Tourism

STATISTICS:

1.97 million overnight visitors in 2008, which is 3.7% more than in 2007. 1.43 million stayed at accommodation establishments, and about 0.54 million stayed with friends or relatives or at their own apartments. The global economic crisis did not affect incoming tourism in Estonia that much yet than tourism in Europe in overall in 2008.

1.09 million overnight visitors since January until September 2009 which is 5.4% less than during the same period in 2008. The global recession affected directly the travelling activity in 2009. The numbers of overnight visitors since January until September 2009 decreased in every sector (-7% from holiday visitors, -7% from business visitors and -14% from visitors of other purposes).

The purpose of stay in 2008:

  • 61% on holiday
  • 16% on business
  • 16% visiting friends and relatives
  • 7% on other purposes

Arrivals by country of residence in 2008:

  • 51% from Finland
  • 6.4% from Germany
  • 6% from Sweden
  • 5.7% from Russia
  • 5.5% from Latvia
  • 3.3% from Norway
  • 3.2% from United Kingdom and Ireland
  • 2.9% from Lithuania
  • 16% from other countries

Estonia’s tourism receipts: EUR 1.12 bil. (+9.1% compared to 2007)
The share of tourism receipts in Estonia’s total exports of goods and services: 9.3%

Estonia is an amazing place of natural beauty and steeped in colourful history!

Interesting facts about Estonia:

  • Estonia's area of 45,227 km2 is similar to that of the Netherlands, but the population (1.34 million) is ten times smaller.
  • The length of the longest day in summer is over 19 hours, while the shortest winter day lasts only six hours. It is not completely dark at night from the beginning of May until the end of July.
  • 5th Season - In Soomaa National Park, in spring, if the snow thaws fast enough then a natural phenomenon occurs: the whole area floods and people have to travel around by boat.
  • Millions of birds stop in Estonia on their migratory paths.
  • Estonia has more than 1,500 islands, 1,000 lakes (5 per cent of the Estonian territory), 7,000 rivers and streams. Bogs and wooded swamplands of different types cover over one fifth of the country.
  • Estonia is a sea country – the length of coastline (3,800 km) is about 6 times longer than the mainland borders.
  • Estonia is very rich in forests – various kinds of forests cover almost half of Estonia's territory. Elk, wild boar, bear and lynx are amongst Estonia's common large mammals. About 10 % of Estonia is a nature reserve.
  • The Estonian Song Festival (In Estonian: Laulupidu): First held in 1869, takes place every five years. In 2009, 26,000+ choral singers gathered to perform for an audience of 80,000 people. It is recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
  • Swedish, German and Russian History: Estonia has been occupied by Russians, Swedes and Germans. Each has left their marks on our landscapes and culture. Rightly or wrongly they have helped define who Estonians are.
  • Medieval Old Town Tallinn: It’s impossible to deny that this is the main reason most people first come to Estonia – to see the best protected and intact medieval city in Europe.
  • In 2011, Europe’s best stories will be told in Tallinn – European Capital of Culture!

More information about tourism and travel in Estonia: