|
Approximately 500 000 tourists visit Rovaniemi each year. The unique location of Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle has attracted visitors from all over the world. In 2010 the amount of registered overnights in Rovaniemi region exceeded 468.800, of which 52 % were foreign. Of the foreign tourists visiting Rovaniemi 16 percent were Russian followed by German, British, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch and Norwegian travellers.
The busiest tourist season is winter from November till April and the winter season counts for more than 60 percent of the total number of visitors. Economically the winter season is even more significant. Christmas tourism has grown year by year. In Christmas 2010 more than 190 foreign charter flights, domestic carriers and special trains brought about 50 000 travellers to Rovaniemi. The biggest attraction is still Santa Claus, but the growth of Christmas tourism is largely based on the Christmas programmes offered by the area’s activity services as well as the Christmas season events in Rovaniemi. Approximately 200 different media from more than 50 countries visited Rovaniemi region in 2010.
In addition to the individual attraction factors the growth of tourism in Rovaniemi region has been based on the first-rate activity services. In winter the most popular activities along with skiing are snowmobiling, reindeer and husky dog safaris and winter driving schools. In summer the riverboat cruises to various points of interest are on top of the list. Rovaniemi also offers versatile meeting and congress services.
|