Tourism in Estonia in 2006 (as of 29 March 2007)

Transcription

1 TOURISM IN ESTONIA IN 26 KEY INDICATORS: Tourism in Estonia in 26 (as of 29 March 27) 1.94 million foreign tourists stayed overnight in Estonia in 26 (+1.2% compared to 25). Among them, 1.43 million stayed at accommodation establishments, and about.5 million stayed with friends or relatives or at their own apartments. Estonia earned 1.9 billion euros from inbound tourism in 26 (+11.7% compared to 25). Inbound tourism in Estonia In 26, 1.43 million foreign tourists stayed at the accommodation establishments of Estonia. Compared to 25, this number decreased by 2% or by 26, arrivals. However, as the average length of stay increased slightly, the number of their overnight stays increased by 1. in comparison 25 exceeding three million for the first time (Table 1). Holidays accounted for 57% of foreign overnights, conference trips for, other business trips for 15% and other trips (incl. health treatment holidays) 24% of foreign overnights. The number of overnights of holiday tourists increased by 6%, whereas the number of overnights of business tourists decreased by 7% (Chart 3). The arrivals and overnights from Russia and Latvia increased considerably both at spa hotels and at other accommodation establishments (Table 2). This is believed to be connected with the general increase in outbound trips from these countries due to the increasing disposable income of the population. Arrivals from Russia have also been positively influenced by various promotional activities and easier visa procedures for holiday tourists that came into force since 1 January 26. For the second year, arrivals from Latvia have been positively influenced by the direct ship connection that was opened between Ventspils, Latvia and the Island of Saaremaa, Estonia in Spring 25 (operating in the summer season). The ship connection has also contributed to the increase in the number of Lithuanian tourists visiting the Island of Saaremaa. The substantial increase in overnights of Norwegian tourists at spa hotels, which started in 25, has continued throughout 26 as well. Spa tourism from Sweden has also continued to increase, although at a slower rate than in 24 and 25 (Table 2). The number of tourists and overnights from the two main markets - Finland and Germany - decreased, whereas arrivals and overnights from some other important markets, such as Sweden and the UK stagnated. On the one hand this means that the positive impact of EU enlargement which boosted inbound tourism from many old EU countries due to the curiosity effect and new transport connections has disappeared - mainly due to the lack of new stimuli for growth (e.g. new transport connections or new attractions). On the other hand, it is still positive that the number of overnights in 26 exceeded the 23 results twofold. While the number of Finnish tourists staying at Estonian accommodation establishments increased fast during the first 12 months after the EU enlargement, the trend changed in the summer of 25. The decrease has continued throughout 26 as well. There is some evidence (such as the outbound tourism survey by Statistics Finland) that the number of Finnish tourist arrivals and overnights at accommodation establishments has decreased because frequent visitors (both for business and for leisure) have bought real estate in Estonia and are increasingly staying at their own property rather than at accommodation establishments. However, due to lack of border statistics, it is currently impossible to measure these developments. On the other hand, there is also some evidence of the market saturation taking into account that 76% of the adult population of Finland have visited Estonia, and 54% of the adult population have visited Estonia more than three times. The substantial decrease from Germany in summer was partly caused by the reduced number of direct transport ENTERPRISE ESTONIA, ESTONIAN TOURIST BOARD 1

2 connections. In contrast to previous summers, there was no direct passenger ship traffic between Rostock and Tallinn in 26, whereas the number of direct flights between Tallinn and German towns has remained roughly on the level of 25. The second reason is the general downward trend in German outbound trips that affected several other European countries as well. Revenue from tourism In 26, total receipts from inbound tourism (foreign visitors expenditures in Estonia and their payments to Estonian transport companies) amounted to EUR 1.9 bil., increasing by EUR 114 mil. or 11.7% compared to 25 (Table 3). In 26, the income of accommodation establishments amounted to EUR 135 mil., of which EUR 13 mil. was earned from foreign tourists. Compared to 25, the income of accommodation establishments increased by 12% rise. Domestic tourism was the main contributor to this result: the accommodation sector s income from foreign tourists increased by 5% and the income from domestic tourists by 47%. Estonian tour operators and travel agents receipts from inbound tourism amounted to EUR 95.2 mil. Compared to the respective period of 25, this figure increased by 4%, whereas their revenue from intra-eu travel increased by 1.4% and revenue from outside the EU increased by 24%. Domestic tourism The number of domestic tourists has increased fast. In 26, almost 832, domestic tourists stayed at the accommodation establishments of Estonia. Compared to 25, this number increased by 34% or by 213, arrivals. Their overnights increased by 35%, exceeding 1.5 million for the first time. Both private and business trips increased considerably (Chart 6). The most important factors contributing to this growth are: the increase in disposable income of Estonian residents, opening of new accommodation establishments, the increasing number of tourist attractions targeting domestic visitors, especially cultural events and possibilities for active holidays. SPA hotels and health SPAs have been especially active in promoting short breaks at SPA hotels to domestic tourists. With the increase in disposable income, the popularity of domestic SPA weekends has increased fast during the past few years. OUTLOOK FOR 27 Both the continuing healthy economic situation in Estonia and the opening of new accommodation establishments and tourist attractions are expected to stimulate demand for domestic tourism also in 27. Inbound tourism is expected to show moderate growth in 27. The opening of new hotels is expected to have some positive influence on foreign overnights. More than 21 additional bed places in mainly four and five star hotels are expected to become available in Tallinn during 27, whereas in Tartu, a new hotel with 4 beds is expected to increase the hotel capacity by. The re-opening of the ship connection with Germany (via Helsinki) in 27 is expected to increase tourism from Germany. The new year-round fast ferry connection between Tallinn and Helsinki by Tallink s M/S Star, which is due to commence in April 27, will foster travelling between Estonia and Finland. ENTERPRISE ESTONIA, ESTONIAN TOURIST BOARD 2

