The price of a Nordic tourist boom

Finland

Tourism in Finland is still suffering in the wake of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. In 2022, tourism made up 1.8 per cent of GDP and employed 5.1 per cent of the workforce.  Most tourists come from Germany, followed by Sweden and the UK. Domestic tourism remains relatively stable. 

Denmark

The travel industry is recovering well after the pandemic years. 2023 saw a record 63 million overnight stays, of which 32.2 million were foreign tourists. Tourism accounted for 1.8 per cent of GDP in 2022 and 3.3 per cent of employment. Most tourists come from Germany, followed by Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands.

Iceland

Tourism is once again Iceland’s biggest export. In 2022, the sector accounted for 7.8 per cent of GDP and it employed 12 per cent of the workforce. Iceland had 2.2 million international visitors in 2023, higher than before the pandemic. Most tourists come from the USA, the UK and Germany.

Norway

Tourism is back on its feet after the pandemic. In 2023, there were 11 million international overnight stays, 4 per cent more than in 2019. Domestic tourism still dominates with 25.9 million overnight stays in 2023. Most tourists in Norway come from Germany, the USA and Sweden.

Sweden

Tourism is on its way back after the pandemic, but is being challenged by higher costs of living. In 2023, there were 16.5 million international overnight stays, 1.2 per cent lower than in 2019. Most tourists come from Germany, Norway and Denmark.

Source: Tourism Trends and Policies 2024, OECD