Estonian Travel Decline Reflects Global Trends in Tourism Spending, Get the Details Here

Published on December 19, 2025

According to Statistics Estonia, there has been a significant drop in the number of trips made by Estonians abroad in the year 2025. As of the first three months of this year, there were approximately 1.13 million overnight trips made abroad, which is a decline of 10% compared to the first three months of the previous year, 2024, and also there has been a decline in domestic overnight trips.

Domestic and International Travel: A Decline in Both Sectors

Piret Pukk, lead analyst at Statistics Estonia, noted that both international and domestic overnight travel experienced a decline across all three quarters of 2025. International travel saw a notable drop of 10% from last year, while domestic travel saw a similar decrease of 11%. This data highlights that while Estonians continue to travel, they are doing so less frequently and are being more cautious with their spending.

This trend is especially significant given the large role that both domestic and international tourism play in Estonia’s economy. The decrease in outbound tourism could have consequences for the global tourism market, as fewer Estonians travel abroad, which may also affect industries such as transportation, hospitality, and retail.

The Changing Nature of Travel: More Vacation, Less Business

Despite the overall decline in travel, leisure travel still accounts for the majority of Estonian trips abroad. In the first three quarters of 2025, Estonians took nearly 722,700 leisure trips abroad, making it the most popular reason for travel, followed by 214,200 work-related trips and 153,900 trips to visit friends or relatives.

The majority of international trips were relatively short, with the most common durations being between four and seven nights (40%) or one to three nights (37%). Despite a rise in costs, travelers are still opting for shorter vacations, possibly in an effort to manage their expenses more effectively. These figures suggest that while Estonians are still traveling, they are doing so with more discretion, prioritizing vacations and personal visits over longer, more expensive business trips.

The Economic Impact of Rising Travel Costs

A major contributing factor to the decline in travel is the increase in travel-related expenses. While the number of trips has decreased, the average spending on international travel has increased by 2%, largely due to higher transportation and accommodation costs. In the first three quarters of 2025, the average cost of an international overnight trip for Estonians was €1,112. A large portion of this cost, 31%, was attributed to accommodation, while 34% went towards transportation.

This increase in travel expenses is contributing to the shift in behavior. Estonians are still traveling but are doing so more cautiously, with an increased focus on managing the cost of their trips. This trend highlights the growing importance of affordable travel options and suggests that travelers are prioritizing value for money when making decisions about their destinations.

Domestic Travel: More Trips, But at a Lower Cost

While international travel has seen a decline, domestic travel in Estonia is still significant. In the first three quarters of 2025, Estonians took over 1.3 million domestic leisure trips, along with 702,300 trips to visit friends or relatives. Work-related travel within Estonia also saw a 10% increase, highlighting that business travel remains an essential part of domestic tourism.

However, spending on domestic travel decreased. The average cost of a domestic overnight trip was €161.50, 13% less than the same period in 2024. This drop in spending reflects the more budget-conscious approach to travel within the country, as individuals seek to keep costs down without sacrificing the opportunity to explore and enjoy local destinations. The reduction in domestic travel spending could indicate a shift towards more cost-effective, shorter trips, where travelers may prefer to visit nearby destinations or enjoy local attractions.

Regional Travel Patterns: Europe Dominates the International Market

When looking at international travel specifically, the majority of Estonian trips were to European Union countries, which accounted for 78% of all international travel. This is in line with global trends where Europe remains a dominant source and destination for international travelers. The ease of travel within the EU, along with more affordable options, makes it an attractive choice for Estonian tourists.

The average cost for an international trip in the third quarter of 2025 was €1,113, which is a slight increase from previous years. Domestic trips, by contrast, averaged €181, illustrating the affordability gap between international and local travel for Estonians. This pricing structure also suggests that while local travel remains accessible, the costs of international trips are becoming more burdensome for travelers.

The Future of Travel: Economic Uncertainty and Changing Preferences

Estonia’s travel trends reflect broader global patterns, where economic pressures, including rising living costs and travel expenses, are reshaping travel habits. For Estonians, these factors have led to fewer trips abroad and a more budget-conscious approach to both domestic and international tourism. The tourism sector in Estonia will need to adapt to these changes by focusing on providing value-driven experiences, offering more affordable travel options, and enhancing the local tourism infrastructure.

As the global economy continues to fluctuate, the travel behavior of Estonians will likely remain cautious, with a greater emphasis on local tourism and shorter, more cost-effective international trips. This shift also presents an opportunity for Estonia’s tourism industry to focus on providing high-quality, affordable travel experiences that cater to evolving consumer needs.

Adapting to New Travel Realities

According to information gathered by Statistics Estonia, Estonians are still traveling abroad, but this is occurring in lower numbers and with more careful consideration. The increase in travel expenditure and a lack of clarity on the economic situation globally have caused people to think again before taking forward their current travel plans. For the tourism sector, this means that value for money is essential. Those who travel as well as those who remain at home expect value for money.