Analytics, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Good for Business, Russia, Tourism

An increase in Russian and Finnish tourist numbers during the holidays was confirmed also by shipper and hotel operator Tallink. 

"There will be more precise statistics available in February, but it can be affirmed based on oral comments by Tallinn hotels that there were Russian tourists in Tallinn over the New Year holiday in somewhat bigger numbers than expected, which is a good indicator," manager of the association Maarika Liivamagi told. 

"The word about our Christmas market has reached also our eastern neighbors and the wish to see Tallinn continues to be there," Liivamagi said. "Business operators are particularly glad that those who come here are not just older tourists who come back here out of nostalgia, but also representatives of the younger generation have found the way to Tallinn." 

She described Estonia's proximity and accessibility, as expressed in the additional trains operating between Estonia and Russia during the holidays, as well as Russian-language service, as important for said target group. 

Also spokespeople for Tallink said the company saw a remarkable increase in both Russian and Finnish tourist numbers during the holidays. 

"What we can see from hotels is that during the past holiday period from December 30 to January 7, approximately 30% more customers of Russian and Finnish citizenship alike stayed at Tallink's hotels compared with the same period last year,"  Tallink's chief of communication Katri Link said.