TOURISM IN ESTONIA IN 2008

Transcription

1 Tourism in Estonia in 28 (as of June 29) 1 TOURISM IN ESTONIA IN 28 Inbound tourism In terms of inbound tourism, 28 showed better results than 27. Several markets that decreased in 27 showed a recovery in 28. While tourism in Europe stagnated in 28 (according to the UNWTO Barometer issued in January 29, tourism to European countries increased by just.1%), Estonia achieved a 3.7% increase in tourist arrivals million foreign tourists stayed overnight in Estonia in 28 (+3.7% compared to 27). Among them, 1.43 million stayed at accommodation establishments, and about.54 million stayed with friends or relatives or at their own apartments. Several factors facilitated the development of inbound tourism in 28: The new fast ferries that started sailing year-round between Tallinn and Helsinki in 27 and in spring 28 contributed to increased traffic from Finland, especially during the first half of 28. Also, thanks to the warm winter, the catamarans sailed between Tallinn and Helsinki about 1.5 months longer than usual (in the first quarter of 28). Joining the Schengen Area on 21 December 27 facilitated travel from Russia. Abolishing the border control between the Baltic and other Eastern European countries also facilitated multi-country touring (combining Estonia with the Baltic or Nordic countries) for other nationals. The substantial increase in the number of new hotel beds in Tallinn during 27 resulted in increased marketing efforts (incl. favourable offers) by the hotel sector which seemingly contributed to the increase in tourism from nearby countries (especially during the first half of 28) million foreign tourists stayed overnight at Estonian accommodation establishments in 28. Compared to 27, their number increased by 3.8% (+53, tourists). The number of nights spent by foreign tourists amounted to 2.93 million, increasing by just.6%. The main reason for such a small increase in overnights was the continuing decrease of Finnish overnights in health spas (where the average length of stay is somewhat longer than at the other accommodation establishments). Holidays accounted for 62% of foreign overnights, conference trips for 3%, other business trips for 15% and other trips (incl. health treatment holidays) for 19% of foreign overnights. Holiday tourism increased by 6% and conference tourism by 18% (after a decrease in 27). Overnights on other business trips decreased slightly (-2%) whereas overnights on other trips continued to decrease substantially (-14%). After three consecutive years of decline, arrivals from the main inbound market Finland increased by 3% in 28. Overnights, however, decreased slightly (-.7%) due to the continuing decrease of Finnish overnights in health spas. Thanks to the warm winter, the catamarans started to sail between Tallinn and Helsinki about 1.5 months earlier than usual. This and also the new type of fast ferries that started sailing year-round between Tallinn and Helsinki in 27 and in spring 28 contributed to increased traffic from Finland, especially during the first half of 28. In absolute figures, the biggest increase occurred in their most popular destination Tallinn (after two years of decline), whereas the biggest decrease occurred in the Finns second most popular destination Pärnu (4 th consecutive year of decline). In other words, their short holiday trips (with one or two overnights) to Tallinn increased whereas their spa and health treatment trips continued to decrease.

