The northern border trade is in favor of Sweden, but growing tourism brings a good slice of it to Tornio

/ Tourism

The northern border trade is in favor of Sweden, but growing tourism brings a good slice of it to Tornio

The weak course of the crown has led shopping travelers to Sweden for many years. However, Finland is delighted that the border region is increasingly fascinating international tourists.

At the border of Tornio and Haaparanta, traffic flows on a regular February Saturday as always. There are many goers to Sweden, but the steady current of cars is also crossing the border towards Finland.

The border trade has been in favor of the Swedes for many years. The currency of the kingdom has been weak in relation to the euro, which has attracted both the local population and shopping travelers to Sweden.

For shopping at Haparanda, we are ready to come from long distances. Especially cheaper alcohol and tobacco products are of interest, of course, furniture giant Ikea also draws a wide range of clientele from all over northern Finland. The locals also buy groceries and fuel from the western neighbor.

– The shopping center was 2.1 million last year and sales of EUR 50.3 million. We have been in the same readings in recent years. The location next to the lively quads will benefit us.

In tourism, a huge growth – a congested Rovaniemi alternative is being sought

Meri-Lapland is wrestling with Rovaniemi and Lapland ski resorts in a different series, but recent growth has still been strong.

Eija-Sinikka Juho says that the number of registered overnight stays in Tornio has increased by 25 % compared to the previous year. Haparanda also attracts tourists.

The Cape East Spa Hotel in the city says on its website that the French arriving on Charter flights has booked the hotel until the end of March. According to Eija-Sinikka Juho, French tourists have also spent money on the Finnish side.

A blond woman sitting at the table in front of a computer.
Minna Takanen, Sales Manager at the Tornio Park Hotel, believes that Meri-Lapland is an interesting alternative to the congested Rovaniemi for tour operators.

-Tornio-Haparanda is interesting for Asians, for example. The new year in the border area, where the year changes twice is a unique experience. The new years have already been sold out with us so that the next time is free in 2028, says Minna Takanen.

Takanen believes that Meri-Lapland has already become a viable option for tour operators alongside the rest of Lapland and Rovaniemi, as Rovaniemi, in particular, is already so full of tourists.

– We get the same hotel and program services, but at least for the time being at a cheaper price. We also have more peaceful than, for example, a tourist from a million cities. Hopefully, the ascendant development will continue.