of the European Union, however, has increased most because of the much easier border crossing and an interest in the new member states. Weekend travellers arrive mostly from Finland but also from Sweden, Russia and Latvia. Visitors arriving by sea usually limit their visit to Tallinn and the areas nearby. People who have come for a longer period travel around the country, visiting the islands, south-east Estonia, nature parks and reserves, enjoying the untouched nature or staying in Estonian sanatoriums and recreation establishments. Hotels and sanatoriums in the so-called resort areas (Pärnu, Haapsalu, the isles, Otepää) are usually packed with foreign visitors. In the 1990s the majority of Estonian sewing and textile enterprises worked for foreign companies, providing cheap labour for those through subcontracting. Experience and skills gradually accumulated and today the situation has radically changed. In some instances
beaches, the lake Kaali with its mystical meteorite flight and a number of offshore islands. The islanders have their own customs, national costumes and speak their own local dialects. Thousands of birds visit Straitland areas during their spring and autumn migrations. Sights and Tourism Pärnu is the summer capital of Estonia. In summer, the population of forty-four thousand grows tenfold. Its beach, seaside parks, squirrels hopping in the trees, sanatoriums and rest homes, curative sea-mud and holidaymakers are its characteristic features. Pärnu as a summer resort dates back to the 19th century. The first bathing institution started operations in Pärnu in 1838. Pärnu also offers great year-round opportunities for organizing meetings and conferences in addition to relaxation and treatments for restoring one's health. Tori is known for the Estonian Tori Horse, bred at a local stud farm founded in 1856. Tori Hell is
About 3.4 million tourists visit Estonia every year, the majority of them come Finland and stay for a short period. Tourists who come for a couple of days also go to the theatre and other places outside Tallinn. The number of tourists from Sweden and Germany is constantly growing. The number of tourists from more distant countries of the European Union, however, has increased most because of the much easier border crossing and an interest in the new member states. Hotels and sanatoriums in the so-called resort areas are usually packed with foreign visitors. Direct proceeds form tourism go to tourist agencies and hotels, numerous travel agencies and catering enterprises. As a sizeable part of tourists visit Estonia primarily for shopping purposes, they provide significant income to the shops as well. There is no doubt that this is one of the fastest-developed areas in Estonia during the last decade
The area features large bogs, extensive forests, coastal plains and a number of offshore islands Saaremaa and Hiiumaa being the largest. The coastal towns, Pärnu and Haapsalu, are Estonia's main seaside resorts. West Estonia includes the counties of Pärnumaa, Läänemaa, Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. Pärnumaa means sun, sea and holidays. It is rich in sandy beaches, forests, bogs and merches. Pärnu is the summer capital of Estonia. Its beach, seaside parks, sanatoriums and rest homes are its characteristic features. The western part of Estonia is flat and low with meadows, forests and swamps. It is the gateway to the Islands (Läänemaa). Haapsalu is a small quiet town on the sea, famous for its curative sea mud. Saaremaa is the largest island of Estonia. And is characterized by flat juniper fields, rare plants, windmills, thatches roofs, stone fences and the hospitality of the local people. The county has over 500 small islets.
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