Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights David Nikel is a travel writer covering cruising and Scandinavia.Follow AuthorNov 10 09:57am ESTShareSaveComment@font-face{font-family: "Schnyder"; src: url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/schnyders/schnyders-bold-webfont.woff2") format("woff2") url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/schnyders/schnyders/schnyders-bold-webfont.woff") format("woff"); font-weight: 700; font-style: normal;} @font-face{font-family: "Merriweather"; src: url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/merriweather/merriweather-bold-webfont.woff2") format("woff2") url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/merriweather/merriweather-bold-webfont.woff") format("woff"); font-weight: 700; font-style: normal;} @font-face{font-family: "Euclid"; src: url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/euclidcircularb/euclidcircularb-bold-webfont.woff2") format("woff2") url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/euclidcircularb/euclidcircularb-bold-webfont.woff") format("woff"); font-weight: 700; font-style: normal;} @font-face{font-family: "Schnyder"; src: url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/schnyders/schnyders-light-webfont.woff2") format("woff2") url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/schnyders/schnyders-light-webfont.woff") format("woff"); font-weight: 400; font-style: normal;} @font-face{font-family: "Merriweather"; src: url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/merriweather/merriweather-regular-webfont.woff2") format("woff2") url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/merriweather/merriweather-regular-webfont.woff") format("woff"); font-weight: 400; font-style: normal;} @font-face{font-family: "Euclid"; src: url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/euclidcircularb/euclidcircularb-regular-webfont.woff2") format("woff2") #article-stream-0 .headline-embed .color-accent{color: #000000;} #article-stream-0 .headline-embed.bg-accent #article-stream-0 .headline-embed .bg-accent{background-color: #000000;} #article-stream-0 .headline-embed.color-base #article-stream-0 .headline-embed .color-base{color: #FFFFFF;} #article-stream-0 .headline-embed.bg-base #article-stream-0 .headline-embed .bg-base{background-color: #FFFFFF;} #article-stream-0 .headline-embed.font-base #article-stream-0 .headline-embed .font-base{} #article-stream-0 .headline-embed.font-size #article-stream-0 .headline-embed .font-size{font-size: 54px;} #article-stream-0 .subhead-embed.color-accent #article-stream-0 .subhead-embed .color-accent{color: #333333;} #article-stream-0 .subhead-embed.bg-accent #article-stream-0 .subhead-embed .bg-accent{background-color: #333333;} #article-stream-0 .subhead-embed.font-accent #article-stream-0 .subhead-embed .font-accent{font-family: Euclid,"Noto Sans","Droid Sans","Helvetica Neue",Corbel,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;} #article-stream-0 .subhead-embed.font-size #article-stream-0 .subhead-embed .font-size{font-size: 26px;} #article-stream-0 .subhead3-embed.color-body #article-stream-0 .subhead3-embed .color-body{color: #333333;} #article-stream-0 .subhead3-embed.color-body-border{border-top-color: rgba(51,51,51 #article-stream-0 .subhead3-embed .color-body-border{border-top-color: rgba(51,51,51 0.8);} .bg-body{background-color: #333333;} #article-stream-0 .subhead3-embed.font-accent #article-stream-0 .subhead3-embed .font-accent{font-family: Euclid,"Noto Sans","Droid Sans","Helvetica Neue",Corbel,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;} #article-stream-0 .quote-embed.color-accent #article-stream-0 .quote-embed .color-accent{color: #FFFFFF;} #article-stream-0 .quote-embed.bg-accent #article-stream-0 .quote-embed .bg-accent{background-color: #FFFFFF;} #article-stream-0 .quote-embed.color-base #article-stream-0 .quote-embed .color-base{color: #000000;} #article-stream-0 .quote-embed.bg-base #article-stream-0 .quote-embed .bg-base{background-color: #000000;} #article-stream-0 .quote-embed.font-accent #article-stream-0 .quote-embed .font-accent{font-family: Schnyder,"Noto Sans","Droid Sans","Helvetica Neue",Corbel,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;} #article-stream-0 .quote-embed.font-size p #article-stream-0 .quote-embed .font-size p{font-size: 36px;}The northen lights often dance above the village of Santa Claus in Rovaniemi Why settle for a brief encounter with Santa Claus in a crowded mall when you could visit him in his Arctic homeland and maybe even glimpse the magic of the northern lights overhead there’s one place that captures the essence of a holiday wonderland—Rovaniemi this small town is known as the ‘hometown of Santa Claus’ thanks to its Santa Claus Village which has drawn travelers from all over the world since its opening in the 1980s here’s how to make the most of your visit to Santa’s homeland Visitors to Rovaniemi step into a world where holiday magic is woven into everyday life. Santa Claus Village Reindeer are on hand to transport visitors at the Santa Claus village in Rovaniemi there’s an opportunity to buy souvenirs and even to mail postcards and letters from Santa’s Post Office complete with a genuine Arctic Circle postmark Unusually for an attraction in Northern Europe Santa Claus Village is open every day of the year it usually arrives from as early as late October to as late as early December There’s no need to worry about a language barrier—Finns speak excellent English and Rovaniemi’s attractions are well-prepared to welcome an international audience The village also straddles the latitude line of the Arctic Circle allowing visitors to cross this bucket-list geographical landmark with a single step Before the attraction existed, Roosevelt Cottage was built in 1950 to honor the visit of Eleanor Roosevelt to Rovaniemi Her visit—and her wish to step across the Arctic Circle during her stay—helped spark global interest in Rovaniemi eventually leading to its development as the “hometown” of Santa Claus She decided to visit Rovaniemi in the summer of 1950 so she could see the progress of post-war reconstruction firsthand During the latter years of the Second World War more than 90% of the town’s buildings were burned by the retreating German army a pattern that was repeated in many Arctic locations The Roosevelt Cabin commemorates Eleanor Roosevelt's surprise visit to Rovaniemi during the summer of 1950 learn about its unique place in local history and experience the magic that drew Roosevelt to this winter wonderland Meeting Santa and sending a letter from his iconic post office are festive highlights but there’s much more to discover in the heart of Finnish Lapland the Arctic landscape often reveals its most breathtaking secret: the northern lights you don't need to pay anything to appreciate an aurora display Arktikum is a science center and museum that covers the nature and history of Finnish Lapland and its people In December 2024, a renewed permanent exhibition Arctic Opposites will offer a more immersive Arctic experience than ever before The northern lights is a big attraction in Northern Finland Pilke is dedicated to the forests of Arctic Finland selling only items that are connected to the forest is a great place for finding a unique souvenir Rovaniemi is surprisingly accessible from across Northern Europe More than half a million people use Rovaniemi Airport every year making it Finland’s second-busiest airport There are multiple daily flights from Helsinki but there are many seasonal options from farther afield too while TUI operates pre-Christmas flights from various cities Rovaniemi’s diverse accommodations add even more appeal for a winter getaway Families will love the cozy cabins at Santa Claus Village while the Arctic Treehouse Hotel offers luxurious nest-like suites with panoramic treetop views for a more secluded For those who dream of winter’s pristine beauty paired with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet Santa Claus in the Arctic Rovaniemi is a destination that promises to deliver magic and memories that last well beyond the holiday season Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com VW PICS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images More than 600,000 people annually visit Santa Claus Village a winter-themed amusement park in the small town Rovaniemi in Finland not everyone is happy about the onslaught of visitors that storm the town — especially during Christmas time - with some residents warning that mass tourism threatens their way of life a winter-themed amusement park perched on the edge of the Arctic Circle Finland (AP) — Shuffling across icy ground on a cold December afternoon lots of tourist groups poured into Santa Claus Village sip a cocktail in an ice bar or even meet Saint Nick himself in the capital of Finnish Lapland which happily calls itself the “official hometown of Santa Claus.” which attracts more than 600,000 people annually is especially popular during the holiday season “This is like my dream came true,” beamed Polish visitor Elzbieta Nazaruk Tourism is booming in Rovaniemi — which has hotel and restaurant owners excited as it brings lots of money to the town not everyone is happy about the onslaught of visitors “We are worried about the overgrowth of tourism it’s not anymore in control,” said 43-year-old Antti Pakkanen a photographer and member of a housing network that in September organized a rally through the city’s streets locals have protested against “over-tourism” — which generally describes the tipping point at which visitors and their cash stop benefiting residents and instead cause harm by degrading historic sites overwhelming infrastructure and making life markedly more difficult for those who live there all the way to the edges of the Arctic Circle Rovaniemi counted a record 1.2 million overnight visitors in 2023 after rebounding from pandemic travel disruptions “Nordic is a trend,” Visit Rovaniemi CEO Sanna Karkkainen “People want to travel to cool countries to see the snow Thirteen new flight routes to Rovaniemi Airport opened this year Most tourists come from European countries like France but Rovaniemi’s appeal has also spread further general manager of the 159-room Original Sokos Hotel Local critics of mass tourism say many apartment buildings in Rovaniemi’s city center are also used for accommodation services during peak season and are thus no longer available for residential use They say the proliferation of short-term rentals has driven up prices and turned its city center into a “transient space for tourists.” Finnish law prohibits professional accommodation services in buildings intended for residential use so campaigners are calling on authorities to act “The rules must be enforced better,” said Pakkanen Mayor Ulla-Kirsikka Vainio notes some make “good money” on short-term rentals stricter regulations likely won’t be in place to impact this winter season and despite the unease expressed by locals mass tourism to Rovaniemi is probably only going to grow in 2025 — as visitors want to experience the unique atmosphere up north “It’s Christmas time and we would love to see the Northern Lights,” says Joy Finnish airports operator Finavia will invest €3m (US$3.5m) to extend Rovaniemi Airport’s terminal in 2025 the extension will be at the front of the airport and will increase the size of the departures hall by almost 1,000m2 Construction work at the airport is scheduled to begin shortly Finavia has stated that the extension will not affect air traffic operations but the traffic arrangements in front of