Finland’s Santa Claus Village: Locals critic mass tourism

Rovaniemi, Finland – Located on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is a popular winter-themed amusement park that attracts over 600,000 visitors annually. Tourists from all over the world flock to this magical destination to experience the joy of the holiday season and meet Santa Claus himself. The village offers a range of activities, from reindeer sleigh rides to sipping cocktails in ice bars, making it a dream come true for many visitors.

However, the rapid growth of tourism in Rovaniemi has sparked concerns among locals. The town, with a population ten times smaller than the number of visitors it receives each year, is struggling to cope with the influx of tourists. Some residents worry about the negative impacts of over-tourism, such as the degradation of historic sites, strain on infrastructure, and rising housing prices driven by short-term rentals.

Despite these challenges, Rovaniemi continues to attract tourists with its unique appeal. The town saw a record 1.2 million overnight visitors in 2023, a 30% increase from the previous year. The CEO of Visit Rovaniemi, Sanna Karkkainen, attributes this growth to the rising trend of Nordic travel, with visitors seeking out snow, the Northern Lights, and the enchanting atmosphere of Santa Claus Village.

As the demand for travel to Rovaniemi grows, the town has seen an increase in flight routes and hotel occupancy. However, this surge in tourism has also raised concerns about the impact on the local community. Campaigners are calling for stricter enforcement of regulations to protect residential housing from being converted into short-term rentals.

Despite these challenges, the allure of Rovaniemi as a winter wonderland is undeniable. Visitors continue to flock to the town in search of a magical holiday experience, making it likely that mass tourism to Rovaniemi will only continue to grow in the coming years. As one visitor from Bangkok expressed, “It’s Christmas time and we would love to see the Northern Lights. Rovaniemi seems to be a good place.”