Public-promotion agency Business Finland says the country is on course for a record-breaking winter tourism season, with up to 1.3 million foreign visitors expected between December 2025 and March 2026—10 % more than last year. Speaking to Euro Weekly News, officials estimated inbound spending could also hit €1.3 billion, buoyed by surging demand from Germany, the UK, the US and growing Asian markets such as China and Japan.
Lapland remains the star attraction, predicted to capture two-thirds of arrivals thanks to Northern-Lights packages and Santa-themed experiences in Rovaniemi. Helsinki will account for roughly a quarter of winter tourists, while other regions scramble to develop nature-based products to share the spoils.
Business Finland credited a multi-pronged strategy focused on sustainable tourism, expanded airlift and upgrades at Finnish airports. Finavia has added temporary terminal capacity in Rovaniemi and Ivalo, and carriers including Finnair, Eurowings and Qatar Airways have announced extra frequencies.
For global-mobility managers, the projected boom means heightened competition for accommodation and internal flights during peak months. Early booking of serviced apartments and company allotments in northern hubs is advisable. Employers with seasonal staff deployments—particularly in the hospitality, mining and renewable-energy sectors—should also prepare for wage and housing inflation.
Sustainability is another corporate priority: Finland’s stricter emissions rules for snow-safari operators and proposed visitor-cap pilots in fragile Arctic areas could affect incentive-travel programmes. HR and travel teams should monitor regulatory developments and work with suppliers accredited under the Sustainable Travel Finland label.
Lapland remains the star attraction, predicted to capture two-thirds of arrivals thanks to Northern-Lights packages and Santa-themed experiences in Rovaniemi. Helsinki will account for roughly a quarter of winter tourists, while other regions scramble to develop nature-based products to share the spoils.
Business Finland credited a multi-pronged strategy focused on sustainable tourism, expanded airlift and upgrades at Finnish airports. Finavia has added temporary terminal capacity in Rovaniemi and Ivalo, and carriers including Finnair, Eurowings and Qatar Airways have announced extra frequencies.
For global-mobility managers, the projected boom means heightened competition for accommodation and internal flights during peak months. Early booking of serviced apartments and company allotments in northern hubs is advisable. Employers with seasonal staff deployments—particularly in the hospitality, mining and renewable-energy sectors—should also prepare for wage and housing inflation.
Sustainability is another corporate priority: Finland’s stricter emissions rules for snow-safari operators and proposed visitor-cap pilots in fragile Arctic areas could affect incentive-travel programmes. HR and travel teams should monitor regulatory developments and work with suppliers accredited under the Sustainable Travel Finland label.
