(GOOD NEWS FROM FINLAND) Tourists have been flocking to Helsinki to catch events associated with the World Design Capital Year. Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Lahti have seen a significant rise in the number of visitors and expect to meet their tourism growth target of five per cent for 2012.
Meanwhile, Helsinki international airport has seen growth of almost 30 per cent compared to last year. “Customers wish to know about the main World Design Capital Helsinki 2012 attractions and exhibitions, and it’s important for them not to miss out on the design year”, Sanna Salonen of the tourist information desk at Helsinki international airport told the City of Helsinki’s official website.
The Helsinki Helper tourist guides, who assist visitors in the centre of the city, say tourists are especially interested in specialty shops, architecture and art.
Business travel is growing with thousands of professionals attending conventions, conferences and seminars while an estimated 400,000 cruise passengers, an all-time record, are also expected to dock this year. Finland is also proving a magnet for journalists, particularly from lifestyle and fashion magazines.
Besides traditional sights and attractions, tourists have visited World Design Capital Helsinki 2012 exhibitions and sites. Of particular interest are The Kamppi Chapel, The Pavilion and the HI Design 2012 exhibition at The Cable Factory.
- Kuva:Helsingin kaupunki/Kaisa Luukannel
