EUROPE – Finland Convention Bureau (FCB) has revealed 2014 as the best congress year in Finnish history, with 708 conventions held compared to 662 in 2013.
Last year saw attendance figures of 79,000 (compared to 71,697 in 2013), generating an economic benefit of €130m (US$141m).
The Helsinki region hosts over half of these international congresses, however significant events are held in all of the largest cities, the bureau says. The top five congress cities in Finland are Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere, Turku and Jyvaskyla.
“Our previous best year had been 2013, but last year exceeded even 2013’s figures, despite our fears that the economic decline would take its toll,” says FCB’s convention director, Leena Sipila.
Congress travel is a positive exception in Finland’s economic situation, especially compared to tourism in general, where the growth rate is declining.
The massive decline in Russian tourists has been challenging to leisure travel companies, who are now trying to attract new growth in Europe and Asia, Sipila says.
“We are organising our first corporate event marketing show in China, because we believe there are new opportunities and customers to be found there,” she adds.
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Finland reveals rise in congresses despite overall decline in tourism
