Domestic tourism in Finland
The importance of the tourism industry to the Finnish economy has grown. Domestic tourism generates about 70% of Finland's tourism demand and plays a significant role in terms of both the volume of tourism and year-round activity. At present, Finns make almost as many leisure trips to Finland and abroad, including overnight stays in paid accommodation, although the growth is stronger abroad.
Domestic tourism improves the year-round supply of tourism services and acts as a balancing market in situations where, for example the international political situation changes also affecting the demand from the international market. The development and marketing of domestic tourism as a whole requires more attention than before.
Report on domestic tourism development needs
In spring of 2019, the Ministry of Employment and the Economy commissioned a study on the key development needs of domestic tourism. According to the study, there is potential for growth in domestic tourism, but tourism actors need closer cooperation, a stronger domestic tourism brand and national coordination to promote domestic tourism. The study examined the development needs of domestic tourism, the measures required by them, as well as the responsible parties and the need for resources. The analysis is based on a survey of the tourism industry and interviews with tourism experts as well as tourism statistics. The survey was carried out by WSP Finland Oy.
More information: Report on domestic tourism development needs (abstract in English)
Financial support for domestic tourism
The Ministry supports the development and promotion of domestic tourism also through various grants. The Ministry has supported the “100 Reasons” to Travel in Finland campaign coordinated by the Finnish Association of Tourism Organizations Suoma ry in 2018-2020 with state grants. In 2020, the Ministry supported the implementation of the campaign with a state grant of 35,000 euros as well as an additional grant of 0,5 million euros in order to support the Finnish tourism businesses.
The aim of the "100 Reasons" campaign is to inspire Finns to travel in Finland and extend the domestic tourism season later to the autumn. The campaign is coordinated by Suoma ry and funded by tourism organizations, tourism companies, tourism destinations and national tourism operators.