the airport will be changed during the summer The development of passenger volumes at Rovaniemi Airport has been very strong throughout Europe in recent years the number of passengers increased by 29% over the previous year to a record 948,000 44% of these passengers were on international flights and 56% of the airport’s passengers were on domestic flights extending the passenger facilities at Rovaniemi Airport will help prepare for the continued growth of tourism in Lapland and ensure a smooth passenger experience also in the future senior vice president of Finavia’s airport network Finavia has been investing in the development of airports in Lapland so that tourism in the region could grow and develop we implemented a significant €60m [US$69m] investment program at Rovaniemi Rovaniemi Airport represented just under half of the total investment at €25m [US$29m] “Thanks to the investments made in the past and the continuous development of customer experience the customer satisfaction of Lapland’s tourists with the airport experience is very high It is clear that a good passenger experience must be maintained even at a rapid rate of growth so I am very pleased to announce a new investment in Rovaniemi.” Finavia has invested more than €100m (US$115m) in Lapland’s airports over the past 10 years Finavia has implemented normal lifecycle management of the airports’ infrastructure including runway renovations and equipment purchases As a result of long-term sustainability efforts Lapland’s airports reached net zero carbon emissions in 2024 and it also holds Visit Finland’s sustainable travel certificate From 2018-2020 alone, Finavia invested €25m (US$29m) in Rovaniemi Airport to provide 5,000m2 more terminal space (a 75% increase) The company also extended the airport’s luggage center and updated its shopping and restaurant services In related news, Finavia recently reported that its pilot for a new digital queue-prediction service at Helsinki Airport has received approximately 100,000 views since launching in October. Click here to read the full story You don't have permission to access the page you requested What is this page?The website you are visiting is protected.For security reasons this page cannot be displayed Sylheti and Bengali and conversational in Urdu and Hindi either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content A record number of tourists have flocked to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi amid growing concerns about the affect of over-tourism 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 are now being rented out to tourists during peak seasons 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 Critics say that over-tourism has also driven up rental prices and displaced long-term residents 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 Rovaniemi's reputation as a top holiday destination is unlikely to fade anytime soon the opportunity to experience Christmas magic and view the Northern Lights makes Rovaniemi the ideal destination and we would love to see the Northern Lights," she said Rovaniemi's situation mirrors similar challenges seen across Europe in cities such as Barcelona 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 Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground Newsletters in your inbox See all This overnight trip on board the Santa Claus Express in Finnish Lapland ends with a magical encounter Monisha Rajesh is a London-based travel journalist and author whose work has appeared in publications like Time and Vanity Fair "Around India in 80 Trains," "Around the World in 80 Trains," and "Epic Train Journeys." About us | Advertise with us | Contact us Rovaniemi Airport’s terminal will grow by 1,000m² to support rising international tourism and enhance passenger experience Finavia will invest €3 million in extending Rovaniemi Airport (RVN)’s terminal in 2025, with completion planned for the winter season 2025–2026. The expansion is designed to improve the passenger experience as Lapland’s tourism Passenger traffic at RVN rose by nearly 30 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year with total numbers reaching nearly one million—most of them international The region’s growing appeal has also increased airline interest in RVN prompting Finavia to act by expanding terminal facilities to support sustained growth and operational efficiency Finavia has been investing in the development of airports in Lapland so that tourism in the Lapland region could grow and develop,” said Jani Jolkkonen “Rovaniemi Airport represented just under half of the total investment at EUR 25 million Construction will run from April to November 2025 The new terminal extension—adding nearly 1,000 square metres to the departures hall—will be situated in front of the airport Temporary changes to traffic arrangements will be in place during summer though air traffic operations at RVN will remain unaffected This move builds on Finavia’s earlier €60 million development programme (2018–2020) RVN alone accounted for nearly €25 million of that investment Finavia has invested more than €100 million in Lapland’s airport infrastructure including routine runway maintenance and equipment upgrades reached net zero carbon emissions and earned Visit Finland’s sustainable travel certificate Continuous improvements and long-term planning have contributed to consistently high passenger satisfaction scores SIGN ME UP Stay Ahead in Aviation — Subscribe for Free Get exclusive access to the latest aviation insights from International Airport Review — all tailored to your interests Choose the updates that matter most to you. Sign up now and stay informed, inspired, and connected — all for free! Let’s keep exploring the future of aviation together , By No comments yet All subscriptions include online membership giving you access to the journal and exclusive content By Comment *document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id" "a42017470663c290d5541d97ce26a52a" );document.getElementById("d6337c1004").setAttribute( "id" Write for us | Advertise with us International Airport Review is published by: Russell Publishing Ltd.Court LodgeHogtrough HillBrasted © Russell Publishing Limited, 2010-2025. All rights reserved. Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy Website design and development by e-Motive Media Limited Videh Kumar Jaipuriar has been nominated for his exemplary leadership in managing and navigating Delhi International Airport (DEL) during the COVID-19 pandemic He led multiple initiatives to ensure business continuity at DEL which included passenger safety and convenience and care for environment and employee safety He proactively engaged with the government stakeholders and supported them in safeguarding aviation through strong confidence building measures for travellers such as developing several indigenous technology solutions like air circulation with six changes per hour and a combination of UV and plasma disinfection systems to provide safest journey experience to their passengers DEL has been forefront of implementing safety measures which was later adopted across the country Jaipuriar ensured that DEL was operational for rescue missions and transporting medical essentials to various parts of the country He further led the Vande Bharat Mission flights of Government of India (a rescue mission to get Indians back to India) as well as rescue flights by other international governments His outstanding leadership across all areas across the stakeholders in the aviation ecosystem and going beyond the call of duty in managing and navigating this crisis for a national capital airport having national importance makes him the apt choice for the Person of the Year Award Adnan Saggaf continues to demonstrate strong leadership skills throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and brought out of the box ideas in attracting traffic and to support his team during this difficult time With new innovative ideas in balancing cash flow the facilities were kept maintained and the personal were kept employed Saggaf has protected the financial stability of his staff income shown excellent performance of crisis management and exceptional negotiation skills shown with authority regarding agreement restructuring and receivable payments To handle the loss of Umrah traffic to the airport to use the terminal with attractive offers and more reliable services He built a new strategy by diversifying the airport offers He prepared the facilities by deploying new technology and working on enhancing passenger experience Saggaf also initiated a capacity building programme for the airside team by drafting SOPS as well as initiating dedicated workshops to discuss ideas and to deploy new initiatives and this is exactly what Saggaf showed and why he deserves to be awarded as the Person of the year 2021 Peter has been with the Sangster International Airport for over 25 years operations and now oversees the security function and is also the Chief Operations Officer Peter has been instrumental in co-ordinating the preparation and implementation of a COVID-19 response plan for not just MBJ but to guide the operation of all agencies operating on airport The aim of this plan was to ensure a safe environment for staff and the travelling public; therefore this plan was instrumental to establish consumer/travellers/public confidence and provided information and guidelines on the new protocols implemented at the airport Peter is well known for his expertise in investigation and aviation security His co-operation with law enforcement stakeholders has been unrelenting in assuring the security of the airport and stakeholders alike While Peter is known as a firm individual that displays the outmost professionalism and integrity he operates on the basis of equity and fairness in all matters relating to staff Robson Freitas has developed and led the BH Airport plan for the resumption of airport operations post-COVID-19 as well as being responsible for leading the group of Directors and Managers at the airport defining the three main pillars of recovery: Health and Safety of People Institutional and Integrated Communication and Institutional Partners These central pillars include ensuring hygiene and health and social distances measures for passengers in addition to participating in strategic committees involving the public sectors to comply with regulatory rules Freitas developed the COVID guardians programme who were responsible in monitoring and following up on the measures already implemented for COVID-19 and advising users employees and other people on compliance with distancing hygiene and health measures recommended by health authorities He also developed a COVID booklet with information and guidance for the airport community regarding good hygiene and health practices and led the beginning of the publication of a monthly newsletter with passenger curve information allowing the planning of reopening and rehiring by commercial stores Freitas also supported the reduction of OPEX by planning the temporary closure of areas toilets and equipment in common use and internalising some activities Raghunath worked closely with all the aero concessionaires and cargo operators to minimise disruption and provide financial relief to them The airline marketing team helped launch a historic first route to the U.S West Coast and the cargo team at BIAL also achieved record numbers over this period with the airport becoming India’s leading airport for the export of perishables Raghunath has led a digital transformation and expansion at BIAL airport