jansson’s large-scale exhibition offer a variety of things to do. The exhibition also celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Moomins. In addition, Fantasy Light Park Puotila’s Winter Wonderland and Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth's The Seasons performances invite you to enjoy multi-sensory experiences,” Vesterinen says.
