Finland is a country located in Northern Europe and is known for its natural beauty, technology, and innovation. However, when it comes to tourism, Finland is not as popular as some of its neighboring countries like Norway or Sweden.
But does Finland have a tourism industry? Let’s find out.
The Current State of Tourism in Finland
Finland has been working hard to promote itself as a tourist destination, and the efforts have been paying off. According to the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, the number of overnight stays in accommodation establishments in Finland increased by 3.4% in 2019 compared to the previous year.
Top Tourist Attractions in Finland
Finland has many attractions that draw tourists from around the world. Some of these include:
- Aurora Borealis: Also known as the Northern Lights, this natural phenomenon can be seen from various locations in Finland.
- Santa Claus Village: Located in Rovaniemi, this village is a popular destination for families with children.
- National Parks: Finland has several national parks that offer visitors an opportunity to experience the country’s natural beauty.
- Helsinki: The capital city of Finland offers visitors a chance to explore Finnish culture and history.
The Challenges Facing Finnish Tourism Industry
Despite its natural beauty and attractions, there are several challenges that the Finnish tourism industry faces:
- Seasonality: Most tourists visit Finland during the winter months to see the Northern Lights or engage in winter sports activities. This leads to a significant drop in tourist numbers during other seasons.
- Limited Accessibility: Finland is not as well connected to other parts of the world as some of its neighboring countries, making it difficult for tourists to access the country.
- Language Barrier: Finnish is not a widely spoken language, and this can make it challenging for tourists who don’t speak the language to navigate the country.
Efforts to Improve Finnish Tourism Industry
The Finnish government has been working on initiatives to improve the tourism industry in the country. Some of these include:
- Promoting Sustainable Tourism: The government is promoting sustainable tourism practices that focus on preserving Finland’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
- Investing in Infrastructure: The government is investing in infrastructure projects that aim to improve accessibility to different parts of Finland.
- Focusing on Digital Marketing: The government is using digital marketing strategies to reach potential tourists and promote Finland as a tourist destination.
Conclusion
While Finland may not be as popular a tourist destination as some of its neighboring countries, it has been making efforts to improve its tourism industry. With its natural beauty, unique attractions, and focus on sustainable tourism practices, Finland has the potential to become a go-to destination for travelers looking for an authentic Nordic experience.