Sanoma’s survey: Almost one in four Finns are planning on travelling abroad in 2022

December 20, 2021

People are still cautious and have mixed feelings about travelling. On the other hand, there is wanderlust and great enthusiasm in the air.

The survey conducted by Sanoma investigated the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on the free time and consumption habits of Finns.

Consumers still have mixed feelings about travelling. Some are worried or fearful and still take a cautious stance, particularly towards travelling abroad. On the other hand, wanderlust and daydreams about travelling are beginning to take over the minds of consumers.

Consumers estimated that over the next six months they will be spending more money particularly on restaurants and cafés as well as on domestic and international travel.

One fifth of respondents had already travelled or are planning to travel abroad by the end of this year. Almost one quarter believe they will be travelling abroad in 2022. 

“The COVID-19 epidemic has introduced new demands for the marketing communications of travel organisers. In addition to offers, customers would like to receive communications about practical arrangements, such as the COVID passport, and more detailed information about the health safety of the trip,” explains Tiina Kosonen, insight strategist.

29%
have saved money during the pandemic.

33%
of respondents are planning on using their savings to travel abroad.

30%
of respondents say they have travelled more domestically than before.

“The domestic tourism boom does not show signs of stopping and will continue to bear fruit in the upcoming years. Most people who travelled more domestically during the COVID-19 epidemic are planning on continuing to travel more around Finland in the future,” Kosonen says.

Consumers view travelling within Finland as safer, less expensive and easier than travelling abroad. The beauty of the Finnish nature, a desire to support Finnish entrepreneurs in the tourism sector and the sustainability of domestic travel were also common reasons given in the survey.


The target demographic of the survey was Finns between the ages of 16 and 74. The overall number of respondents was n=846. The information was collected from Sanoma’s Suomitutka panel in September 2021.

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