with new initiatives and the deployment of the fully biometric-based self-boarding solution for seamless passenger flow and travel experiences and a process automation and analytics platform meant that the airport won ACI World’s ‘Voice of the Customer’ initiative which recognised BIAL airports efforts to prioritise their customers during COVID-19 Raghunath has remained a staunch and resilient leader during such an uncertain time and is very much appreciated by his team Alicia Prince has played a critical role in leading and navigating Cairns Airport through the COVID-19 pandemic Prince implemented a functional plan to ensure business continuity and staff welfare segregating front-line operational staff into work teams to avoid interaction between groups She ensured that the $55 million domestic Terminal upgrade continued safely despite the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis She also deployed the COVIDSafe Operation Plan for Cairns Airport which was endorsed and later commended by Queensland Chief Health Officer As part of this plan Alicia developed an airport layout to provide physical separation of low risk and high-risk arrivals and initiated increased hygiene and sanitisation protocols The health and safety of the airport community was paramount to maintaining operations and in response to this Alicia initiated a COVIDSafe training program for the entire airport community and worked closely with her team to deliver As a result of the great work Prince has done to ensure COVID-19 best practices Cairns Airport was one of the first Australian Airports to be awarded an ACI Global Health Accreditation Alicia also led the terminal optimisation project which assessed and implemented terminal downscales due to the crisis Significant savings (both financial and environmental) were achieved by reducing the operational footprint of the airport Whilst maintaining operations throughout the pandemic was a priority Alicia ensured her team were kept well informed and engaged Cairns Airport has a team of 33 volunteers which form part of Alicia’s wider team To ensure they remained connected and cared for Alicia and her team created care packages including home-made cakes and personally delivered to each of the volunteers’ houses in a COVIDSafe manner Alicia demonstrated great leadership throughout the pandemic and continues to do so today Her clear and transparent communication and collaboration with other Australian Airports and key agencies to ensure best practice and alignment contributed greatly to business continuity all the above was managed whilst working remotely and juggling home schooling with her two young boys Balram Bheodari leads Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as North America’s most efficient airport due to his vast knowledge of and astute attention to efficiency in aviation which has allowed the airport to thrive in the most difficult of markets and selflessness to provide a quality of leadership throughout Atlanta Airport He oversees all facets of airport governance including operations and a multi-billion-dollar capital improvement programme designed to pave the way for Atlanta’s growth over the next 20 years Bheodari developed a comprehensive resumption of operations playbook that served to support ATL’s recovery efforts With guidance from the Federal Aviation Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) amid evolving health and safety guidelines Bheodari steadfastly encouraged collaboration among stakeholders he participated in daily calls with Airports Council International and other large-hub airports to share best practices as well as information from Washington He aimed to restore customer confidence and ensure the airport was a healthy facility using COVID-19 safe protocols the airport achieved Airport of the Year by the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) Bheodari was the most ardent supporter of our mission-critical employees Having worked his way up through the ranks he fully appreciates the oftentimes thankless jobs these employees perform that keep the Airport safe and running optimally at all times Morale never flagged because Bheodari made sure those employees felt valued through hazard pay His actions and his directives all reflect his commitment to the three key focus areas of our organisation’s strategic plan: people Jonas Abrahamsson has shown the strength to steer the company towards its long-term sustainable goals Abrahamsson has ensured that Swedavia achieved its net zero target for all ten of the airports in 2020 and has continued to support strategic development and innovation to further the cause of sustainable air travel when passenger numbers where down over 90 per cent and a lot of investments were paused he decided that investments in the company’s net zero target should proceed allowing Swedavia to become the first net zero airport group by the end of 2020 Chris Dinsdale has worked at Budapest Airport since 2015 where he was nominated for the position as CEO fought relentlessly to make sure that the company survived the crisis and worked with great commitment to secure the funding of the airport a voluntary salary cut for the executives and the founding of the Budapest Airport Foundation which supports blue collar workers who lost their job during the COVID-19 pandemic After being nominated to CEO position in March 2021 Dinsdale continues to work closely with the executive team to create a clear COVID-19 recovery strategy for Budapest Airport This will also mean that we come out stronger of the pandemic and have a clear focus Dinsdale is an inspiring true leader who helped us all to cope with the very difficult times of the pandemic and I am convinced that he truly deserves this award Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website These cookies do not store any personal information CookieDescriptioncookielawinfo-checkbox-advertising-targetingThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertising & Targeting".cookielawinfo-checkbox-analyticsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent WordPress Plugin The cookie is used to remember the user consent for the cookies under the category "Analytics".cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessaryThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".cookielawinfo-checkbox-performanceThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent WordPress Plugin The cookie is used to remember the user consent for the cookies under the category "Performance".PHPSESSIDThis cookie is native to PHP applications The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.viewed_cookie_policyThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies It does not store any personal data.zmember_loggedThis session cookie is served by our membership/subscription system and controls whether you are able to see content which is only available to logged in users Climate change is heating up the Arctic almost four times faster than the global average and Rovaniemi has endured record temperatures The Finnish city of Rovaniemi, marketed globally as Santa’s hometown, was late to receive its first proper snowfall this year. Observers are putting it down to the effects of climate change, AFP reports Snow typically starts transforming the capital of Lapland into a winter wonderland during November that month saw a new record high temperature for the region: 11.1°C.  the warming trend is reportedly taking its toll on reindeer Local herders have said that milder and more unpredictable winters have left their animals struggling to forage for their main food because it is buried under packed ice that has been created by snow continually melting and refreezing [See more: The economic cost of climate change may be far higher than previously thought] The Arctic is warming up to almost four times faster than the rest of the planet due to climate change, according to research published by Finland-based scientists in the journal Nature in 2022 Rovaniemi also relies on its snowy Christmas vibe to attract tourists who seek out a combination of enchanting vistas the Northern Lights and encounters with Santa Claus at a themed village located right on the Arctic Circle which lies just eight kilometres north of the city The village is staffed by “Christmas elves” – Santa’s helpers that reportedly read more than half a million letters to Santa each year While letters from European countries tend to be written by children those from Asia are often written by young adults wishing for the strength to get through their studies Perhaps a reduction in the impact of climate change will be on many other Christmas wish lists this year.  Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon The best of Time Out straight to your inbox We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Worldwide There’s an actual village with an elf-run post office and the white-bearded man we all know and love It sits on the outskirts of the Christmas capital of the world: Rovaniemi I’ve spent the past few winters visiting different regions in Lapland but nothing quite compares to Rovaniemi's electric nostalgia Six-year-old me has stirred somewhere deep within giggling at the foolishness of non-believers 🎄 Discover the world’s best places to go for Christmas Rovaniemi’s festive tourism origins date back to post-WW2 reinvestments in the city announced a visit to admire its restored glory officials constructed a wooden cabin to surprise Roosevelt with an immersion into Arctic Circle life Santa Claus Village grew around this original construction the city copyrighted its title as the ‘Official Home of Santa Claus.’ hundreds of thousands of festive tourists flock here eager to experience the world’s Christmas capital ‘Tourism is growing by 10 percent each year,’ Sanna Kärkkäinen, CEO of Visit Rovaniemi, explains. ‘We stopped marketing the Christmas season five years ago.’ Of the region’s attractions, Santa Claus Village is the primary magnet, catering to half a million annual tourists And while Santa Claus Village is open year-round people come here for Christmas: the busiest day for travel to Rovaniemi is December 23 The demand is so high that staff don’t stop – festive responsibilities run like clockwork every month. Even the weather is no barrier. While some areas of Lapland are seeing an alarming lack of snow this year Rovaniemi savvily stores snow from previous seasons despite summer temperatures occasionally reaching 30C Winter preparations are a constant background thought ‘Christmas never sleeps,’ Sanna laughs I visited Santa Claus Village in early December It’s a simple 20-minute bus ride from Rovaniemi city centre passengers immediately dispersed in all directions I passed the (signposted) Roosevelt’s Cottage and headed straight for the reindeer – Santa would be a doomed mission today it felt a bit mean to nab a child’s spot as a solo adult I peered through fences at real-life Cupid and Rudolphs and my next bucket list activity was a horseback ride on a Finnhorse These colossal draught horses were traditionally used for logging and perfectly epitomise the winter wonderland aesthetic with their large frames and hairy features.  and huskies – watching a few sleds zip through a forest with gleefully screaming tourists in tow – to Aurora Horses The operator only joined the village last season but already the staff are part of the well-oiled festive machine a huge gelding was tacked up for a quick hack through the snow Another unmissable attraction is the Post Office which along with Santa’s Hut is the hive of the village red sorting cupboards are stashed with mail and there are piles of postcards from visitors ready to send to scribbled addresses inbound mail takes the lion’s share of letters here ‘About 500,000 letters from about 200 countries arrive to Santa Claus’ Main Post Office every year,’ one sign reads ‘The elves have opened and read about 20,000,000 wishes.’ Head Postal Elf Katja Tervonen has held the position for 13 years and adores her role ‘I am very proud of showing the visitors the beauty of Rovaniemi and the loving caring nature of the people who live here,’ she says ‘Every year I post my own Christmas wishes and cards always either at the very last minute or too late,’ Tervonen jokes my friends and relatives may expect to receive their Season’s Greeting in January Does the Christmas chaos lead to Rovaniemi residents feeling a bit burnt out The metamorphic growth is leaving some business owners understandably overwhelmed amidst increasing competitors While many declined to formally elaborate on their less-than-perfect experiences Who wouldn’t feel overstretched facing a constant churn of festive tourists expecting the most magical time of their lives The Hotel Aakenus receptionist apologetically smiled informing me check-in had to be on the dot The standards don’t drop – everything remains magical but a scratch below the surface does reveal growing pains ‘We are still in a growth phase; this is all new for people in Rovaniemi,’ says Pia Tuukkanen, who runs reindeer encounters just 30 minutes outside Rovaniemi She says running tours from her peaceful countryside location offers an escape from the Christmas crowds I felt a renewed respect for those who keep the festive spirit alive Living in the Christmas capital of the world is no mean feat Something tells me there’ll be lots of lists checked twice Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news and best stuff happening across the world.  Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! tiktokfacebooktwitteryoutubeAbout us Contact us Mission Statement: to assist the integration of foreign residents living in Spain and this is never more accurate than when you establish yourself as a foreign resident in a new country Being able to quickly familiarise yourself with the culture and customs can help ease the transition during a challenging time This is why Euro Weekly News makes it our mission to provide you with a free news resource in English that covers both regional and national Spanish news – anything that we feel you will benefit from knowing as you integrate into your new community and live your best life in Spain you can forget about translating articles from Spanish into awkward English that probably don’t make much sense Let us be your convenient and essential guide to all things that will likely affect you as a foreign resident living in Spain Rovaniemi Airport in Finland’s Lapland is getting a €3 million expansion set to finish by November 2025 – just in time for the winter tourist season The airport, a vital travel hub for Lapland and a festive favourite among international visitors, saw nearly one million passengers in 2024. This was a 29 per cent jump from the previous year, with nearly half of all travellers arriving from abroad, according to Airports Council International, cited by Helsinki Times the growth in visitor numbers – particularly during the peak December travel season – has made the expansion both necessary and timely The project will add almost 1,000 square metres to the departure hall improving services for both locals and tourists “Finavia has for years supported the development of Lapland’s airports to allow regional tourism to expand We are now responding to the continued growth in demand with this new investment in Rovaniemi,” said Jani Jolkkonen Director of Finavia’s Airport Network (cited by Helsinki Times) The expansion is part of Finavia’s ongoing strategy to strengthen air travel infrastructure in the region. Between 2018 and 2020, Finavia spent €25 million on upgrades to Rovaniemi Airport, adding gates, check-in lines, a baggage centre, and revamped shops and restaurants. In total, over the last decade, more than €100 million has been invested in Lapland airports These improvements helped Lapland’s airports achieve net-zero carbon emissions in 2024 and Finavia holds a sustainable travel certification from Visit Finland Jolkkonen told Yle: “Thanks to the investments made in the past and the continuous development of customer experience the customer satisfaction of Lapland’s tourists with the airport experience is very high.” View all news from Finland. Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox he lives in America where Coca-Cola invented him Website#bd05466108a6d254205d1729{display:none} Euro Weekly News is the leading English language newspaper in Spain by delivering news with a social conscience we are proud to be the voice for the expat communities who now call Spain home With around half a million print readers a week and over 1.5 million web views per month EWN has the biggest readership of any English language newspaper in Spain The paper prints over 150 news stories a week with many hundreds more on the web – no one else even comes close Our publication has won numerous awards over the last 25 years including Best Free Newspaper of the Year (Premios AEEPP) Company of the Year (Costa del Sol Business Awards) and Collaboration with Foreigners honours (Mijas Town Hall) All of this comes at ZERO cost to our readers All our print and online content always has been and always will be FREE OF CHARGE Download our media pack in either English or Spanish the number of passengers increased by nearly 30 per cent compared to the previous year the number of passengers in Rovaniemi Airport was almost one million last year and interest in Lapland’s tourism has grown strongly in recent years which has increased airlines’ interest in Rovaniemi Extending the passenger facilities at Rovaniemi Airport will help prepare for the continued growth of tourism in Lapland and ensure a smooth passenger experience also in the future Finavia has been investing in the development of airports in Lapland so that tourism in the Lapland region could grow and develop we implemented a significant EUR 60 million investment programme at Rovaniemi Rovaniemi Airport represented just under half of the total investment at EUR 25 million Thanks to the investments made in the past and the continuous development of customer experience so I am very pleased to announce a new investment in Rovaniemi,” says Jani Jolkkonen The extension work will be carried out during April–November The new extension will be located in front of the airport and will increase the size of the airport’s departures hall by almost a thousand square metres the traffic arrangements in front of the airport will be changed during the summer The extension to be implemented in summer 2025 will not affect air traffic operations Construction work at the airport is scheduled to begin in April 2025 and will be completed in November 2025 Finavia launches long-term investments in tourism in Lapland Finavia has invested a total of more than EUR 100 million in the development of Lapland’s airports over the past ten years Finavia has implemented normal life cycle management of the airports’ infrastructure Lapland’s airports reached net zero carbon emissions in 2024 and they also hold Visit Finland’s sustainable travel certificate Investments in Rovaniemi Airport in 2018–2020 your new go-to podcast to spice up your weekday mornings with relevant news and behind-the-scenes from Brussels and beyond From the economy to the climate and the EU's role in world affairs this talk show sheds light on European affairs and the issues that impact on our daily lives as Europeans Tune in to understand the ins and outs of European politics Dare to imagine the future with business and tech visionaries Deep dive conversations with business leaders Euronews Tech Talks goes beyond discussions to explore the impact of new technologies on our lives the podcast provides valuable insights into the intersection of technology and society Europe's water is under increasing pressure floods are taking their toll on our drinking water Join us on a journey around Europe to see why protecting ecosystems matters and to discover some of the best water solutions an animated explainer series and live debate - find out why Water Matters We give you the latest climate facts from the world’s leading source analyse the trends and explain how our planet is changing We meet the experts on the front line of climate change who explore new strategies to mitigate and adapt Huge German holiday firm TUI has begun scrapping some of its wildly popular Lapland trips as an essential element is missing: snow have experienced unseasonably mild conditions over the past few weeks Rather than the typical 20-30cm of snow on the ground November saw no more than a couple of centimetres in isolated patches with most of the region devoid of the white stuff entirely On 3 and 4 December 2024, TUI cancelled several trips to Kuusamo in Finnish Lapland due to a lack of snow Heavy rainfall in the area washed away what little snow remained making it impossible to undertake many of the wintry excursions planned for visitors In a statement released on Tuesday 4 December “We’ve been closely monitoring the weather forecast in Kuusamo there has been heavy rainfall today and what snow there was it won’t be possible to operate the magical Lapland experience we had planned for you including tasters and pre-booked excursions We understand how devastating this news will be and we are really sorry to have reached this outcome.” Affected guests have been offered the option to change their travel dates, including to next winter, at no additional cost, to rebook onto another holiday with a 10 per cent discount Other travel agents are monitoring the weather closely, and some areas are using snow cannons to ensure their visitors have the magical winter experience they planned A few decades ago, travelling to Lapland to visit Santa was something kids could only dream about thanks to hundreds of new air connections to European countries noted that last year over 1.5 million visitors arrived in Finnish Lapland and Kemi-Tornio airports saw 547,773 passengers pass through As well as Finland Swedish Lapland has seen record visitor numbers in recent years winter tourism increased by 9 per cent in 2023 with the town of Kiruna - home to the famous ICEHOTEL - seeing 50,000 more guest nights compared with the previous year Many visitors arrive anticipating days of chilly fun - dog sleds, snowmobiling, reindeer safaris. With little to no snow in some areas, activities like this become impossible. Even the reindeer are struggling to retrieve their favourite food very little snow is expected in Lapland over the coming days The next snowfall is anticipated on 6 December ski areas are expected to receive between 2 and 6cm of snow While it is possible to ski and sled on smaller depths of snow like this the packed ice underneath is likely to make conditions unfavourable for many popular winter activities It’s not just the winter that has been mild in Scandinavia. Finnish Lapland saw the warmest summer on record this year and August recording record temperatures at almost all weather stations in the Northern parts of the country temperatures were 2 to 3.5 degrees C higher than the average Finland's Meteorological Institute blames climate change for the heat with researcher Mika Rantanen telling news agency AFP "The minimum temperatures were very high in Lapland.. Lapland was