Finnish tourism industry faces challenges in recovering from Covid and wartime losses

Finland’s tourism industry is facing a major setback as the country sees a significant drop in overnight visits from Russia and east Asia. The number of tourists from these regions has plummeted by over a million since 2019, leaving popular destinations like Helsinki eerily quiet.

The decline in visitors can be attributed to various factors, including the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine. As a result, Russians are no longer granted tourist visas to Finland, and the land border between the two countries has been closed.

Additionally, Asian tourists now face longer journeys to Helsinki as Finnish planes are unable to use Russian airspace. This has made travel to the region more challenging and less appealing for potential visitors.

Despite the grim situation, there is a glimmer of hope for Finland’s tourism industry. Lapland, known for its stunning natural beauty, has actually seen an increase in visitor numbers compared to pre-pandemic levels. This success story highlights the resilience of the region and its ability to attract tourists even in difficult times.

As Finland grapples with the decline in foreign visitors, the focus is now on enticing travelers from Europe and North America. However, the road to recovery will be long and challenging, with significant losses in tourism spending and tax revenue. The industry is hopeful for a turnaround in the near future, but for now, the once bustling streets of Helsinki remain eerily quiet.