The statistics from October 2024 show that international tourism in Oulu and along the Pohjola Route has been on the rise this autumn. Growth was seen in both overnight stays and accommodation sales, with Germany standing out as a major market.
A total of 63,000 nights were spent in Oulu in October in paid accommodation, up 5% on last year. The number of international visitors increased by as much as 37%. The increase was particularly significant for German tourists (+85%), who were the most frequent visitors to Oulu among foreign tourists.
In October, accommodation sales in Oulu amounted to €4.1 million, which is8% more than in the previous year.
Average occupancy rates in Oulu hotels for the 10-month period January–October reached another new record of 69%. The occupancy rate is the highest among the major Finnish cities, including Rovaniemi and Helsinki.
Along the Pohjola Route and in the Oulu region, overnight stays by international tourists increased by 19% in October 2024, to a total of 7,700 overnights. In total, 74,000 registered overnights were recorded in the region, which is 2% more than last year. The German market continued to strengthen, with a 46% increase in the number of German tourists compared to October last year.
Accommodation sales on the Pohjola Route rose by 5% in October to €5.4 million. In addition to Oulu, the route region includes Syöte, Rokua Geopark, Raahe, Liminka, Hailuoto, Kempele, Tyrnävä, Ii, Lumijoki and Kemi.
The length of stay of tourists in both Oulu and along the Pohjola Route also increased compared to October last year.