Copenhagen has reached a historic milestone in 2024 by setting a new tourism record. The Danish capital generated over 57 billion DKK (€ 7.6 billion) in revenue—with 31 billion DKK (€ 4.1 billion) coming in foreign currency from international guests—and recorded more than 15 million overnight stays for the first time ever. These impressive figures not only highlight Copenhagen’s growing appeal but also underscore its importance as a major contributor to Denmark’s economy.
Record-breaking revenue and economic impact
The outstanding performance of Copenhagen’s tourism sector was confirmed by data from Danmarks Statistik. In 2024, the city achieved a 5% growth in revenue compared to the previous year. This boost was largely driven by international visitors who contributed significantly to the overall income.
In addition to the tourism revenue, the sector is estimated to have generated approximately 18.5 billion DKK (€ 2.5 billion) in tax revenue for the state, further emphasizing its vital role in the Danish economy.
A notable aspect of the growth is the contribution to Danish exports. International tourism in Copenhagen helped create over 31 billion DKK (€ 4.1 billion) in export value during 2024, reinforcing the city’s position as a key economic hub in Scandinavia.
15 million overnight stays
For the first time in history, the Copenhagen region recorded 15 million tourist overnight stays. This achievement marks a significant step forward, reflecting not only increased visitor numbers but also a broader seasonal distribution of tourism.
In the capital city, 77% of overnight stays occur outside the high season of July and August, while the overall region sees 75% of its overnight stays during the off-peak period. This trend indicates that Copenhagen’s appeal extends throughout the year, making it a resilient and attractive destination for visitors regardless of the season.
The record is not limited to the city center alone. Helsingør in the northern part of the region also experienced an unprecedented number of overnight stays, setting its own record. While some speculate that the international success of the TV series Sommerdahl may have contributed, no official confirmation has been provided.
Insights from Wonderful Copenhagen
Søren Tegen Pedersen, the Chief Executive Officer of Wonderful Copenhagen, expressed his enthusiasm about the continued growth in international tourism. He stated:
“Besides the significant socio-economic contribution, tourists come to experience our capital, and they generate substantial revenue, which is crucial for our restaurants, cultural institutions, and shops. In this way, they are essential to keeping the city vibrant and attractive for all of us.
This candid remark reinforces the critical role tourism plays in maintaining the vibrancy and attractiveness of Copenhagen, benefiting local businesses, cultural institutions, and the overall quality of urban life.
“So it is truly gratifying that we are maintaining growth in our international markets, despite an uncertain world and fierce competition with other European capitals.”
The role of international visitors
International guests continue to drive the momentum behind Copenhagen’s tourism boom. The city’s most significant markets include Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Norway, with Southern Europe also playing a key role.
Notably, about 86% of all intercontinental overnight stays in Denmark occur in Copenhagen, with American tourists forming a substantial part of this segment. For other major European markets such as Italy, Spain, France, and England, over 78% of the overnight stays in Denmark are concentrated in the capital.
In 2024, 61% of the growth in international tourists across Denmark was registered in Copenhagen alone, meaning that the city is responsible for more than 40% of the country’s international tourism revenue. This concentration highlights the city’s unmatched ability to attract visitors from around the globe, setting it apart from other regions in Denmark.
