Helsinki has reached a new record in the number of overnight stays in accommodation establishments. Photo: Burn Out City
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Helsinki reached a new tourism milestone in 2024, recording over 4.55 million overnight stays in accommodation establishments. The figure surpasses the previous record set in 2019 by more than 63,000 stays and marks a 10% increase compared to 2023. The city accounted for 35% of all international overnight stays in Finland.
Domestic overnight stays exceeded 2019 levels for the third consecutive year, rising 13% from pre-pandemic figures.
International stays grew by 17% compared to 2023, though they have yet to fully recover to 2019 levels. However, the trend has been steadily upward since 2022.
The strongest growth came from Japan and China, but the biggest impact was from the United States, where overnight stays increased by 19%. The rise in American visitors has been attributed to improved flight connections and increased visibility following Finland’s NATO membership.
Visitors spent an estimated €1.66 billion in Helsinki in 2024, over 10% more than in 2023. This figure includes not only hotel guests but also those staying in short-term rentals and with friends or relatives.
Nina Vesterinen, Helsinki’s Tourism Director, said the city attracted over 13.2 million visitors last year, including day-trippers.
The average occupancy rate for Helsinki’s accommodation establishments was 59% in 2024, compared to 74% in 2019. The lower rate is attributed to the current geopolitical and economic climate, as well as an increase of over 3,000 hotel rooms in recent years. Despite this, demand remains high, with hotels nearing full capacity during major concerts and international congresses.
Helsinki hosted more large-scale events in 2024 than in the previous year. Summer concerts alone brought in €114 million in revenue.
The European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Congress, held at Messukeskus, attracted over 7,000 neurologists from around the world. The event also engaged local audiences, with brain health awareness campaigns displayed across the city.
“Helsinki’s warm hospitality, cutting-edge facilities, and strong scientific community make it an attractive host city for future international events,” Vesterinen said.
Helsinki was ranked the world’s most sustainable travel destination by the Global Destination Sustainability Index, while Finland was named the world’s happiest country for the seventh year in a row.
“The theme of happiness resonates with international visitors,” Vesterinen said. “Through initiatives like Edible Helsinki, we have also highlighted the city’s diverse and innovative food culture.”
Helsinki has seen multi-billion-euro investments in hotels, restaurants, and tourism infrastructure, aiming to attract visitors for longer stays. The outlook for 2025 is positive, with tourism volumes continuing to grow in early 2025. Air travel bookings for the coming months are already 15% higher than during the same period last year.
“Sustainable growth remains a key focus, and ensuring that local residents continue to support tourism is essential,” Vesterinen said.
Helsinki offers a wide range of activities for winter visitors. Stadin Talvirieha, Helsinki City Museum’s winter workshops, and HAM Helsinki Art Museum’s events celebrating Tove Jansson’s 80th anniversary provide cultural experiences for all ages. Light installations such as Puotila’s Taikatalvi Fantasy Park and Hurjaruuth Dance Theatre’s Seasons performances add to the city’s winter attractions.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
