Finland has become a popular travel destination, attracting a staggering 4.7 million foreign visitors last year.
This boost in tourism has brought a significant €3.8 billion into the country’s economy, showing that more and more people from around the world are interested in visiting Finland.
Harmonious balance between business and leisure
The data reveals a balanced mix of people traveling for leisure and work. Out of all the trips, 73% were taken for leisure, like vacations or visiting friends, while the other 27% were for business reasons.
This balance shows that Finland is able to meet the needs of both types of travelers.
Winter wonders and summer delights
Interestingly, tourists who visit Finland during the winter months tend to spend more compared to those who come during the summer.
From December to February, there were 1.2 million trips, resulting in €1.1 billion in spending, averaging €916 per trip.
In contrast, during the peak summer months of June to August, there were 1.6 million trips, totaling €1.3 billion in spending, with an average of €801 spent per trip.
Advanced booking and package tours
During the winter season, travelers tend to plan their vacations to Finland around 3.4 months before they go, while for summer trips, it is about 2.3 months in advance.
One reason for this longer planning period is that more people opt for package tours during the winter, making up 21% of leisure trips, whereas in the summer, they only make up 5%.
Approaching sustainability
As per Visit Finland, the country’s official travel guide, Finland is committed to sustainability, actively monitoring the carbon footprint of visitors from abroad.
Whether tourists visit during the summer or winter, they tend to leave behind a comparable carbon footprint of slightly more than 460 kilograms per trip.
This footprint includes emissions from travel, local transportation, accommodations, and meals.
Streamlining travel to Finland’s shores
As Finland's tourism keeps growing, the upcoming introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) around mid-2025 is set to make traveling easier for people from visa-exempt countries.
ETIAS will check travelers before they enter the Schengen Area. This will make traveling safer and smoother for both tourists and businesspeople.
Finland’s inclusive embrace
Finland’s tourism industry is booming, inviting all kinds of people from different parts of the world: families, investors, digital nomads, and students.
Thanks to its open immigration policies and the new ETIAS system on the horizon, Finland makes it easy for anyone looking for exciting adventures, business chances, or academic endeavors in the country.
A flourishing tourism landscape
Finland’s tourism industry is thriving, thanks to foreign visitors contributing significantly to the nation’s economy.
As the country continues to attract travelers from around the world, its sustainable approach and ability to cater to diverse interests position it as a leading destination in the global tourism landscape.