experiencing an unusually warm spell with temperatures in Kilpisjärvi soaring to 11.2 degrees C The average high for the region in October is just 2.8 degrees C the town of Utsjoki recorded temperatures of 11 degrees C breaking the previous record high set in 1975 Jim Dale, founder and Senior Meteorological Consultant at British Weather Services told Euronews Travel that climate change is to blame there has been a regression of European snow punctuated by occasional very large falls and also sudden thaws that have often made for dangerous conditions That is climate change inspired without a shadow of a doubt.” snowfalls are bigger when the air is cold enough This sort of famine-to-feast scenario is a pattern he sees continuing in the future “That isn’t to say there won’t be ordinary seasons when everything appears as it was - that’s the natural flow of weather But it’s all underscored by climate change and the unpredictability and chaos that it can and will bring,” he added Sharron Livingston, travel expert and founder of The Travel Magazine, told Euronews Travel it’s not just Lapland suffering. “The lack of snow is not unique to Rovaniemi. In 2023, the Alps around Switzerland, Italy, and France had an unusually mild winter, and there was a deficit of snow in low altitudes. It may be due to climate change or just the way it is currently and could change.” You don't have permission to access the page you requested. What is this page?The website you are visiting is protected.For security reasons this page cannot be displayed. HomeDestinationsInterestsTop Places to Travel by MonthSearchMenuBest time to go to Finland What could beat winter dull better than the cheerful bustle of holiday fairs Locals and tourists alike adore gift shopping and feasting on seasonal treats at local Christmas fairs which typically run from late November through late December You can explore the possibilities below to choose your next destination Most Christmas lovers head to Helsinki Christmas Market turns Senate Square into a true winter wonderland and kids ride on the old-fashioned merry-go-round the jolly people can immerse themselves in holiday lights along Aleksanterinkatu market-goers can go ice skating at the rink next to the railway station The market is open Sunday–Thursday from 11 am to 7 pm and Friday–Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm visitors can see the Declaration of Christmas Peace ceremony and visit the official Christmas street Turku Christmas Market boasts two locations: the Market Square and the Old Great Square The latter location features plenty of delicious food The market at the Old Great Square is open from 11 am to 5 pm boasting a bustling Christmas market in Keskustori with a distinctly artistic vibe and visits from Santa Claus throughout December Southern Finland can't always guarantee a white Christmas. If you prefer snow-blanketed landscapes, reach deeper north and visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi and fun activities like reindeer rides and winter hikes Thanks to its northern location Oulu also has a solid chance of a white Christmas Nordic holiday cheer awaits visitors at the Tiernatori Christmas Market taking place in central Rotuaari Square every December This cozy Christmas Market is filled with handmade decor and traditional Finnish gifts and fare The market hosts a stage with concerts and carol singing Jyväskyla is famous for its Christmas illuminations and outdoor festivities at Jyväskylä Christmas Village in Church Park The city hosts several Christmas markets during the season The weekend-long Artisan’s Christmas Market boasts stalls by local craftsmen with apparel and a special holiday sauna complete the experience CapMan Real Estate to renew legendary hotel Scandic Pohjanhovi is set to be renewed as CapMan Real Estate performs a comprehensive refurbishment of the hotel in 2025–2026 The traditional hotel will be given a new look through an extensive renovation which will include updates to the hotel rooms The renovations are expected to be completed in 2026 has been updated several times over the years refreshed 84 rooms in the extension part with a modern look The upcoming renovation will focus on a large part of the main building's first floor and the accommodation floors A total of 128 hotel and bathroom suites will be updated the building technology will be completely modernized and all rooms will be equipped with individual cooling systems the reception and restaurant areas in the main building will be redecorated with a new The hotel will also add several multi-purpose meeting and event spaces that can accommodate up to 350 people The renovation is scheduled to start in April and it is expected to reopen to guests at the end of November 2025 ”We are excited that the long-awaited renovations will begin after the end of the busy winter season allowing next winter's guests to enjoy the updated rooms and restaurant areas The renovation will also cater to our active guests with new facilities like a gym Hotel general manager of Scandic Pohjanhovi ”The refurbishment will significantly improve the hotel's conditions and guest comfort The updated ventilation and modern air handling units will ensure pleasant conditions all year round without compromising energy efficiency The addition of room-by-room cooling will greatly enhance the comfort during the summer months the renovations will provide guests with much more comfortable and modern facilities for both accommodation and relaxing” CapMan Real Estate first invested in the hotel property in 2008 The property is part of the CapMan Hotels II fund portfolio CapMan is a leading Nordic private asset expert with an active approach to value creation and €6.1 billion in assets under management As one of the private equity pioneers in the Nordics we have developed hundreds of companies and assets creating significant value for over three decades Our objective is to provide attractive returns and innovative solutions to investors by enabling change across our portfolio companies An example of this is greenhouse gas reduction targets that we have set under the Science Based Targets initiative in line with the 1.5°C scenario and our commitment to net-zero GHG emissions by 2040 We have a broad presence in the unlisted market through our local and specialised teams Our investment strategies cover real estate and infrastructure assets natural capital and minority and majority investments in portfolio companies We also provide wealth management solutions CapMan employs around 200 professionals in Helsinki We are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki since 2001 Ryanair will offer year-round scheduled flights from Milan Bergamo Airport to Rovaniemi Airport marking a significant enhancement in international connectivity for Finland's Lapland region This route will become the third year-round international flight connection to Finavia's airports in Lapland The new flights will commence on 27 October 2024 the schedule will shift to two flights per week The flights will be operated using 189-seat Boeing 737 aircraft Finavia’s Senior Vice President for route development expressed enthusiasm for Ryanair’s decision to continue the route year-round “Ryanair is Europe’s leading low-cost airline and a crucial partner for us The Milan route will enhance the year-round accessibility of Rovaniemi and the entire Lapland region,” he stated highlighted the importance of the new flight connection “Rovaniemi has been actively developing its year-round accessibility and now we have an essential link to Bergamo in Milan The city’s winter reputation lays a strong foundation for demand from the Southern European market during snowless seasons This route will provide excellent connections for both travelers heading north and locals wishing to visit Europe,” she remarked The Milan-Rovaniemi route will add to the growing list of international connections to Lapland have already announced plans to continue their summer 2025 scheduled flights to Kittilä Airport from Frankfurt and Zürich Ryanair’s new route will significantly contribute to the accessibility and attractiveness of Rovaniemi as a travel destination throughout the year 3 day packages start at just over 1,000 euros I saw offers for 800€ last winter for 5 days from LJU during peak season Wondering how they will fill the planes with such prices EX-YU Aviation News does not tolerate insults, excessive swearing, racist, homophobic or any other chauvinist remarks or provocative posts with the intention of creating further arguments. A full list of comment guidelines can be found here 1fr);grid-auto-rows:auto;max-width:1440px;-webkit-column-gap:2.0rem;column-gap:2.0rem;padding:0 2.0rem 0 2.0rem;}.css-tg00bh>*{position:relative;}@media screen and (min-width: 600px){.css-tg00bh{grid-template-columns:repeat(4 1fr);max-width:1440px;-webkit-column-gap:2.0rem;column-gap:2.0rem;padding:0 3.2rem 0 3.2rem;}}@media screen and (min-width: 900px){.css-tg00bh{grid-template-columns:repeat(12 1fr);max-width:1440px;-webkit-column-gap:2.4rem;column-gap:2.4rem;padding:0 6.4rem 0 6.4rem;}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.css-tg00bh{grid-template-columns:repeat(12 1fr);max-width:1440px;-webkit-column-gap:3.2rem;column-gap:3.2rem;padding:0 8.0rem 0 8.0rem;}}@media screen and (min-width: 1440px){.css-tg00bh{grid-template-columns:repeat(12 1fr);grid-auto-rows:auto;max-width:1440px;-webkit-column-gap:2.0rem;column-gap:2.0rem;padding:0 0 0 0;}.css-8ag0yp>*{position:relative;}@media screen and (min-width: 600px){.css-8ag0yp{grid-template-columns:repeat(4 1fr);max-width:1440px;-webkit-column-gap:2.0rem;column-gap:2.0rem;padding:0 0 0 0;}}@media screen and (min-width: 900px){.css-8ag0yp{grid-template-columns:repeat(12 1fr);max-width:1440px;-webkit-column-gap:2.4rem;column-gap:2.4rem;padding:0 0 0 0;}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.css-8ag0yp{grid-template-columns:repeat(12 1fr);max-width:1440px;-webkit-column-gap:3.2rem;column-gap:3.2rem;padding:0 0 0 0;}}@media screen and (min-width: 1440px){.css-8ag0yp{grid-template-columns:repeat(12 through some of the region's most beloved resorts and national parks 0.7);}.css-i2ouuj:hover{background:rgba(241,248,255,0.2);}.css-i2ouuj:active{background:rgba(241,248,255,0.2);}.css-i2ouuj:focus{background:rgba(241,248,255,0.2);}.css-i2ouuj svg{-webkit-filter:drop-shadow( 2px 2px 10px rgba(0 0.7));filter:drop-shadow( 2px 2px 10px rgba(0 0.7);padding:1.6rem 2.4rem;text-align:left;-webkit-transition:all 0.2s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.2s ease-in-out;}.css-11b0a0:hover{background:rgba(241,248,255,0.2);}.css-11b0a0:active{background:rgba(241,248,255,0.2);}.css-11b0a0:focus{background:rgba(241,248,255,0.2);}.css-11b0a0 svg{-webkit-filter:drop-shadow( 2px 2px 10px rgba(0 which allows you to bring your car along for added convenience 1fr);grid-auto-rows:auto;max-width:1440px;-webkit-column-gap:2.0rem;column-gap:2.0rem;padding:0 0 0 0;}.css-107lzxq>*{position:relative;}@media screen and (min-width: 600px){.css-107lzxq{grid-template-columns:repeat(4 1fr);max-width:1440px;-webkit-column-gap:2.0rem;column-gap:2.0rem;padding:0 3.2rem 0 3.2rem;}}@media screen and (min-width: 900px){.css-107lzxq{grid-template-columns:repeat(12 1fr);max-width:1440px;-webkit-column-gap:2.4rem;column-gap:2.4rem;padding:0 6.4rem 0 6.4rem;}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.css-107lzxq{grid-template-columns:repeat(12 1fr);max-width:1440px;-webkit-column-gap:3.2rem;column-gap:3.2rem;padding:0 8.0rem 0 8.0rem;}}@media screen and (min-width: 1440px){.css-107lzxq{grid-template-columns:repeat(12 