Dezeen Wire: Finland is attracting tourists at an unprecedented rate, boosted by Helsinki's current status as the World Design Capital, in sharp contrast to the unexpected drop in visitor numbers London has experienced during its Olympic summer.
Overnight stays in Helsinki in the period from January to May grew by 3.5%, while the city of Lahti saw a huge 32.8% increase. Tourist numbers were also up in Espoo (22.3%) and Vantaa (4.5%). Significant growth in overnight stays last year means the cumulative growth is strong, according to World Design Capital coordinators.
Tourists are coming to Helsinki to visit World Design Capital exhibitions and sites such as the Kamppi Chapel of Silence and The Pavilion, designed by Aalto University Wood Studio students.
In the British capital however, tourists appear to have vanished from London's shops, theatres, hotels, trains and buses, despite expectations of a huge influx of visitors during the London 2012 Olympics.
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