The Finnish Tourist Board says that the number of foreign visitors to Finland in 2006 totaled over 5 million for the first time ever and overnights last year totaled 21.1 million.
Australian overnights to Finland grew by 23.6% in 2006 to 39,872, compared to 32,264 in 2005 and since 2003, Australian arrivals in Finland have grown by an impressive 52%!
Over 70% of Australian arrivals visit Finland during the summer period (April to October), of which half is during the mid-summer period of June to August, but nearly 30% of Australian visitors opt to experience an authentic winter, arriving during the winter season (November to April).
The capital city of Helsinki attracts the majority of Australian visitors, totaling 24,236, or 75% with Lapland, one of the last European wilderness frontiers, attracting 5,662 Australians.
Meanwhile, the Turku and Tampere regions attracted over 4,00 Australians.
Helsinki has also become a cruise capital and last year the city welcomed over 250 cruise ships.
In 2005, Australians spent a total €211 ($347) per visit or €40 ($66) per day and the total spend by Australians in 2005 was €6 million ($9.87 million).
For more information visit: www.visitfinland.com/au
A Report by The Mole
