Tourism Statistics

Tourism in Finland – key facts and figures

Finnish tourism had a recoRd year 2011

Finnish tourism industry showed strong growth in 2011, both in terms of foreign arrivals and foreign overnight stays. After a few years of modest development, Finland reached a record of 5.5 million overnight stays in its various accommodation establishments. The growth rate of 10% was also a good result from an international perspective. Positive development was registered in almost all major markets.

The largest markets for overnight stays were the neighbouring countries of Russia and Sweden, followed by Germany and the United Kingdom. The biggest growth rates among the top markets, compared to the previous year, were China and Hong Kong (+23%), Russia (+22%), Spain (+14%) and USA (+13%).

Foreign overnights in 2011 by country, according to Accommodation Statistics:

• Russia 1.3 million
• Sweden 552,000
• Germany 541,000
• United Kingdom 390,000
• Estonia 228,000
• France 214,000
• USA 202,000
• Norway 173,000
• The Netherlands 167,000
• Italy 146,000
• Japan 129,000
• Spain 129,000

The structure of tourism from all main markets each has their own characteristics related to travel season, area and preferred activities.

Southern Finland and the archipelago are the number one area for most tourists (56% of overnights). The Lakeland area has become increasingly attractive over the years; every fifth overnight was registered there in 2011. Finnish Lapland has maintained its popularity (16% of overnights). The small coastal area in the West represents 8% of all overnight stays.

Foreign overnights are steadily growing, accounting for 28% of all overnight facilities in Finland.

Source: Accommodation Statistics 2011, Statistics Finland

7.3 million foreign visitors in 2011

According to the latest border interview survey, Finland received 7.3 million foreign visitors in 2011 – the number of foreign visitors increased by 17% from 2010.

In 2010 foreign visitors brought over €2 billion to Finland, which was approximately €460 million more than the previous year. The number of travellers and the amount of money brought by them exceeded even the numbers before the downturn of 2009.

Source: Border Interview Survey by Statistics Finland and Finnish Tourist Board

Tourism’s significance to Finland’s national economy

According to information published by Statistics Finland in 2010, a total of €11 billion was spent on tourism in 2007 in Finland. This includes the consumption expenditure of Finnish and foreign tourists. Foreign travellers accounted for 29% (€3.1bn) of total tourism consumption.

Tourism’s share of GDP

In 2007, the value added generated by tourism amounted to €3.6 billion, i.e. 2.3% of Finland’s GDP. When compared to value added elsewhere, that of tourism was larger than the food industry and almost twice as high as agriculture.

Employment impact of tourism

According to the tourism account, total employment in the tourism sector was calculated at 63,944 people in 2007. This figure includes all full- or part-time, year-round jobs in the catering and accommodation sectors, as well as travel agencies and other corresponding employers. Jobs located in other sectors, but providing services for tourism in particular, are also included.

Source: Tourism account 2007, April 2009, Statistics Finland

Outbound travel

Finnish residents’ leisure trips abroad by destination country in 2010

• Estonia 1,822,000
• Sweden 1,605,000
• Spain 380,000
• Russia 272,000
• Germany 222,000
• United Kingdom 190,000
• Italy 169,000
• France 124,000
• Thailand 111,000
• Turkey 107,000
• Greece 104,000

Source: Finnish Travel, Statistics Finland