According to the latest preliminary data released by Statistics Finland, the number of nights spent by foreign tourists in Finland experienced a significant increase of one-fifth in April 2023 compared to the previous year. The data reveals a positive trend in international tourism as Finland continues to attract visitors from around the globe.
In April 2023, a total of 1.53 million overnight stays were recorded, out of which 1.27 million were accounted for by resident tourists. While the overall number of overnight stays saw a decrease of four percent compared to the previous year, the nights spent by non-resident tourists witnessed an encouraging growth of 20 percent.
It is important to note that despite this growth, the number of nights spent by foreign visitors remains 27 percent lower than the pre-pandemic levels of April 2019. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be felt in the tourism industry, but signs of recovery are becoming increasingly visible.
The data also highlights the regional variations in tourist preferences. While the number of nights spent by resident tourists decreased in most regions compared to the previous year, several regions experienced a rise in the number of nights spent by non-resident tourists. The majority of overnight stays by non-resident tourists were recorded in Uusimaa, demonstrating its popularity among international visitors.
The top countries contributing to the influx of foreign tourists in April 2023 were Sweden, Germany, and the United States. These visitors play a crucial role in boosting the local economy and promoting cultural exchange.
In terms of accommodation, the occupancy rate of hotel rooms remained steady at 45 percent, similar to the levels seen in April 2022. The average price of a hotel room increased to EUR 111, compared to EUR 107 the previous year. Lapland stood out as the region with the highest average hotel room price, reaching EUR 129.
The surge in nights spent by foreign tourists in April 2023 indicates a positive trend for the Finnish tourism industry. As the world recovers from the impact of the pandemic, Finland’s diverse attractions and unique experiences continue to entice travelers from abroad, providing a boost to the country’s tourism sector and economy.