The 2024 GDS-Awards celebrated global leaders in sustainable tourism, recognizing their commitment to innovation, positive impact, and regeneration. Helsinki, Kumamoto, and Copenhagen were among the winners, showcasing initiatives that are redefining the future of the industry.
Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4, a new luxury hotel in Helsinki, showcases a commitment to sustainable design, blending innovative architecture with a commitment to carbon neutrality. The hotel, built primarily with wood, is a vital element of Helsinki’s urban revitalization effort, enhancing the waterfront and celebrating Finnish design and sustainability.
Helsinki’s skyline now features Katajanokan Laituri, a modern wooden structure housing the Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4, aiming to be Finland’s most environmentally sustainable hotel. The building, designed by Anttinen Oiva Architects, showcases sustainable construction methods and incorporates features like solar panels, a green rooftop, and flood protection. The hotel offers 164 rooms, including sea view options, alongside amenities like a seaside cafe, conference rooms, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the Market Square. The hotel’s commitment to sustainability extends to its restaurant, Harbore, which serves Nordic-inspired cuisine using locally sourced ingredients.
Helsinki’s tourism revenue surged by 25% in 2023, reaching €1.5 billion despite global travel challenges. This growth was achieved despite fewer Russian and Asian tourists due to airspace restrictions, highlighting the city’s strong appeal and resilience. Helsinki’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices has also played a key role in its success.
Finland is constructing the world’s largest air-to-water heat pump in Helsinki, aiming to decarbonize the city’s district heating system and provide heat for 30,000 homes. This project marks a significant step towards achieving Helsinki’s ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
Swedish construction firm NCC has secured a contract to renovate a hotel in Helsinki’s Elielinaukio, transforming it into a modern Scandic hotel with 174 rooms. The project, valued at approximately SEK 180 million, emphasizes sustainability and modern hospitality standards.
Helsinki’s culinary scene reached new heights at the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Nordic Countries Ceremony, with two new stars added to the city’s gastronomic map. Reflecting the nation’s growing commitment to sustainability, the event showcased innovative dining experiences, exceptional industry professionals, and a focus on local, seasonal produce.
Helsinki’s tourism industry continues to struggle in the wake of travel restrictions imposed due to the war in Ukraine. International tourism to the Finnish capital has not recovered post-pandemic, with Russian tourists cut off and travel from Asia hampered.
In comparison to other Nordic capitals, Helsinki has fallen behind in international and domestic tourism recovery. The city’s number of international overnight stays in 2023 reached only 78% of its 2019 level, significantly lower than Copenhagen and Oslo which have surpassed pre-pandemic numbers.
Chair of the Helsinki Tourism Foundation, Mikko Leisti, highlights the need for increased marketing efforts to attract tourists from alternative markets such as Sweden, Germany, the United States, and Great Britain.
Funding for tourism promotion varies significantly among Nordic capitals, with Copenhagen allocating 36 million euros, Stockholm 4.9 million euros, and Oslo 7.5 million euros. Helsinki’s allocated budget of 2.2 million euros trails behind these efforts.
To boost tourism, Leisti emphasizes the importance of expanding marketing reach and diversifying target markets.
