In 2020, the corresponding figures were only EUR 66 million and 900 person-years.
The direct impact on income and employment in the surrounding economy was reduced by as much as 80 percent as the pandemic paralyzed the organization of trade fairs and congresses based on face-to-face events. Calculated in euros, the loss of income stream is EUR 291 million.
The figures are based on Taloustutkimus Oy’s income statement. The market research company Taloustutkimus investigated the funds used and the overall impact of companies and visitors at trade fairs, congresses and other events.
Under normal circumstances, the Exhibition Center employs and generates significant income for the entire Helsinki metropolitan area. Major trade fairs and international congresses fill hotels and restaurants and are a major impetus for other services in the metropolitan area.
-Our main concern at the moment is the completely inadequate support of society for companies that are large and large employers in the travel and event industry, such as the Exhibition Center. This weakens Finland’s position as an investment destination and has a negative impact on the competitiveness of companies operating in Finland, as international business and private tourism gains momentum again after the Covid-19 pandemic, says Anni Vepsรคlรคinen, CEO of the Exhibition Center.
The doors of the exhibition center were closed more than a year ago, and since then it has only been possible to continue operations on a small scale. Turnover decreased by two-thirds in 2020, and the total number of visitors was one-third of the number in previous years. As a result of the pandemic, the Exhibition Center has adapted its operations in many ways, sought alternative uses for its facilities and built a bridge over the crisis by strengthening its virtual and hybrid business.
The results of the exhibition center are part of a wider study conducted by Taloustutkimus Oy.
Source: Exhibition Center
Source: The Nordic Page