However, the total is still 6% below November 2019 levels before the pandemic.
“The first half of the year was tough, but the second half has shown improvement. I believe December’s results will surpass November,” said Killu Maidla, CEO of the Hotels and Restaurants Association.
Despite this progress, recovery has been uneven. Domestic tourism has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with 12,000 more local tourists in November 2024 than in 2019, but foreign tourist numbers remain 27,000 lower.
Estonia’s hospitality sector faces tough competition. Latvia attracts more visitors with cheaper accommodations and better flight options.
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb add to the challenge. “Airbnb stays have bounced back faster than hotel stays,” noted Maidla, adding that the government needs to regulate private rentals better to ensure fair taxation.