Visit Finland, the national tourism organization, has released its first monthly statistics report, providing valuable insights into the travel patterns, expenditure, carbon footprint, and profiles of foreign tourists visiting Finland. The report covers the period from March to April 2023, revealing significant data on the economic impact and sustainability of tourism in the country.
According to Visit Finland's "Matkailijamittari" (Tourist Meter) report, foreign tourists made a total of 607,000 trips to Finland during the two-month period, resulting in 5.6 million overnight stays.
On average, travelers spent €843 per trip, amounting to a total expenditure of €512 million. Of these trips, 65% were leisure trips, while the remaining 35% were business trips. The average carbon footprint per trip was approximately 480 kg of CO2.
In March, there were 327,000 trips to Finland, which slightly decreased to 280,000 trips in April. During March, three-quarters of the trips were made by air, while one-fourth were by sea. However, in April, only 54% of trips were made by air. The median duration of leisure trips decreased from five days in March to four days in April. Additionally, the proportion of package tours among leisure trips decreased from 20% in March to 8% in April.
In terms of expenditure, tourists spent a total of €282 million in March and €230 million in April. On a per-day basis, the average spending was €98 in March and €68 in April.
The differences between March and April can be attributed to the transition from the winter to spring season. March still experienced some winter tourism activities, while April is typically considered a slower month for tourism. The higher proportion of package tours in March and longer lead times for bookings contributed to variations in expenditure patterns. Furthermore, the decline in air travel and package tours during April is expected to continue into the following months.
Looking ahead, there is expected to be a shift in tourist profiles during the summer season. The expenditure of foreign tourists in Finland includes accommodation, dining, fuel, transportation, cultural activities, sports and recreation, shopping, and other expenses, excluding air and ferry tickets for the inbound and outbound journeys.
The combined carbon footprint of trips that ended in March and April was approximately 290,000 tons of CO2. The average carbon footprint per trip was 512 kg of CO2 in March and 434 kg of CO2 in April. The average carbon footprint for air travel was 584 kg of CO2, while for sea travel, it was 267 kg of CO2.
Tracking the carbon footprint is crucial for assessing the environmental impact of the tourism industry. Visit Finland aims to provide accurate and up-to-date information on the industry's climate impact to support sustainable development and decision-making in the sector.
Visit Finland's new monthly statistics report sheds light on the economic contributions, travel patterns, expenditure, and carbon footprint of foreign tourists in Finland. The data serves as a valuable resource for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and the media to make informed decisions and develop strategies for sustainable tourism. As the summer season approaches, understanding the changing profiles of tourists and their spending habits will be essential for the continued growth and sustainability of Finland's tourism industry.
HT