Embrace the wintry magic at Apukka Resort in Finnish Lapland Courtesy of Apukka Resort/Leonardo Cavazzana there’s often quite a bit of hurrying up and waiting A perfect night of looking for the northern lights should involve doubling up on activities and doing something else while you bide your time And there are few experiences lovelier than taking in the dark winter sky from the comfort of one of these scenic northern spas which range from stylish geothermal lagoons and architecturally stunning destination retreats to rustic hot springs that have been attracting visitors for more than a century And if by some chance you don’t see the northern lights feeling utterly relaxed and rejuvenated is an incredible consolation prize It has been 120 years since a pair of miner brothers discovered the Chena Hot Springs outside of Fairbanks—and travelers still flock here to soak in the healing waters Adults over the age of 18 can enjoy the outdoor spring lake which averages around 106 degrees Fahrenheit year-round and is open until 11:45 p.m. but there are also hot tubs and an indoor pool open to all Many guests choose to nap after dinner and then camp out at the 24-hour activity center killing time chatting with other aurora hunters as they wait for the big event book a spot on the Aurora Snow Coach up to the top of Charlie Dome mountain which is equipped with Mongolian-style yurts where you can warm up with hot drinks The Sky Lagoon offers one of the most dramatic spots in Iceland to take in the northern lights Iceland’s centuries-old bathing culture means there are plenty of picturesque places to take in the island’s healing geothermal waters. But few are as accessible and scenic as the Sky Lagoon 15-minute drive south of Reykjavík’s city center Built into the side of a cliff with materials like lava rock the spa is centered around a roughly 245-foot infinity-edge lagoon overlooking the harbor: During the summer midnight sun you can scan the horizon for landmarks like the cone-shaped Keilir mountain or the official residence of the president; during the winter or 11 p.m.) As part of the seven-step Skjól Ritual before finishing up with a rejuvenating shot of crowberry juice The MS Vulkana offers awe-inspiring views over coastal Tromsø and the surrounding fjords The MS Vulkana lived many lives before becoming a floating spa in extreme northern Norway 200-plus miles above the Arctic Circle: It launched in 1957 as a fishing boat and later became a whaling vessel before two entrepreneurs bought it in a spur-of-the-moment middle-of-the-night decision during the Tromsø Film Festival in 2007 With the help of Finnish architect Sami Rintala they began the painstaking process of restoration and transformation and now the Vulkana is home to a Japanese-inspired lounge and a hot tub up on the deck that looks out over the fjords While the boat is docked in the Tromsø harbor you can book one- or two-hour spa sessions or add on a three-course Norwegian dinner a ski-and-sail expedition to the Lyngen Alps which involves a bracing dip in the sea and time with a guide who will teach you legends There may be no more magical feeling than catching sight of the aurora borealis while dressed in a bathrobe and slippers on a boat A cold plunge pool sits at the center of the architecturally stunning Arctic Bath in Sweden; the nestlike structure sits atop a frozen river during the winter months Photos by Viggo-Lundberg (L) and Emil Wallin (R) This architecturally adventurous hotel in Swedish Lapland comprises a collection of Scandi-minimalist cabins—some floating atop the Lule River others at the edge of a forest that’s frequented by moose But the show-stopping centerpiece is undoubtedly the ring-shaped spa which is designed to look like a logjam; it sits atop the river during warmer months and freezes into its surface when winter comes Built with pine walls and Baltic gray limestone floors and treatment rooms where you’ll often hear soothing Sámi joik music—plus an invigorating cold plunge pool in the center If you visit during the fall or winter to maximize your aurora-viewing potential you can spend your extra time snowshoe-hiking or meeting reindeer during a Sámi camp visit Blachford Lodge in Canada’s Northwest Territories is both rugged and ultra-exclusive Only reachable by a 20-minute bush-plane flight from Yellowknife this luxury lodge in the remote Canadian wilderness is more of an adventure hub than a wellness resort with experiences that include cross-country skiing But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some exceptionally scenic ways to relax once you’ve worked up a sweat: In addition to a traditional cedar sauna you’ll find a hot tub perched on the edge of a vast wintry expanse from which you can watch the aurora as you listen for the howling of resident wolf packs Just remember to pack a beanie with your bathing suit One of the coolest ways to witness the northern lights over Finnish Lapland is on a nighttime snowmobile safari Finnish Lapland is such a winter wonderland that the town of Rovaniemi has even been named the official home of Santa Claus. Embrace the whimsy at this glass igloo hotel where accommodations were specially designed for panoramic sky views saunas are of course baked into the experience including a sauna that floats on a lake and a mobile “sauna carriage” that you can have transported to your cabin on skis ($130 for 90 minutes) While the northern lights are visible from the resort itself there are more adventurous ways to see them: After dark guests can hunt for the aurora borealis via car or even a train that whisks folks out to a wilderness camp in the woods AFAR participates in affiliate marketing programs which means we may earn a commission if you purchase an item featured on our site.© 2025 AFAR LLC  - From Frankfurt twice weekly to Rovaniemi - Chișinău from Frankfurt and Nantes from Munich to be continued in winter Wintertime is Christmas time and anyone who has always wanted to visit Santa Claus in his “official” hometown now has the chance to do so non-stop with Lufthansa from Frankfurt the airline will be flying twice a week from Frankfurt to Rovaniemi the capital of Lapland in northern Finland Rovaniemi is located on the Arctic Circle and is surrounded by untouched nature The city is an ideal starting point for exploring breathtaking natural phenomena such as the Northern Lights or spectacular cross-country ski resorts Lufthansa is continuing its success story in Finland it is the sixth Finnish destination for Lufthansa Airlines Lufthansa will also fly from Frankfurt to Chișinău This connection was already launched in summer 2024 Nantes (France) can now also be discovered from Munich in winter All new destinations can be booked immediately via the familiar Lufthansa booking channels LH852                 Frankfurt 08:50                              Rovaniemi 12:50  LH853                 Rovaniemi 13:50                            Frankfurt 15:50  HELSINKI FINLAND Tourists visit the Santa Claus Village during a rainy day but the warming climate and lack of snow in his Arctic hometown have him worried the town of Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland -- marketed by tourism officials since the 1980s as the "real" home of Santa Claus -- should be white and pretty The Christmas magic of Finnish Lapland’s Santa Claus Village is facing a less festive reality as overtourism concerns grow in Rovaniemi known as the “official hometown of Santa Claus,” is drawing record numbers of visitors sparking frustration among residents over housing overnight stays surged to 1.2 million — nearly ten times the town’s population This 30% increase from 2022 reflects the region’s post-pandemic travel boom “It’s like my dream came true,” said Polish tourist Elzbieta Nazaruk highlighting issues seen in other European hotspots like Amsterdam and Barcelona The surge has led to a rise in short-term rentals making long-term housing scarce and costly Many city-centre apartments are converted to holiday rentals during peak season turning residential areas into what critics describe as “transient spaces for tourists.” Finnish law restricts professional accommodation services in residential buildings but campaigners argue enforcement is lacking calling for stricter regulations to protect local housing availability acknowledged the financial gains from short-term rentals she also recognised the need for a balance between growth and community well-being suggesting that national legislation might provide a solution The popularity of the region shows no sign of slowing Thirteen new flight routes to Rovaniemi Airport opened in 2023 tourists continue to flock to the winter wonderland summed up the appeal: “It’s Christmas time and we would love to see the Northern Lights the delicate balance between preserving local life and promoting tourism may grow more strained transforming Rovaniemi’s charm into a cautionary tale of unchecked growth Advertisement inquiries and other after-sales issues: info@helsinkitimes.fi Helsinki Times is the first and only English language newspaper providing news about Finland in English A weekly print edition of Helsinki Times was published from March 2007 up until Feb Helsinki Times is an online-only publication and other groups and individuals interested in Finland from all around the world © Helsinki Times All rights reserved.  Terms of Use | Privacy Policy Ho ho hold on - why are so many of us Brits swarming to Rovaniemi reindeer sleighs and those magnificent Northern Lights It’s where Santa makes his list and checks it twice all year round over 350,000 Brits visited this Arctic paradise last winter to get in on the frosty fun — we’re talking snowmobiling it’s only right that there’s non-stop festive fun all year round Visitors of all ages can venture through the enchanting snow-covered townlet to watch the elves at work write and post their Christmas letters and even meet the big man himself Rovaniemi and its surrounding areas are home to some of the rarest animal species in the world but the region is probably most famous for its reindeer and huskies there are multiple safaris where visitors can go sledding with these animals and explore the Finnish wilderness a nature reserve with over 40 animal species including Finland’s only living polar bear there are tonnes of activities and snowy adventures for adrenaline addicts to enjoy Think skiing and snowmobiling through the Lappish forests ice karting down icy race tracks and snowshoeing along the mountains And for those looking for a more laid-back plan there are the world-famous Finnish spas that combine toasty sauna treatments with ice-cold water baths for a rejuvenating lift mythological tales originating in the area explain why Rovaniemi is referred to as Santa’s official hometown The idea of Santa Claus was based on the image of Odin a Norse god who plays a key role in ancient Lappish folklore Exhibitions devoted to these Nordic legends astrology and the classical music and art native to the region are on show inside the Arktikum Museum Pilke Science Centre and Korundi House of Culture What Rovaniemi lacks in warmth makes up for in things to do Just take Lordi’s Square as another example Named after rock band Lordi following their 2006 Eurovision victory the square is home to loads of charming bars cafes and restaurants serving traditional Finnish drinks and grub there’s a selection of boutique shops selling artisan handicrafts jewelry and other items native to the region Rovaniemi Airport in Arctic Finland will get a major upgrade with a €3 million expansion to accommodate the surging