Caravan Fair in Lahti attracted nearly 14,000 visitors in September, with new survey results highlighting the event’s contribution to tourism, accommodation and local businesses in the Finnish city. The findings show that the four-day event draws visitors from across Finland, encourages longer stays and generates spending for businesses throughout the Lahti region.
The surveys, conducted during and after the fair, examined where visitors came from, why they travelled to Lahti, how long they stayed and how exhibitors used local services. A total of 598 responses were collected through interviews at the event and an online questionnaire distributed through social media and by email to ticket buyers.
According to the visitor survey, three-quarters of respondents came from outside the Päijät-Häme region, where Lahti is located. Nearly 80 per cent said the Caravan Fair was the main reason for their visit to the city. More than 30 per cent reported staying in Lahti for at least two days because of the event.
The results underline the fair’s role in attracting visitors who might not otherwise have travelled to Lahti during the same period. Longer stays also create opportunities for local accommodation providers, restaurants, retailers and other service businesses to benefit from increased demand.
The economic impact extends beyond the visitors attending the exhibition. A separate survey of exhibitors found that 81 per cent of respondents used local services during the fair. Among those who spent money on local services, more than 90 per cent used accommodation and restaurant services, while nearly 70 per cent used retail services. Exhibitors typically stayed in the region for five to seven days, extending the event’s economic reach beyond its official four-day programme.
Lahti’s appeal as a venue for the caravan and motorhome industry was also reflected in the survey ratings. Visitors gave the city’s suitability as a location for the Caravan Fair an average score of 4.16 out of five. Exhibitors rated the performance of both the City of Lahti and Lahti Sports and Fair Centre, the venue operator, at 4.44 out of five.
The findings suggest that the Caravan Fair has established a strong position in Lahti’s events calendar, bringing together enthusiasts, industry professionals and businesses while attracting visitors from outside the region. The combination of visitor spending, exhibitor stays and positive venue assessments demonstrates the event’s importance not only to the caravan industry but also to the wider local economy.
