December 13th 2024.
As the year comes to an end, the charming city of Rovaniemi gears up to welcome a flurry of tourists from all over the world. Nestled in the snowy landscapes of Lapland, Finland, this city at the edge of the Arctic Circle has become synonymous with the magic of Christmas. It's no wonder that it's known as the official home of Santa Claus, with visitors flocking to meet the jolly man himself. The Santa Claus Village, a winter wonderland amusement park, offers a variety of activities for tourists to indulge in, from reindeer sleigh rides to husky sledging through the forest.
Rovaniemi has quickly become a must-visit destination for many, especially during the festive season, with over 600,000 visitors pouring in each year. In fact, just last year, the city saw a whopping 1.2 million overnight visitors, a staggering 30% increase from the previous year. With a population of only 65,000, Rovaniemi has experienced a surge in tourism, prompting the launch of 13 new flight routes connecting it to major cities like Geneva, Berlin, and Bordeaux.
Undoubtedly, one of the most popular spots in the city is the Santa Claus Village. However, not everyone is in favor of the tourism boom. Reports suggest that some locals are expressing concerns about the impact it's having on their city. Critics argue that many apartment buildings in Rovaniemi's city center are being used for short-term rentals during peak season, making them unavailable for residential use. This trend has led to a rise in prices and a decrease in long-term residents, as the city center becomes a transient space for tourists.
The rise of "coolcations" is another factor contributing to Rovaniemi's popularity. With record-breaking heatwaves hitting southern Europe last summer, many travelers opted for cooler climes instead. This has led to a significant increase in tourist numbers in countries in Northern Europe, including Finland. However, this trend also raises concerns about how smaller cities like Rovaniemi will cope with the influx of visitors.
According to some locals, the growth of short-term rentals has disrupted the balance of the city, and they are calling for authorities to enforce regulations. Finnish law prohibits professional accommodation services in buildings designated for residential use, and campaigners are urging for this law to be upheld. It's a sentiment that echoes the growing concern over overtourism in other popular European cities like Barcelona, Florence, and Amsterdam.
This winter, Rovaniemi has faced unusual weather conditions, with warmer temperatures and less snow than usual. Typically, by late November, the city is covered in a pristine white blanket of snow, but this year, temperatures have hovered around 2°C. Other areas in Lapland have also been affected by unseasonably warm weather and heavy rainfall. This has caused some disruptions, with holiday firm TUI having to cancel trips to Kuusamo due to lack of snow and persistent rain.
The backlash against overtourism in Rovaniemi is not unique. It's a growing concern across Europe, with residents in cities like Madrid and Barcelona protesting against overcrowding and the impact of short-term holiday rentals. In fact, thousands of people took to the streets of Madrid in October, demanding lower house prices and calling for tourists to go home. Similarly, in Barcelona, residents armed with water pistols protested against the overwhelming number of visitors in the summer, and 22,000 people marched in November to demand lower house prices.
Even popular holiday destinations like the Canary Islands have been vocal about the negative effects of overtourism. It's a growing issue that cannot be ignored. Despite its challenges, Rovaniemi continues to welcome around 60,000 tourists every year, offering a unique and magical experience for those seeking the spirit of Christmas. Do you have a story to share? We would love to hear from you. Get in touch by emailing us at [email address].
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