In the Helsinki City Strategy, we outline that our goal is to be the most sustainable tourist destination in the world. This goal was realised in October 2024, with Helsinki taking the number one spot in the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) index. The index measures the sustainability of over one hundred tourist destinations in four different categories with 77 indicators.
The GDS index observes the sustainability of a tourist destination from diverse perspectives: climate work, waste treatment, involvement of the residents, accessibility, inclusivity and safety are all reviewed in the index. Additionally, measures taken by companies in the tourism sector also influence the index. The GDS index is based on the UN standard for sustainable tourism and is continuously developed as the standard rises every year.
In addition to sustainability, Helsinki wants to be a lively and attractive tourist city. The city wants these goals to guide the development of tourism so that it benefits residents and local businesses, as well as the city’s visitors.
Jobs for thousands of Helsinki residents
In 2023, the tourism sector employed almost 28,000 people in Helsinki, which is roughly 8% of all positions in the city. Tourism includes accommodation establishments, museums and amusement parks, restaurants, conference and congress services, nature and culture-related programme services and transport services, among others.
Young adults and immigrants make up a significant portion of the people employed in the tourism sector. In fact, over 20% of all tourism sector employees in Finland are young adults or immigrants.
Tourism boosts the city's vitality and supports local services
The money that tourists spend on services does not just develop their services, as it also strengthens the services used by all city residents. In addition, tourism does not only support people who work directly in the sector, as it also has a wider impact on the economic and social vitality of the city.
“Tourism also has a significant impact on the city's vitality, its streets and services, such as shops and restaurants. The revenue that visitors bring also strengthens the cultural sustainability of the city,” says Tourism Director Nina Vesterinen from the City of Helsinki.
Transportation also benefits residents
A strong tourism sector supports and enables the growth of other sectors, creating benefits for all residents. Tourism also has significant knock-on effects on other sectors, such as construction, transport and retail.
Similarly, tourism also maintains versatile transport connections around the world. Residents also see the benefit of these connections . In addition, functioning transportation is important for the security of supply and the relocation of international companies to Helsinki. Tourism also boosts Helsinki's international reputation from the perspective of investments, new business and a skilled workforce.
Controlled growth in tourism
Helsinki wants to remain the world's most sustainable tourist destination. Concurrently, the city aims to attract significantly more tourists. These goals can be achieved simultaneously by developing sustainable tourism in partnership with the residents, businesses, associations and public actors.
Helsinki regularly monitors the attitudes of its residents towards the development and growth of tourism. This ensures that tourism, which takes up the same urban space as the locals, primarily serves Helsinki residents. At the moment, tourism is seen as a very positive thing, but the city will react if the study shows otherwise.
“In international comparison, Helsinki stands out in that local businesses have truly done their part for sustainability. For example, most hotels are environmentally certified, as are a large number of the activities and places to visit. This demonstrates the strong commitment of tourism operators to promote sustainability,” says Senior Advisor Jukka Punamäki from the City of Helsinki.
Helsinki is Finland’s overwhelmingly most significant tourism destination
Most of tourist spending in Finland goes to various services in Helsinki, in total about 1.5 billion euros in 2023. This is a growth of up to 25 per cent from last year. There is growth despite the complete loss of one of Helsinki’s significant source markets, Russia. In 2024, we have seen a growth in registered overnight accommodation and we can expect to beat the 2018 record in tourism income during this year.
Dear resident: your feedback helps us develop tourism in Helsinki
Helsinki wants its residents to be able to participate in the development of tourism in their city. According to the tourism and events programme for 2022–2026, the well-being of Helsinki residents must be the starting point for all development.
We have collected feedback on the impact of tourism on the everyday lives of the residents on a regular basis. In previous surveys, the city has received feedback on the development of signage, public toilets and bus transportation for tourism. Helsinki has put effort into developing all of these, based on that feedback. For example, new toilets have been installed close to popular tourism spots.
Submit your feedback by 22 December.
The City of Helsinki wants to hear development proposals from its residents. Let us know how tourism affects your everyday life and if you have any suggestions for improvement by 22 December 22. Your suggestions can be related to, for example, public transport, cleanliness in the city, signage, events, services or attractions. You suggestions can also highlight how tourism influences your everyday life.
Based on the results, we will develop the City of Helsinki to be more attractive and functional for both tourists and residents. The results will be compiled and published in spring 2025.
