Domestic and international overnight stays increased
A total of 3,880,130 overnight stays were registered in Helsinki in January–September. The figure increased by approximately 152,600 overnight stays, or 4.1 per cent, compared with the same period in 2025.
Approximately 1.79 million domestic overnight stays and approximately 2.09 million international overnight stays were registered. Domestic overnight stays increased by 3.8 per cent and international overnight stays by 4.4 per cent.
The trend in overnight stays has fluctuated over the course of the year. Overnight stays by foreign visitors decreased in May–June when compared with the previous year, but began to rise again in July. In July, the growth was 10.9 per cent, 9.7 in August and 3 in September. In September, domestic overnight stays also increased sharply, by 12.7 per cent when compared with the previous year.
International air travel to Helsinki-Vantaa has also increased. By the end of September, the number of international air passengers was 5.2 per cent higher than in the previous year. The number of international cruise passengers has also increased, with some of them staying in Helsinki for the first time this year, before and/or after their cruise.
The hotel market in Helsinki is strengthening
The hotel market in Helsinki has strengthened moderately while the supply of hotel rooms has increased. Room occupancy rates and revenue per available room (RevPAR) have on average been higher this year than last year. The average price of rooms has remained practically unchanged.
Accommodation sales grew by 3.6 per cent in January–September, rising to approximately 298.6 million euros. Following a strong start to the year, the hotel market weakened in May–June, but in July–September, occupancy rates and revenue per available room rose higher than the previous year.
Events are an important source of demand for the hotel market. Large events, such as the Flow Festival, are reflected as clear spikes in hotel occupancy rates. The number of events in Helsinki increased by 7.2 per cent in January–October when compared with the previous year.
‘The overall trend for the tourism year has been positive. The crisis in the Middle East had a temporary impact on international demand, but demand recovered over the course of the summer. It is gratifying that, following a busy summer, autumn also looks promising from the perspective of both international and domestic tourism. Tourists are also very satisfied with the services in Helsinki, and the reviews posted on peer-review platforms have continued to improve,’ says Nina Vesterinen, Tourism Director for the City of Helsinki.
‘Events are one of the main reasons to travel to Helsinki. Our versatile range of events brings joy to Helsinki residents and also helps to boost tourism. The aim is to increase tourism and events in Helsinki throughout the year, and to increase the number of events and strengthen the appeal of quieter seasons in particular,’ says Sanna Forsström, head of the Brand and Events Unit at the City of Helsinki.
Participants in the residents’ discussion had positive attitudes towards tourism and events
As the amount of tourism increases, the City wants to ensure that the views of its residents on tourism and events remain positive. The views of residents were examined through an online discussion organised in September.
A total of 1,062 people participated, and 108,365 reactions were given. The discussion was open to everyone, and the results cannot be generalised to apply to all Helsinki residents.
The participants’ attitudes towards tourism were extremely positive. 97 per cent of those who expressed an opinion agreed with the statement ‘It is a good thing that tourists visit Helsinki’. 93 per cent of the participants felt that tourism and events are more beneficial than harmful for Helsinki. 81 per cent of those who expressed an opinion were in favour of the City supporting the growth of tourism.
The events were seen as bringing life to the city. 97 per cent of those who expressed an opinion agreed with the statement. Most of those who expressed an opinion also felt that major events strengthen the international familiarity of Helsinki (91 per cent) and that they bring significant financial benefits (92 per cent). 89 per cent believe that events make them feel more proud of their hometown.
The participants found areas of improvement in cleanliness, public toilet facilities, guidance and the ease of purchasing tickets, for example. Furthermore, the discussion highlighted the need to manage event noise, access routes and the pressure on popular tourist destinations.
‘Tourism is considered to be positive for the city, but participants felt that it is important for growth to take place in a controlled and sustainable manner. Ensuring that the everyday lives of residents remain fluent and that the most popular sites in the city can function well are important when developing tourism. The same factors also have a direct impact on the visitors’ experiences of Helsinki,’ Vesterinen notes.
‘Our aim is for there to be plenty going on in Helsinki around the year and for the services related to these events to run smoothly. At the same time, we want to strengthen Helsinki’s position as a host city for major international events. The year 2030 is already a great example of this trend, with Helsinki hosting both the European Athletics Championships and the Ice Hockey World Championships,’ says Forsström.
The total impact of tourism added up to 2.3 billion euros
According to the income and employment impact assessments completed in October, Helsinki’s tourism economy strengthened in 2025, driven particularly by international tourism. Direct tourism income generated by foreign visitors increased by 6.6 per cent, rising to 717 million euros. Tourism income from foreign visitors staying in registered accommodation increased by more than 24 per cent.
The total impact of tourism on Helsinki was approximately 2.3 billion euros. The estimated impact of tourism on employment was 6,082 person-years. The overall impact on employment is greater than this, as the figure does not include work carried out through temporary agencies. Tourism generated over six million euros in municipal tax revenue for the town.
Demand for the winter season looks promising
Demand for accommodation and air travel is showing positive signs for the coming winter season. Preliminary flight booking and search data indicate that the demand for flights to Helsinki appears to be higher than last year. Spain, the United States, Italy and Germany are among the top countries from which flights have been sought.
The range of routes connecting to Helsinki Airport this winter season is increasing, as particularly Finnair, Emirates and Qatar Airways are opening new flight connections. Connections to Asia, Australia and Africa have also developed significantly. Many who travel to Lapland also combine one or several nights in Helsinki with their trip.
The season for international cruises has also been extended. This winter, cruise ships will be arriving in Helsinki up to just before New Year, with the first ones of next year arriving as early as January. February is the only month without any international cruise ships. The cruise ships coming to Helsinki next year will also be larger than those seen this year.
Helsinki develops tourism and events in line with its City Strategy 2025–2029. The aim is to ensure that tourism and events growing throughout the year make Helsinki a better place to be in, through increasing vitality and wellbeing for businesses and residents alike.
Sources
- Statistics Finland, Rudolf statistical database, accommodation statistics. The figures for 2026 are preliminary; 29 October 2026.
- Finavia, Helsinki Airport monthly passenger statistics, January–September 2026
- Voxit Summary of the resident discussion for Tourism and Events, October 2026 (not a statistically representative population survey)
- Benchmarking Alliance 28 October 2026
- DataAppeal Mabrian 28 October 2026
- Forward Keys, September 2026