number of tourists to Lapland The expansion is set to increase  the airport’s departure hall by almost 1,000 square metres with plans to finish the project just in time for the 2025–2026 winter season when Lapland gets the majority of its visitors the airport saw a massive 30 per cent increase in passengers The rise in traffic comes as Lapland has become a major destination for winter tourism resulting in several airlines ramping up services to the Arctic region Finavia has been investing in the development of airports in Lapland so that tourism in the Lapland region could grow and develop.” Jani Jolkkonen “It is clear that a good passenger experience must be maintained even at a rapid rate of growth so I am very pleased to announce a new investment in Rovaniemi.” slated to start in April 2025 and finish by November has been planned so air traffic can continue as usual there will be some changes to traffic arrangements in front of the airport during the summer months The expansion is part of a broader €100 million investment Finavia has made in Lapland’s airports over the past decade Rovaniemi ‘s portions of the funds is €25 million Canada: Northern airlines say feds should intervene if they want lower prices for the North Finland: Record December passenger numbers for airports in Arctic Finland Greenland: New Copenhagen-Kangerlussuaq flight aims to boost Greenland tourism Norway: Arctic Norway’s Tromsø Airport struggles as international arrivals triple Sweden: Northern Scandinavia to pioneer commercial flights with electric planes and website in this browser for the next time I comment Starting on November 30, 2024, easyJet will launch a new winter route between Nice and Rovaniemi, Finland. Flights will operate twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, until February 22, 2025 This opening enriches the winter offer of the company from Nice, already extended with destinations such as Madrid, Lanzarote and Strasbourg. The new link between Nice and Rovaniemi reflects easyJet’s strategy to diversify its winter destinations attracting a clientele looking for new tourist experiences is known for its snowy landscapes and northern lights offering an alternative to traditional southern European destinations Tickets for the new route between Nice and Rovaniemi are already available for booking on easyJet’s website This new offer allows easy access to Lapland and vice versa enhancing the attractiveness of Nice airport for travelers seeking unique winter destinations The introduction of the new airline route between Nice and Rovaniemi represents an economic opportunity for the Nice region with an increase in winter tourist flow while strengthening the position of Nice airport as a major international hub This initiative is part of easyJet’s strategy to diversify winter destinations aiming to strengthen links between France and the Nordic countries while stimulating the local economy and meeting growing demand for unique and attractive destinations Sources: AirJournal, Actu.fr Immeuble NICE PLAZA455, Promenade des Anglais,BP 3185, 06200 Nice France+33(0)4 92 17 51 51info@tnca.fr Copyright 2023 – Team Nice Côte d’Azur Leave us your contact details to schedule a meeting with one of our experts Santa Claus waves at his office in the Santa Park near Rovaniemi Here is a selection of what the international press has published about Finland in the last week: Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village and the booming tourist industry around it was covered in an article by The New York Times on April 15 The article explores the growing tension among residents in Rovaniemi as a consequence of the town’s Santa-fueled identity whose everyday errands are routinely interrupted by confused international tourists asking for help in supermarkets Her mild annoyance signals a larger frustration among many residents once a peaceful town with a strong local identity and tight-knit community now feels overwhelmed by waves of tourists who visit between October and March The article traces the evolution of Rovaniemi’s transformation beginning with its total destruction by retreating Nazis during World War II famed architect Alvar Aalto was commissioned to redesign the town choosing a reindeer-head layout as a nod to local culture Santa Claus emerged as a central marketing figure when a Soviet missile misfire attracted media attention Santa Claus Village is now an international attraction bringing in tourists from across the globe and generating over 400 million euros annually But beneath the festive surface lies growing discontent recounts how Airbnbs have overtaken her residential building and even incidents involving fire and illegal activity with students and residents often priced out or forced to leave during tourist surges The rise in short-term rentals has significantly altered the housing market and the town’s social fabric This tension mirrors a global pattern seen in cities like Venice and Barcelona where tourism-driven gentrification has triggered public backlash Protests have begun to emerge in Rovaniemi with locals carrying signs like “Dear Santa Remote locations once known only to locals—like lakeside homes of retirees—are now overrun at night by tourists seeking the northern lights Original story was published by The New York Times on 15.04.2025 and can be found here Finland’s bid to win Europe’s start-up crown Finland’s efforts to establish itself as Europe’s leading start-up hub was covered in an article by BBC on April 14 The article highlights the country’s bid to lead the start-up race with a particular focus on the expansion of Maria 01 — a startup campus in Helsinki that’s rapidly becoming a symbol of the country’s innovation-driven future Maria 01 already houses around 240 start-ups working in health tech it aims to become the largest start-up campus in Europe Its success is fueled by a strong sense of community and a culture that blends business with uniquely Finnish lifestyle perks “The whole place is really based on community,”  Sarita Runeberg “We bring people together so they can network… and find different kinds of resources to grow their businesses,” Runeberg added The expansion of Maria 01 reflects Finland’s broader strategy to nurture its tech ecosystem particularly through its innovation agency Business Finland has increased investment in start-ups and launched accelerator programs to boost growth Business Finland invested €112 million in start-ups marking a 30% increase from the previous year Although Finland’s start-up scene isn’t as globally recognized as those in Sweden or the UK it has seen steady growth over the past two decades making it easier for entrepreneurs to connect and collaborate Events like Slush — a massive international start-up conference held annually in Helsinki — also add to its credibility the current Nordic leader in the start-up world Sweden boasts over 40 unicorns and has attracted far more investment capital in the last decade Critics argue that Finland is only now implementing strategies Sweden adopted years ago such as building co-working hubs and fostering collaborative ecosystems Original story was published by BBC on 14.04.2025 and can be found here Finland tout different paths of ‘icebreaker diplomacy’ with US The growing competition between Canada and Finland as they offer differing proposals to build icebreakers for the United States was covered in an article by Defense News on April 14 The article highlights a broader strategic dilemma for the United States—whether to prioritize rapid delivery or the revitalization of its domestic shipbuilding industry President Donald Trump has shown renewed interest in enhancing the U.S with an ambitious plan to procure 40 new icebreakers under the leadership of President Alexander Stubb is actively pursuing what it calls “icebreaker diplomacy,” aiming to deepen ties with the U.S by offering to build the vessels in Finnish shipyards This option promises speed and access to Finland’s specialized expertise proposes a collaborative model where Canadian designs are adopted but the ships are constructed in American shipyards legal requirements that favor domestic production for national security reasons “Finland is most definitely trying to build the U.S … The discussions we’ve been having with the U.S is around whether they could take our design and use it to build their icebreakers domestically in their own shipyards,” David Hargreaves senior vice president of business development at Seaspan A hybrid approach is also being considered—where initial icebreakers could be built abroad for immediate use followed by domestic production for long-term capacity building and the U.S.—are also engaged in the ICE Pact a trilateral initiative aimed at enhancing cooperation on Arctic shipbuilding The next round of talks is scheduled for May where concrete steps toward joint development and production are expected to be discussed Original story was published by Defense News on 14.04.2025 and can be found here The role of design in Finland being named the world’s happiest country Finland’s unique design philosophy was covered in an article by Forbes on April 13 The article explores how Finnish design with its simplicity and harmony with nature support a higher quality of life and collective happiness in Finland The article centers around an interview with Teemu Kiiski who provides insight into how everyday design and architecture influence the national psyche and well-being Finnish design is deeply embedded in daily life with objects like Iittala tableware and Artek furniture becoming staples in Finnish homes and timeless—qualities that ease daily routines and reduce stress This aligns with the nation’s pragmatic approach to happiness where ease of living and minimalism are prioritized “Even public buildings tend to focus on how they serve the people who use them A good example is the Paimio Sanatorium by Alvar and Aino Aalto It wasn’t just about creating a beautiful building; it was designed in the 1930s to support the health and mental well-being of its patients in every detail from the placement of windows to the color of the walls That kind of thinking feels very Finnish to me: designing for people first,” Kiiski said “A more recent example Is the Oodi Central Library in Helsinki It’s such a welcoming space where you can read What I find amazing is how it’s become a real gathering place for everyone not just a library in the traditional sense So rather than focusing on creating architectural “wow” moments the emphasis here is often on how spaces can genuinely improve everyday life and bring people together,” Kiiski added Kiiski highlights that the design in Finland is also a reflection of the country’s strong bond with nature and forms are often inspired by natural landscapes Nature itself plays a central role in Finnish life with easy access to green spaces and a strong culture of spending time outdoors This connection is mirrored in home and product design that fosters calmness and balance Original story was published by Forbes on 13.04.2025 and can be found here © Helsinki Times All rights reserved.  