Travel to Helsinki increased by more than 10%
Based on preliminary data, Helsinki attracted more than 4 million registered overnight stays in 2023. Of the stays, an estimated 57% were by domestic visitors, and 43% were by international visitors.
The number of international visitors increased by more than 20% compared to 2022. Most international visitors came to Helsinki from the United States, Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The growth has been highest from Japan, China and Hong Kong, but the numbers are not yet at pre-pandemic levels. Tourism from these countries started off slower than expected.
Domestic tourism in Helsinki grew significantly in 2022 after the coronavirus pandemic. The number of domestic visitors increased even more in 2023, which proves that people in Finland still want to travel to the capital and find new experiences in the city.
Visitors also stayed outside hospitality businesses, such as in private homes. Their share is estimated at about 15% of all overnight stays. Helsinki also saw many visitors who stayed for a day, including people on international cruises and domestic day trippers.
International tourist flows are increasingly moving towards the north
A study(Link leads to external service) published by the EU last year predicts a partial shift of tourist flows from southern Europe towards the north. While tourist flows are projected to increase, Helsinki aims to be the world’s most sustainable travel destination and a pioneer in sustainable tourism. Reconciling growing tourism and sustainability requires planning and a lot of work.
“We want to support our tourism businesses in developing sustainability, which is not only necessary for the future of the planet and the destination itself but is also a huge business opportunity. For our visitors, we want Helsinki to be the destination where the goal is truly achieved,” says Nina Vesterinen, Tourism Director at the City of Helsinki.
Helsinki has indeed taken many steps to address the challenge. The city is committed to(Link leads to external service) the UN’s Glasgow Declaration and its goal of halving emissions from tourism over the next decade.
The city also offers businesses in the tourism and event industries carbon footprint metrics and related training. The data collected helps to see where the emissions related to tourism are coming from, and how they can be reduced through various measures.
Already for some time, Helsinki has made provision for the EU Commission’s directive proposal on green claims, i.e. ‘greenwashing’, by investing in indices, certifications and the national Sustainable Travel Finland programme. The tourist information services highlight companies that offer sustainable products and services.
Helsinki also invests in inclusiveness, which means ensuring that travel experiences are equally accessible to everyone, regardless of age, sexual orientation, religion, culture or special needs.
Helsinki’s food year to attract more travellers
Helsinki expects a positive boost in tourism this year. Despite the economic situation and geopolitical uncertainty, people are not likely to skip their holiday trips.
“Indeed, we expect to see a greater number of responsible travellers and a growing interest in Helsinki. Among other things, our diverse events create demand, and international congresses bring a lot of people to Helsinki in the summer,” says Vesterinen.
Food culture is a key factor making Helsinki a more vibrant and attractive city. Helsinki offers food experiences for every taste from fine dining and food innovations to berries and fish from nearby forests and waters.
“Last week, we were happy to announce that the City of Helsinki will host a ceremony unveiling the latest MICHELIN Stars awarded to Nordic restaurants on 27 May. The ceremony is one of the most famous food industry events in the world and will bring top Nordic players in the industry to Helsinki,” Vesterinen says.
“It is natural to build Helsinki’s special year devoted to food around this event. Our food year aims to challenge all Helsinki-based actors, associations and businesses in the restaurant, tourism and event sectors to join forces and take Helsinki’s food culture to new heights. It is time to unlock new flavours, create innovative food experiences and make Helsinki a top food tourism destination that attracts visitors worldwide. We invite everyone to build on our diverse food culture and create an appealing food year, and in particular the early summer food weeks, which will take place between 24 May and 16 June 2024,” says Vesterinen.
You will find more information about Helsinki’s food year and event search on this website
