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.
Helsinki has consistently worked towards sustainability and ranks among the world's leaders based on international indices and certifications. The city was awarded the Green Destinations GSTC certification in March 2025, based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council's world's most rigorous criteria, evaluating sustainability across environmental, cultural, social, economic, and governance dimensions. View the certificate.
Helsinki has topped the Global Destination Sustainability Index in consecutive years 2024 and 2025, making it the world's most sustainably rated destination. The index measures destination sustainability across four categories using over 70 indicators. In 2026, Helsinki achieved the national Sustainable Travel Finland label after serving as a pilot destination for the programme since 2019, and has successfully engaged local tourism businesses in sustainability efforts — over half of them already hold the STF label(Link leads to external service).
The Development Programme for Helsinki Tourism and Events contributes to the implementation of the city strategy and the City of Helsinki's objectives for growth, skills and vitality. The tourism and events sectors have significant growth potential, creating new jobs and strengthening Helsinki’s attractiveness and competitiveness.
The programme aims to strengthen Helsinki’s position as an internationally attractive, sustainable and vibrant tourism and events city where both visitors and residents enjoy a high quality of life. It has three main strategic objectives:
Development Programme for Helsinki Tourism and Events 2026–2029 (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 2022–2026 (pdf)
Helsinki Tourism and Events Programme 2022–2026 Appendix: Measures and indicators (pdf)
Helsinki Tourism and Events Programme annual report 2025 (pdf)
Nina Vesterinen, Tourism Director
+358 40 635 4508(Link starts a phone call)
nina.vesterinen@hel.fi(Link opens default mail program)