3 Table 1. Arrivals and overnights at accommodation establishments of Estonia by country of residence, (incl.spa hotels and health spas). TOURIST ARRIVALS change, % change /3 25/4 26/5 24/3 25/4 26/5 Total % 9% Domestic tourists % 1 34% Foreign tourists % -1,8% Finland % -5% -6% Sweden % 22% -2% Germany % 28% -18% Russia % 26% 26% UK % 62% -2% Norway % 15% 18% Latvia % 26% 27% Italy % 4% % Lithuania % 2% 21% USA % % 2% France % 12% -2% Denmark % 11% 5% Poland % % Spain % 28% -2% Holland % 8% Japan % 1% % OVERNIGHTS change, % change /3 25/4 26/5 24/3 25/4 26/5 Total % 9% 11% Domestic tourists % 12% 35% Foreign tourists % 9% 1, Finland % -5% -5% Sweden % 27%,7% Germany % 32% -14% Russia % 27% UK % -2% Norway % 28% Latvia % 26% 35% Italy % Lithuania % 28% 27% USA % % 12% France % 17% 5% Denmark % 14% 6% Poland % 17% 2% Spain % 31% Holland % 2% 12% Japan % 8% 1% Source: Statistics Estonia ENTERPRISE ESTONIA, ESTONIAN TOURIST BOARD 3

4 Table 2. Arrivals and overnights at health spas and other accommodation establishments of Estonia by country of residence, ARRIVALS Spa hotels and health spas change Other accommodation establishments change /4 26/ /4 26/5 Total Domestic tourists Foreign tourists Finland Sweden Russia Norway Latvia Germany Other countries OVERNIGHTS Spa hotels and health spas change Other accommodation establishments change /4 26/ /4 26/5 Total Domestic tourists Foreign tourists Finland Sweden Germany Russia Latvia Norway Other countries Source: Statistics Estonia ENTERPRISE ESTONIA, ESTONIAN TOURIST BOARD 4

5 Chart 1. Overnights of foreign and domestic tourists at accommodation establishments of Estonia, Source: Statistics Estonia. domestic tourists other foreign tourists Norwegian tourists British tourists Russian tourists German tourists Swedish tourists Finnish tourists 45 4 Chart 2. Overnights of foreign tourists at accommodation establishments of Estonia, (thous.). Source: Statistics Estonia Jan Feb March April May June July August Sep Oct Nov Dec ENTERPRISE ESTONIA, ESTONIAN TOURIST BOARD 5

6 3 2 Chart 3. Arrivals and overnights of foreign tourists at accommodation establishments of Estonia by purpose of trip, Source: Statistics Estonia Other purpose Other business trip Conference trip Holiday trip arrivals overnights Chart 4. Foreign and domestic overnights at accommodation establishments of Estonia by region, 26. Source: Statistics Estonia 1% 4% 6% 5% 6% 4% 4% 2% 1% 4% 1% 2% 5% 4% 4% 2% 7% 4% 7% 6% 7% 4% 2% 1% 9% 1% 9% 7% 9% 12% 4% 4% 4% 26% 7% 4% 8% 5% 11% 8% 12% 9% 4% 17% 2 2% 4% 14% 6% 7% 6% 27% 7% other 7% South 6% 16% 5% 8% Estonia 8% 7% 5% Tartu 1% 87% 87% 87% 89% 4% 81% 71% 7 74% 77% other West Estonia 2% 22% 6% 48% 51% 57% 67% 67% 1% 2% 2% 2% 1% 91% Pärnu 1% 19% other North Estonia Tallinn % Domestic overnights Foreign overnights Finland Latvia Sweden Lithuania Russia Germany Denmark Norway Holland France USA Spain Italy Country of residence Japan UK ENTERPRISE ESTONIA, ESTONIAN TOURIST BOARD 6

7 Chart 5. Overnights of domestic tourists at accommodation establishments of Estonia, (thous.). Source: Statistics Estonia Jan Feb March April May June July August Sep Oct Nov Dec Chart 6. Overnights of domestic tourists at accommodation establishments of Estonia by purpose of trip, Source: Statistics Estonia. Other purpose Other business trip Conference trip Holiday trip change 26/ % % % % ENTERPRISE ESTONIA, ESTONIAN TOURIST BOARD 7

8 Chart 7. International tourism receipts and expenditure (incl. fare receipts and expenditure), (mil.eur). Source: Bank of Estonia International tourism receipts (from inbound tourism) International tourism expenditure (on outbound tourism) Table 3. International tourism receipts, (mil. EUR) * change 26/5 International travel receipts (foreign visitors expenditures in Estonia) % International fare receipts % - sea transport % - air transport % Total international tourism receipts % Export of services % Export of goods and services Share of tourism receipts in the export of services 43.1% 39.7% 39.4% 38.2% 39.2% Share of tourism receipts in the export of goods and services 14.1% 13.% 12.7% 11.% 1.4% Source: Bank of Estonia, as of 27 December 26. * Preliminary data (to be updated in June 27). Compiled by: Piret Kallas Research Coordinator Estonian Tourist Board Enterprise Estonia ENTERPRISE ESTONIA, ESTONIAN TOURIST BOARD 8