Santa Village Locals Demand Controls Amid Tourism Boom
Shamim Chowdhury is a Newsweek reporter based in London, U.K. Her focus is on major international breaking news stories, in particular, conflicts, refugees and natural disasters. She has reported on the Syrian war from the frontline, the Ukraine war, the Rohingya refugee crisis and more. She joined Newsweek in 2024. She has an undergraduate degree from Queen Mary, University of London and a masters degree from Birkbeck, University of London. You can get in touch with Shamim by emailings.chowdhury@newsweek,com. She is fluent in English, Sylheti and Bengali and conversational in Urdu and Hindi.
Shamim Chowdhury
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Read originalA record number of tourists have flocked to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, amid growing concerns about the affect of over-tourism.
The winter-themed park, located on the edge of the Arctic Circle and famous for its claim as the 'official hometown of Santa Claus,' attracts more than 600,000 visitors annually, with the number of tourists swelling even further during Christmas.
Visitors now exceed the town's population by more than 10 times during the holiday season, creating housing challenges and placing pressure on infrastructure.
Many apartments in the city center, once meant for residential use, are now being rented out to tourists during peak seasons.
What Impact is Over-Tourism Having in Finnish Lapland?
Antti Pakkanen, a local photographer, is a critic of the rapid tourism growth. "Tourism has grown so rapidly, it's no longer in control," he said.
According to tourism authorities, Rovaniemi saw a 30 percent increase in visitors in 2023, reaching a record 1.2 million overnight stays.
As Rovaniemi's international appeal continues to grow, the town has added 13 new flight routes to its airport, connecting it to cities such as Geneva, Berlin, and Bordeaux.
Hotels, including the town's Original Sokos Hotel, are struggling to keep up with demand.
Critics say that over-tourism has also driven up rental prices and displaced long-term residents.
Are Residents of Rovaniemi Being Pushed Out?
Some locals are calling on authorities to better enforce Finnish laws that prohibit the use of residential buildings for commercial accommodation.
Mayor Ulla-Kirsikka Vainio acknowledged the pressures of tourism, but said that many residents are benefiting financially from short-term rentals. "Some people make good money on short-term rentals," she said, indicating that the issue involves balancing economic gain with community concerns.
Despite growing tensions, Rovaniemi's reputation as a top holiday destination is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
For tourists such as Joy from Bangkok, the opportunity to experience Christmas magic and view the Northern Lights makes Rovaniemi the ideal destination. "It's Christmastime, and we would love to see the Northern Lights," she said. "Rovaniemi seems to be a good place."
Are Other Popular European Holiday Destinations Facing the Same Challenges?
Rovaniemi's situation mirrors similar challenges seen across Europe in cities such as Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Florence, where rising visitor numbers have overwhelmed infrastructure and led to increasing costs for residents.
As the town grapples with the challenges posed by mass tourism, finding a sustainable balance between economic growth and quality of life for residents will be essential for Rovaniemi's future.
This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press
About the writer
Shamim Chowdhury is a Newsweek reporter based in London, U.K. Her focus is on major international breaking news stories, in particular, conflicts, refugees and natural disasters. She has reported on the Syrian war from the frontline, the Ukraine war, the Rohingya refugee crisis and more. She joined Newsweek in 2024. She has an undergraduate degree from Queen Mary, University of London and a masters degree from Birkbeck, University of London. You can get in touch with Shamim by emailings.chowdhury@newsweek,com. She is fluent in English, Sylheti and Bengali and conversational in Urdu and Hindi.
Shamim ChowdhuryShamim Chowdhury is a Newsweek reporter based in London, U.K. Her focus is on major international breaking news stories, in particular, conflicts, refugees and natural disasters. She has reported on the Syrian war from the frontline, the Ukraine war, the Rohingya refugee crisis and more. She joined Newsweek in 2024. She has an undergraduate degree from Queen Mary, University of London and a masters degree from Birkbeck, University of London. You can get in touch with Shamim by emailings.chowdhury@newsweek,com. She is fluent in English, Sylheti and Bengali and conversational in Urdu and Hindi.
Shamim Chowdhury is a Newsweek reporter based in London, U.K. Her focus is on major international breaking news stories, in ...Read more
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