Develop tourism and events

Several million domestic and foreign tourists visit Helsinki every year. The City offers support and networking opportunities for businesses involved in tourism. It is important to us that Helsinki is a vibrant, functional and responsible city of tourism and events, offering experiences all year round.

Helsingfors domkyrka och Sofiagatan.
Photo: Jussi Hellsten / Torikorttelit

On this site

Tourism attractiveness and operating environment
The city’s tourism infrastructure, or operating environment, is an important part of the city’s ability to provide services. The areas for development are e.g. destination-level visitor experience, means of transportation and services required.
Tourism sustainability
Helsinki is committed to sustainability and has been recognized as the world’s most sustainable travel destination. Sustainable growth and renewal will become a reality if public and private actors change their practices on a long-term basis.
Smart Tourism
Helsinki aims to be a smart destination and to support and promote the digitalisation of tourism companies. A smart destination also provides customers with the smoothest path from dreaming to gaining experiences.
Tourism events
Tourism and Destination Management Unit of Business Helsinki organises many events both independently and together with partners and stakeholders.
Tourism networks and projects
Helsinki is actively involved in many Finnish and foreign networks and projects that you can also join. Be sure to check out the Helsingin tekijät network!
DataLokki – Helsinki Destination Insights
DataLokki provides up-to-date status information on tourism and events in Helsinki such as registered overnight stays, number of events, cruises, and air traffic. (NB! The site is in Finnish, English translation pending.)
Organising an event in Helsinki
A vibrant urban culture, complete with events, tourists and restaurants, is a key strategic priority for promoting Helsinki’s vitality and well-being.
Green Destinations -sertifikaatti 2025.
Photo: Green Destinations International

Helsinki was granted the Green Destinations GSTC certificate in March 2025. The certificate meets the strictest criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) for a sustainable travel destination. Achieving it essentially requires full compliance with the criteria. There are over 280 items in the GSTC criteria that cover all areas of sustainability. The criteria examine operations from the perspectives of environmental, cultural, social and economic sustainability and sustainable governance. Helsinki is the first and so far the only city with over half a million residents to receive it. See the certificate.

Helsinki Tourism and Events Programme 2022–2026

The joint programme of the Helsinki City Group operators has been prepared to support the long-term development of the tourism and event sectors for 2022–2026. It has three main strategic objectives: 

  1. Helsinki is a vibrant and internationally attractive city for tourism and events
  2. Helsinki is an international pioneer and solution provider in sustainability, tourism and events
  3. Helsinki is a smart destination and a functional event city 

The joint objectives guide the City Group’s operations for the benefit of travellers, residents, event visitors, local businesses and other operators.

Helsinki Tourism and Events Programme 2022–2026 (pdf)

Helsinki Tourism and Events Programme 2022–2026 Appendix: Measures and indicators (pdf)

The progress of the Helsinki Tourism and Events Programme is reported annually to the Economic Development Sub-committee of the City Board:

Helsinki Tourism and Events Programme annual report 2023 (pdf)

Helsinki Tourism and Events Programme annual report 2024 (pdf)

Helsinki Tourism and Events Programme annual report 2025 (pdf)

Photo: Jussi Hellsten / Torikorttelit

Instructions and support for event organisers

Event notifications and permits
Helsinki as event city
Helsinki as an event partner

City of Helsinki's Tourism Director

Photo: Sakari Röyskö

Nina Vesterinen, Tourism Director
+358 40 635 4508
nina.vesterinen@hel.fi

External resources

MyHelsinki website
Looking for information on where to eat, drink, sleep, enjoy events or to do a bit of shopping in Helsinki? The MyHelsinki website offers plenty of information for visitors.
Helsinki Tourist Information
Both locals and tourists are welcome to the Helsinki Tourist Information! The information staff provides free information and inspiration about the city, main attractions, events, and services.
Contact information of the Tourism and Destination Management unit
The unit’s tasks include promoting tourism in the city and developing the operating environment in a sustainable and intelligent way in cooperation with the tourism ecosystem.

News about tourism and events in Helsinki

  • Tourism
See all related news