Terms of Use | Privacy Policy Artistic rendering of the airport's planned expansion Finavia will expand the terminal at Rovaniemi Airport in 2025 after a sharp rise in passenger numbers driven by international tourism to Lapland The €3 million project will add nearly 1,000 square metres to the departure hall Construction begins in April and will finish by November The project will not interrupt airport operations or scheduled flights Rovaniemi Airport served 948,000 passengers The airport ranks among the three best in Europe in its category according to Airports Council International The expansion reflects sustained interest from airlines and travellers Rovaniemi serves as a key entry point to the Arctic region Many passengers travel during the winter season said the investment prepares the airport for continued growth We are now responding to the continued growth in demand with this new investment in Rovaniemi,” Jolkkonen said The expansion will involve changes to road traffic arrangements near the terminal These adjustments will be made in the summer of 2025 but will not affect air traffic Rovaniemi Airport last underwent major expansion between 2018 and 2020 Finavia spent €25 million increasing terminal space by 5,000 square metres The upgrade included three new departure gates Retail and dining facilities were also renewed Finavia invested a total of €60 million across Rovaniemi Finavia has spent over €100 million improving airports in Finnish Lapland Finavia has invested in the long-term maintenance of airport infrastructure including runway resurfacing and equipment upgrades the region’s airports reached net-zero carbon emissions in 2024 Finavia also holds Visit Finland’s sustainable travel certification for its Lapland operations Rovaniemi Airport was built in 1939 and began regular service in 1940 Scheduled flights resumed after the Second World War in 1948 The airport received its first Christmas charter flight from London on 25 December 1984 Nordic News and Business Promotion in Asia – Now aiming also at increased midnight sun tourism There is at least one place on this planet that people wonder – when coming across it for the very first time – if it is for real And this is also the place where Christmas is celebrated every day of the year How about that for a dream-come-true Christmas-lover destination a place with long winters and lots of snow but also endless daylight during the summer and with its own international airport drawing in heaps of visitors from around world And this is now Finland’s second most visited place after the capital of Helsinki Rovaniemi is at the annual travel show ITB Asia a magnet that draws in many visitors and lots of sales via its own booth showcasing fantastic visuals ScandAsia talked to some of the Rovaniemi stakeholders there – to learn more about the appeal of the home of Santa and the attractiveness of the Aurora Borealis natural phenomenon as well as the midnight sun Already back in 2011 tourist operators from the ‘Capital of Lapland’ – Rovaniemi – exhibited at ITB Asia (the region’s leading B2B travel trade show) in Singapore for the very first time and since 2016 this city of Santa has also participated with an own booth (and where ten Finnish businesses attended in 2023) Such a long-lasting marketing and sales effort points to that it must have been giving good results “The first representatives of Rovaniemi participating in the fair found it very successful and they established the foothold here for our tourism businesses and have thus done a tremendous job of opening the up Asian market creating such beautiful possibilities for everyone else from our Lapland destination,” explained Managing Director Sanna Kärkkäinen at Visit Rovaniemi is known for being the official home town of Santa Claus because we had grown so big that basically we couldn’t fit it in anymore to the ‘Visit Finland’ pavilion – that is also full of lovely suppliers well established destination for Singaporeans travelling to Lapland and thought: ‘Why should not Rovaniemi businesses have their own stand?’ And this investment has really served us well.” where we have such a good catchment area through the fair from Australians So once we’ve entered here it’s very hard to leave,” she continued their presence still draws a lot of new attention during the Singapore travel show: “Many by-passers get amazed by the destination in front of us and utter: ‘Is this destination for real does it really exist!?’ It looks like in fantasy?!’ Then we have the possibility to charm them and tell about all our beautiful hotels and the tours and the services that we provide But it’s a surprise for some people that there is a place like this for real They look at the visuals and the Santa’s magic – which is very different and unique among other kind of destinations and exhibition booths.” Santas Hotels were among those first businesses to come to ITB Asia “My predecessor has really been establishing the Singaporean- and the Asian market so I’m proud to continue that tradition of having strong partnerships in Asia for our hotel chain because more than 70% of our customers are international,” she told ScandAsia “We have established great local partner that feed us with good customers from different markets in Southeast Asia Before the pandemic China and Japan were also very strong and Australia is very good market as well.” “The majority of tourists really are from a very global market with around 130 different nationalities visiting Rovaniemi over the Christmas period The majority come via our airport that is well connected to the world for the winter season with 23 direct flight routes from around Europe and Turkey,” informed Sanna ‘Visit Rovaniemi has done a really great job in negotiating the flight connections and supplying them for us all running businesses in Rovaniemi area so it’s a great achievement for sure!” said Kaisa Heiskari The success in growing the tourism business has in fact made Rovaniemi the second most international destination in Finland after Helsinki “And we really are forerunners in the Finnish tourism industry where we want to lead the way for other parts of Finland as well and show what a wonderful country we have,” said marketing consultant Ulla Pirkola who was in Singapore together with Hotel Manager Juhani Ikonen from Santa Claus Holiday Village (159 rooms) “Singapore and the Asian market is really big for our Rovaniemi hotel so this is one of the main events for us,” shared Juhani who personally attended for the first time “We have one of the bucket list destinations in the world at the moment where everybody wants to come to see Santa Claus,” he commented on Finland’s biggest tourist attraction “It’s wonderful to be in Singapore and we’re so happy that more and more people from Asia are coming to Rovaniemi!” thought Ulla “Ours is very special in the sense that we’re not a typical hotel but offer cottages which consist in very traditional Finnish red cottages And all of our rooms have their own sauna – something very Finnish that we of course want to offer to all our guests when they come to Finland.” All cottages also have their own Christmas tree throughout the year and at the village Santa Claus can be booked every day of the year to come – in person – to guests’ hotel rooms to distribute gifts for the kids and take videos and pictures Kaisa Heiskari from Apukka Resort attended ITB Asia for the first time and had a positive experience: “We had great meetings with strong interest to start collaboration and sales People just walked into this stand and really loved what they saw.” and the Northern lights – so people really want to visit us We have all the in-demand activities in our resort snowshoeing – whatever you can imagine to do in snowy landscapes!” “People who travel to Rovanievi truly want to do the activities; they want to experience many things in nature so it’s really increasing the business in the area too,” she added At Apukka they have grown to 100 glass igloos and six additional accommodation units “The glass igloo is a different type of cabin with a glass roof so you can lie on the bed and just watch to the sky: you can see the starry or snowy sky or if you are lucky the northern lights directly from your bed People love them; basically it’s something unique that you can experience the nature inside of the igloo,” explained Kaisa At Santa’s Hotels (with nine properties in six different destinations) they even include a Northern Lights alarm in their Rovaniemi glass igloos so that guests do not need worry about missing out on the “show” The company behind Santa’s Hotels celebrated 50 years in business in 2023 and with 30 years in hospitality They also launched a brand new design hotel called Santa’s Hotel Rakka (in Kilpisjärvi) which offers to combine with a visit to Tromsø in Norway The new hotel has one of their specialties: panoramic window walls enhancing a feeling of having checked into nature “We don’t have full-blown Christmas decorations in all the hotels – it’s rather that we want to bring the Christmas spirit around the whole year it in all our properties warm feeling that you can have on a Christmas morning But of course that we have a lot of elves everywhere that you will see when you come to our hotels And of course we have a Christmas tree around the year in all of the hotels,” explained Eveliina “We have Christmas every day of the year so it doesn’t differ that much between the Christmas period and the rest of the year but during summertime we offer midnight sun activities Our goal for now is to grow the summer market and get people to also come in the autumn time to make the season longer In September you can also already see the Aurora Borealis so that’s a growing market at the moment,” said hotel manager Juhani “I think that the Northern lights is actually super beautiful into autumn time when you can see the reflection from the lakes – unlike in the winter time And also we have space in our hotels during summer and autumn time because for the winter time you really have to make your booking very early!” added Ulla Pirkola Kaisa Heiskari informed that Apukka Resort (also expanding its business) will also enter into year round operations in 2024 “Rovaniemi is well known for its winter travelling but we focus also on summertime offering all-inclusive holidays for in international travellers Then we take them to different fishing destinations in Lapland to experience rivers lakes and also the Arctic Sea in northern Norway.” “The main focus area is now to build a stronger summer season to balance out the peak winter period because currently – after it – there’s a super quiet time with the summer being a very domestic season for Rovaniemi And it should be more international so that we could keep our workers in the trade by growing the tourism revenue to be more stable all year round So that’s our biggest aim and we are working towards that,” said Sanna Kärkkäinen at Visit Rovaniemi the demand is so high that the city is all the time in the search of new investments for accommodation and also some service providers but the biggest demand is on the hotel side We are now happy to hear more news from our supplies that they’re going to add services and invest more,” continued Sanna and added: “We need to be considerate also to be more environmentally conscious And we participate in all the different projects to make it more sustainable and more responsible As for the claim on Santa Claus Rovaniemi is certainly in pole position “There might be some others who lay the claim on Santa Claus but they don’t know the truth – of course Santa Claus lives in a place called Korvatunturi [‘Ear Fell’] somewhere secret in Finland But he has his office in the Santa Claus village where all the people of the world can meet him every day,” responded Ulla “Santa Claus can be met every day in Rovaniemi so that’s something no one else has in the world – that you can come there and meet him every day and that’s it,” laughed Kaisa Freelance business and lifestyle photojournalist Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value"