2 Tourism in Estonia in 28 (as of June 29) 2 Joining the Schengen Area on 21 December 27 facilitated travel from various countries. In particular, tourism from Russia, which decreased in 27 due to political problems, increased substantially throughout 28. Due to the general strong growth trend in Russian outbound tourism, the number of Russian tourists increased significantly not only from the 27 level but also compared to the 26 figures. However, the trips were somewhat shorter than in previous years, possibly because the Schengen Area enabled more Russian tourists to visit Estonia on a multi-destination trip with shorter stays in each destination country. In absolute figures, the biggest increase occurred in their most popular destination Tallinn but the substantially smaller East Viru County (their second most popular destination) also experienced a significant increase. Following the strong growth trend of 27, tourism from Latvia increased substantially also in the first half of 28. This growth trend can be attributed to the additional marketing activities by the public and private sector and the general growth trend in Latvian outbound tourism. However, starting from July, tourism from Latvia showed a decline. Apparently, the main reason was the worsening economic situation in Latvia. Possibly, the rainy weather in summer had also some negative impact on the results of July and August. The number of Latvian tourists in Tallinn (their most popular destination) increased by just.7% but as their trips were shorter than in 27, their overnights in Tallinn decreased by 1%. Their second most popular destination Saaremaa Island attracted a substantial growth during the low season (especially in the first quarter) but experienced a small decline during the summer months. On the other hand, Latvian arrivals and overnights in Tartu and Pärnu (their 3 rd and 4 th most popular destinations in Estonia) increased considerably throughout the whole year. Tourism from Lithuania maintained the strong growth trend of the past three years throughout 28. The biggest increase (in absolute figures) occurred in their most popular destination Tallinn but also their second most popular destination Saaremaa Island continued to enjoy strong growth. Tourism from Germany increased by 6% (after a decrease both in 26 and 27). Most of the increase occurred in Tallinn (their most popular destination) in the high season (from May to August). Apparently, both some additional transport connections and easier border crossings in the Schengen Area (which facilitated multi-country touring holidays in the Baltic/ Nordic countries) contributed to the increase in spring and summer. However, starting from November the number of flight connections between Estonia and Germany were reduced. This had a negative impact on German arrivals in November and December (although tourism from Germany to Estonia is rather seasonal and the absolute figures in the winter season are small). Some important markets showed a decline: notably Sweden and the UK (both decreasing for the second consecutive year) and Norway (decreasing after a substantial increase during the past three years). Decrease from Sweden, Norway and the UK can be explained by a combination of several factors: e.g. lack of new stimuli for growth (new tourist products, competitive transport connections, especially from regions outside the capital cities, etc.); better competitive position of similar destinations, such as Latvia (in terms of novelty and flight connections) and increase of prices in Estonia. In the case of UK outbound tourism, there has apparently been a general decrease in interest in secondary short breaks in 27 and especially in 28. Of the smaller source markets, tourism from the United States decreased (after two years of good increase). The number of U.S. tourists and overnights decreased in most European countries in 28, apparently due to the economic downturn and the low U.S. dollar (until autumn). In addition to overnight tourists, the number of cruise passengers visiting Tallinn for one day increased substantially (+28%) in 28 (from 293, in 27 to 375, in 28). The number

3 Tourism in Estonia in 28 (as of June 29) 3 of cruise ships sailing on the Baltic Sea increased and several ships were also larger than in the previous years. Of the cruise passengers visiting Tallinn, 21% were from the United States, 18% from the United Kingdom, 15% from Germany, 13% from Spain and 6% from both Sweden and Italy. With 298 cruise ship calls, Tallinn was the third most visited destination on the Baltic Sea, following St. Petersburg and Copenhagen (which attracted 311 and 31 calls, respectively). Domestic tourism Following several years of strong growth, domestic tourism showed modest results in 28. The most important factor contributing to the strong growth in 26 and 27 was the economic growth which enabled Estonian residents to make more domestic holiday trips and also contributed to the increased spend on conference and incentive trips by the public and private sector. However, the first months of 28 showed a slowdown in domestic tourism and starting from June, domestic tourism decreased (taking into account domestic arrivals and overnights at accommodation establishments only). The main reason behind the decrease is the economic slowdown which reduced business and incentive travel already starting from the first quarter of 28. Domestic holiday travel decreased mainly from June to September in addition to the worsening economic conditions the rather rainy weather during the summer months and numerous attractively priced outbound holiday offers in winter and spring may also have had some negative impact on domestic trips in summer. 944,325 domestic tourists stayed overnight at Estonian accommodation establishments in 28. Compared to 27, their number decreased by 18,4 or by 1.9%. The number of nights spent by domestic tourists amounted to 1.67 million, decreasing by 5% - as both business and private trips were slightly shorter than in 27. Both health spas and spa hotels as well as other accommodation establishments experienced a decline. Holidays accounted for 44% of domestic overnights, conference trips for 6%, other business trips for 26% and other private trips for 24% of domestic overnights. Overnights on holiday trips increased by.8% while overnights on other private trips decreased by 7% and overnights on business and conference trips decreased by 11%. Revenue from tourism After a decrease in 27, tourism receipts started to increase again in 28, exceeding also the level of 26. In 28, Estonia s tourism receipts amounted to EUR 1.12 bil. This was 9.1% more than in 27. Travel receipts (foreign visitors expenditures in Estonia) amounted to EUR 82 mil. (+9% compared to 27). Fare receipts amounted to EUR 34 mil. or 1% more than in 27. The share of tourism receipts in Estonia s total exports of goods and services was 9.3% (in 27, it was 9.1%). Compiled by: Piret Kallas, Research Coordinator Estonian Tourist Board Enterprise Estonia

