Rovaniemi, Finland, has become a popular destination for tourists, especially during the holiday season. Located near the Arctic Circle, Santa Claus Village draws in over 600,000 visitors each year. Many come to enjoy activities like reindeer sleigh rides, snow play, and even meeting Santa himself in what is proudly advertised as his official hometown.
The city is seeing a surge in tourism, leading to excitement among local hotel and restaurant owners, as well as city officials. This growth is significant, with a reported 1.2 million overnight visitors in 2023, marking a nearly 30% increase from the previous year. The unique allure of the region—especially the chance to witness the Northern Lights—has attracted tourists from across Europe and beyond.
However, not everyone in Rovaniemi is pleased with this influx. Some residents are voicing concerns about “over-tourism.” Antti Pakkanen, a local photographer, expressed worries about the rapid growth of visitors overwhelming the town’s resources. Many residents fear that the charm of their city is at risk as it becomes increasingly dominated by short-term rentals catering to tourists, leaving long-time locals feeling displaced.
While some residents benefit financially from renting out their properties, critics argue that the local housing market is suffering. They emphasize that Finnish law prohibits using residential buildings for commercial accommodation, urging local authorities to take action.
Despite local concerns, the mayor indicates that many property owners earn a good income from short-term rentals. As the holiday season approaches, Rovaniemi’s popularity is expected to continue on its upward trajectory. Visitors like Joy from Bangkok are drawn by the chance to experience Christmas in such a magical place.
The situation in Rovaniemi underscores a larger trend observed in many European cities where the balance between tourism and local well-being is increasingly challenging to maintain.
