Hiiumaa operators report strong summer despite lower visitor statistics

Tourism businesses on Hiiumaa say the island had more visitors this summer than last year, despite official figures showing a 10% drop in overnight stays. ERR reported that operators cited favourable weather and more foreign visitors among the reasons for their optimism.

Domestic tourists made up an estimated 70% to 80% of visitors, said Kristel Peikel, head of the Hiiumaa tourism cluster. She said the number of foreign visitors had increased, including travellers from Switzerland, France, Germany and the United Kingdom, as well as Finland and Latvia.

Statistics Estonia reported that overnight stays on the island fell by 10% this summer, with stays by Estonian residents down 8% and those by foreign visitors down 18%. The agency’s figures cover accommodation providers with at least five beds and exclude private individuals offering short-term rentals.

Peikel said many of Hiiumaa’s holiday homes have only four or five beds and are therefore not included in the reporting. Maria Remmelkoor, who runs nine accommodation properties, said only one qualifies for the official statistics. At the newly opened Partsi mill, which offers accommodation for four people, there were only a few unoccupied days at the start of the season.

Remmelkoor described the summer as very good, with new and returning guests, including visitors who stayed longer. She said more people could visit if a third ferry served the route. Several sailings were cancelled this year, and some visitors turned back after seeing long queues for the ferry.

Peikel said last summer had been difficult for tourism businesses because of cold, rainy weather. Hiiumaa tourism is also affected in years when Estonia’s Song Festival takes place, as many domestic visitors travel to the island only after the festival in Tallinn ends.

A sports hall that opened a few years ago and the Viscosa cultural factory have helped boost tourism in recent years. Peikel also hopes a recently opened luxury retreat will attract visitors beyond those able to afford packages costing thousands of euros.