Goa, a popular tourist destination in India, is preparing for a bustling tourist season as international arrivals, particularly from Russia, have already begun. The state’s tourism department is welcoming visitors with special initiatives and highlighting the diverse experiences Goa offers beyond its beaches.
Vietnam’s popularity as a tourist destination continues to surge, particularly among Russian travelers. The second quarter of 2024 saw a significant increase in search interest for Vietnam from Russian and CIS users, signaling a broader trend of Southeast Asia becoming a sought-after travel destination. This growth provides valuable insights for tourism businesses to attract and retain international visitors, particularly those from Russia.
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.
