International tourism is growing at a fast pace. The United Nations’ World Tourism Organization UNWTO has estimated that the number of trips with at least one overnight stay will reach 1.8 billion by 2030 (1.1 billion trips in 2013). The departure countries exhibiting the greatest growth are Asian and emerging countries. Finland is in a good position to attract Asian tourists, thanks to its offering that meshes well with their tastes.
Finland is quite a young tourist destination. However, the industry has experienced fast growth, with the number of visitors from abroad doubling since 2000. The majority of foreign tourists come from Russia. The weakening of the ruble and the crisis in Ukraine have temporarily slowed down the growth, but the longer-term growth outlook still looks very bright.
Finland has a number of assets up its sleeve as far as tourism goes: our cityscape and culture is a blend of East of West, unique in the world. Our capital, Helsinki, offers an excellent choice of culture, restaurants and accommodation. The staff of Finnish hotels have been ranked high in European comparisons in terms of professional and friendly service.
In Helsinki, everything is right around the corner. Tourists can access services and attractions on foot. On the other hand, Nuuksio national park offers a genuine wilderness experience just half an hour’s drive away from Helsinki.
Finland also provides an excellent setting for conferences. A well-functioning infrastructure and safety create ideal conditions for successful events.
Our western archipelago and our tens of thousands of lakes offer foreign tourists unique experiences. Each season has something different to offer. In a matter of months, calm summer days with the world’s sweetest strawberries give way to winter with its knee-high snow cover and frost-covered trees.
Growth in the tourism industry requires continuous investments throughout Finland. We need foreign investors in the hotel and spa sectors, for example. For a number of municipalities, the development of tourism is a top priority in their business strategy. Municipalities have planned new hotel plots across Finland as growth makes it imperative to expand the accommodation infrastructure. In the Greater Helsinki region alone, dozens of hotel plots have been planned.
Climate change also affects the popularity of travel destinations. Fresh, clean air is becoming an increasingly important factor in tourism and the importance of safety is also growing. This creates a good foundation for Finnish tourism.
Timo Lappi
CEO, Finnish Hospitality Association MaRa
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