Domestic Tourism in Estonia Moving Past Pandemic Shadow, According to Economy Minister
MG's Breakdown of Estonia's 2024 Tourism Success
Estonia's tourism sector roared back in 2024, with an impressive increase in both domestic and international travel. According to Aleksandr Michelson, tourism advisor at the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, the tourism sector experienced growth despite a fewer number of foreign trips compared to pre-pandemic times.
Estonian residents made over 1.5 million overnight outbound trips in 2024, a 2% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, domestic trips climbed by 8%, reaching nearly 3.5 million overnight stays. These figures, according to Michelson, show that domestic tourism has almost recovered to its 2019 level.
In his press release, Michelson noted that the number of overnight stay in Estonia increased by 4% for domestic trips and 8% for foreign trips compared to 2023. However, the growth was less significant when compared to 2019. The average expenditure per domestic trip (with an overnight stay) rose by 3% compared to 2023 and by an impressive 39% compared to 2019. Notably, the average spending on business trips skyrocketed by 22% in 2024.
When it comes to travel destinations, European Union countries still accounted for 73% of Estonian residents' foreign trips. The favorite destinations for Estonians were Finland, Latvia, Sweden, Spain, and Italy, with Sweden registering the largest growth compared to 2023.
Michelson also pointed out that the growth of domestic tourism has had a significant and positive impact on regional entrepreneurship. In 2024, domestic tourists spent an average of 184 euros per domestic trip, a 3% increase compared to 2023 and 39% more than in 2019.
While domestic tourism is booming, spending on overseas travel grew at a slower pace. On average, an Estonian spent 1,102 euros on overnight trips abroad, a 2% increase compared to 2023 and a 33% increase compared to 2019. Of this amount, approximately 380 euros went towards transportation, 342 euros to accommodation, 233 euros to food, and the rest to entertainment and shopping.
In summary, the tourism sector in Estonia displayed substantial growth in 2024, with significant increases in both domestic and international travel. Although the level of foreign overnight trips is still slightly lower than pre-pandemic levels, the number of domestic trips has almost recovered. However, it's worth noting that while domestic tourism's growth is helping offset slower foreign tourism recovery, companies still face profitability challenges due to cost pressures. To sustain regional entrepreneurship, these challenges need to be addressed through pricing strategies and operational efficiency.
- In 2024, domestic tourists in Estonia spent an average of 184 euros per domestic trip, a 3% increase from 2023 and 39% more than in 2019, indicating a positive impact on regional entrepreneurship.
2.While the domestic tourism sector has seen significant growth, spending on overseas travel increased at a slower pace, with an average of 1,102 euros spent on overnight trips abroad in 2024, a 2% increase compared to 2023 and a 33% increase compared to 2019.
- The number of overnight stay in Estonia increased by 4% for domestic trips and 8% for foreign trips compared to 2023, but when compared to 2019, the growth was less significant, suggesting a gradual recovery of tourism post-pandemic.
- In 2024, the average spending on business trips in Estonia skyrocketed by 22%, highlighting the potential for growth in the business travel sector amidst the overall resurgence of tourism.
