The United States is one of the main long-haul destinations for Finns.  In 2006, over 95,000 Finns traveled to the United States.  However, the number is expected to increase in the near future. Florida, California, and New York continue to be the best prospects for the U.S. travel industry.  First time travelers, families with children and senior citizens favor Florida, whereas younger people and experienced travelers favor the West Coast.

A growing interest in travel has increased the number of Finns traveling abroad.  Finns favor long-haul travel and Mediterranean destinations.  Majority of Finns traveling abroad, favor sun and sand followed by city destinations. T he most active travelers are from the capital area, well educated, and belong to the upper middle class.

Although Finns generally favor sun and sand and city destinations, a growing number of travelers are looking for activity holidays.  Local culture, golf, fishing, diving, sailing, skiing and many other activities have become important for Finns when traveling abroad.  Therefore, Finns have shown interest in other destinations such as Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, and New Mexico.

In 2006, Finns made 43,000 business trips to the United States.  This number is expected to increase in the future.  New York, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, and Atlanta are the most important destinations for Finnish business people.

Finnair, the national air carrier is the only airline based in and operating flights from Finland to the United States.  During the high season, Finnair has daily non-stop flight service to New York.  Out of U.S. air carriers, Delta Air Lines is represented by Yellow Sky Oy in Finland, Continental Airlines has a representative (Matkantekijat Oy), Northwest Airlines is represented by KLM, and American Airlines is represented through a sales office in Sweden.

There are no restrictions on the Finnish foreign travel. From October 1, 1991, Finland has been included in the visa waiver program for visits up to 90 days in length.

The Discover America Committee Finland is a marketing collective consisting of airlines, car rental companies, cruise lines, hotels, tour operators, visitors & convention bureaus, and other organizations, promoting travel and tourism to the United States.  For more information on the Committee, please visit www.discoveramerica.fi.