20
Feb 2025
Estonia’s tourism industry grew in 2024, with 3.6 million tourists staying in accommodations across the country. This was a 5% increase from 2023 but still 5% lower than in 2019, before the pandemic.
More foreign tourists choose Estonia
Foreign visitors drove most of the growth, with 1.86 million international tourists traveling to Estonia—an 11% increase from 2023.
Meanwhile, domestic tourism stayed stable, with 1.76 million Estonians staying in hotels, guesthouses, and other accommodations.
Despite the overall rise, Estonia still saw nearly 400,000 fewer foreign tourists than in 2019. However, domestic tourism has grown since the pandemic, with over 200,000 more Estonians booking stays compared to five years ago.
Finland leads international arrivals
Finland remained Estonia’s largest source of tourists, with 696,000 arrivals in 2024. This matched 2023 but was 13% lower than in 2019.
Latvia came next with 251,000 visitors, up 9% from the previous year and 37% higher than before the pandemic.
Germany ranked third with 117,000 tourists, followed by Lithuania with 81,000 and the United Kingdom with 70,000.
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(Image courtesy of Tiit Aunaste via Pixabay)
Popular destinations within Estonia
Harju County, home to Tallinn, remained the top destination, hosting 73% of foreign tourists and 29% of domestic travelers. Other popular regions included Pärnu, Tartu, Ida-Viru, and Saare counties.
In total, tourists spent 6.65 million nights in Estonia. Foreign visitors accounted for 3.67 million, while domestic tourists stayed for 2.98 million nights.
Costs of staying in Estonia
The average cost of an overnight stay in Estonia stayed at €49 per person in 2024, unchanged from 2023 but 29% higher than in 2019. Harju County had the highest prices at €53 per night, followed by Lääne-Viru County at €52.
In Saaremaa, visitors paid an average of €48 per night. Tartu County had the lowest rates, with an average of €41 per night.
(Image courtesy of Makalu via Pixabay)
December sees tourism uptick
In December 2024, 280,000 tourists stayed in accommodations, a 3% increase from December 2023. This included 133,000 domestic travelers and 148,000 foreign visitors.
Tourists spent a total of 515,000 nights in Estonia. The room occupancy rate was 46% across 933 accommodation establishments, which provided 21,000 rooms and 48,000 beds.
Stricter entry rules, travel trends
Estonia’s tourism growth comes as the European Union plans to introduce the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in 2026. This system will require short-term visitors from visa-exempt countries to get electronic approval before traveling to the Schengen Zone.
The rise in foreign tourists, especially from non-EU countries like the United Kingdom, suggests that many are visiting before the new rules take effect.
For long-term visitors and migrants, the steady growth of domestic tourism shows strong demand for short-term rentals and temporary housing. This could affect rental prices and availability in cities like Tallinn and Tartu.
Stricter Schengen visa policies may also impact non-EU nationals considering relocation, as travel within the bloc could become more restricted.
(Image courtesy of jacqueline macou via Pixabay)
On EU’s approach to border control and migration
Estonia’s tourism recovery shows changing travel patterns that could influence EU immigration policies.
The rise in domestic tourism follows a trend seen across the EU, where internal travel has grown since the pandemic.
Meanwhile, the drop in foreign visitors, especially from Finland, may lead EU policymakers to review visa rules and border procedures to keep tourism competitive.
As the EU rolls out digital entry systems like the ETIAS and updates Schengen visa rules, Estonia’s experience highlights the challenge of balancing security with accessible travel.
If foreign tourism stays below pre-pandemic levels, policymakers may consider easing visa requirements for key markets to protect tourism’s economic benefits.
Steady recovery despite challenges
Estonia’s tourism industry grew in 2024, but it has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. Domestic tourism remained strong, and foreign visitor numbers increased, showing a positive trend.
However, fewer Finnish tourists and rising accommodation costs pose challenges for the industry in the years ahead.