Chinese Visitors Spend Lavishly, Boost Helsinki Tourism Trade

The number of overnight stays by Chinese visitors in the Finnish capital of Helsinki is gradually on the rise.

Last year, the number of Chinese tourists had risen by almost 20% as compared to the previous year and this trend seems to be continuing this year as well. Research and Analysis Centre (TAK) that is a premiere travel industry observer mentioned that on an average, a tourist is known to splurge about 298 euros per visit.

But then, a Chinese tourist spends nearly 896 euros.

And, as a group, Chinese tourists spent approximately 214 million euros in the capital region last year. Tuulikki Becker who is the CEO of Helsinki Marketing said that the number of Chinese arrivals here is expanding at a very rapid rate. He went on to add that this year they had as much as three times more overnight stays by Chinese nationals as compared to that in the year 2010.

And, he feels that in the period between February and May, the number had increased by almost 60%.

One of the main reasons that prompted the boost of Chinese visits in the Finnish capital is its strategic location. This is because Vantaa Airport of Finland has emerged as a major hub for air traffic from Asia and is the fastest route to Europe for Eastern tourists.

Becker said that a majority of the Chinese tourists continue travelling to other destinations and do not prefer remaining in Finland, rather like to visit other cities in Europe.

Many managers of shops and restaurant owners have observed this growing trend of Eastern tourist arrivals and have adjusted their services accordingly.

About two years ago, Russian and Chinese tourists had injected the same amount of cash during their stays in Helsinki, but now the scenario has undergone a transformation.

Last year, Chinese tourists have spent some 214 million euros in Helsinki and this amount has surpassed that from all the visitors representing other nations.

On the other hand, Russians have spent nearly 125 million euros in the capital region last year.