4 Tourism in Estonia in 28 (as of June 29) 4 Arrivals and overnights at all accommodation establishments of Estonia by country of residence Arrivals at accommodation establishments change (compared to the previous year) Total % 9% 4% 1,5% domestic % 34% 16% -1,9% foreign % -2% -3% 3,8% Finland % -6% -6% 3% Germany % -18% -3% 6% Sweden % -2% -15% -4% Russia % 26% -16% 46% Latvia % 27% 14% 7% Norway % 18% 15% -16% UK % -2% -9% -17% Lithuania % 21% 19% 16% Italy % % -7% 6% Poland % % 3% 12% USA % 2% 12% -13% France % -2% 8% 4% Spain % -2% 15% 2% Denmark % 5% -13% 2% Holland % 8% -11% 2% Japan % % -16% 1% Overnights at accommodation establishments change (compared to the previous year) Total % 11% 3% -1,5% domestic % 35% 16% -5,1% foreign % 1% -3%,6% Finland % -5% -5% -,7% Germany % -14% -4% 6% Sweden % 1% -17% -5% Russia % 28% -15% 33% Latvia % 35% 18% 3% Norway % 28% 1% -15% UK % -2% -1% -2% Lithuania % 28% 17% 14% Italy % 3% -2%,5% Poland % 2% 2% 26% USA % 12% 8% -14% France % 5% 6% 2% Spain % 3% 21% 9% Denmark % 6% -1% 2% Holland % 12% -8% 3% Japan % 1% -21% -,8% Source: Statistics Estonia

5 Tourism in Estonia in 28 (as of June 29) Overnights of foreign and domestic tourists at accommodation establishments (thous.), Source: Statistics Estonia. Domestic overnights Foreign overnights % % Overnights of foreign tourists at accommodation establishments of Estonia, (thous.) Jan Feb March April May June July August Sep Oct Nov Dec

6 Tourism in Estonia in 28 (as of June 29) Overnights of foreign tourists at accommodation establishments by country of residence, (thous.) other foreign Lithuania UK Latvia Norway Sweden Germany Russia Finland Foreign tourists and their overnights at accommodation establishments by purpose of trip, (thous.). Source: Statistics Estonia. Other purpose Other business trip Conference trip Holiday trip Arrivals Overnights

7 Tourism in Estonia in 28 (as of June 29) Overnights of domestic tourists at accommodation establishments of Estonia, (thous.) Jan Feb March April May June July August Sep Oct Nov Dec Overnights of domestic tourists at accommodation establishments by purpose of trip, (thous.). Source: Statistics Estonia. Other purpose Other business trip Conference trip Holiday trip change 28/ 27-7% % % ,8%

8 Tourism in Estonia in 28 (as of June 29) 8 % Room occupancy rates of accommodation establishments, (%). Source: Statistics Estonia Jan Feb March April May June July August Sep Oct Nov Dec Accommodation capacity in Estonia Growth /5 27/6 28/7 Number of rooms 14,474 16,613 18,68 19,684 15% 9% 9% Number of bed places 31,589 37,494 4,427 44,117 19% 8% 9% Source: database of Statistics Estonia Travel services and passenger transport in Estonia's Balance of Payments (EUR mil.). Source: Bank of Estonia Passenger transport: exports (foreign residents' payments to Estonian transport companies) Travel services: exports (foreign visitors' expenditures in Estonia) Passenger transport: imports (Estonian residents' payments to foreign transport companies) Travel services: imports (Estonian residents' expenditures abroad)