Airbnb’s drawbacks angered Rovaniemi residents in resident survey – Mayor: “Short-term rentals have grown to be huge”

The people of Rovaniemi believe that tourism has transformed the city. The changes have been mostly positive, say the respondents to the survey.

The article on short-term rentals in the Building Act is currently being revised by the Ministry of the Environment.

– The law of supply and demand has led to a situation where short-term rentals have become huge,” says Vainio.

In Rovaniemi, the hope is that the legislation would be clarified not only for tenants but also for the work of the authorities.

Disadvantages of short-term rentals

In November and January, the city of Rovaniemi conducted a tourism resident survey, which was answered by 3,083 Rovaniemi. Two -thirds of the respondents do not work in the tourism industry or receive related income.

This is the first time that the effects of tourism have been investigated just as extensively from the perspective of the residents.

– The results of the survey provide us with valuable information on how the people of Rovaniemi experience tourism, says Vainio.

The disadvantages of short rental are clearly highlighted in the answers. Increased short rental prices have increased housing prices and, according to the respondents, a long-term rental home may be difficult to find.

Vitality and road safety

More than 85 % of those who responded to the resident survey feel that tourism has changed Rovaniemi. The changes have been largely positive.

Tourism is perceived to have increased the vitality and attraction of Rovaniemi. The biggest benefits are economic growth, employment opportunities, and increasing and diversification in the area’s service offerings.

According to the respondents, tourism has had a positive impact on, for example, restaurants, cultural events and activities. Improved transport links also support residents.

Instead, traffic and safety, for example, suffer from growing tourism. Respondents feel that the development of the city’s infrastructure is not in balance with the growth of tourism.

Taking into account the needs of local people

Residents were also able to make their own proposals in the survey how Rovaniemi’s tourism should be developed.

The responses are particularly emphasized in the consideration of local needs in tourism planning. This also involves the desire to improve traffic and safety. Both tourists and residents are expected to have better public transport connections and clearer signage for traffic.

The proposals highlight the introduction of tourist tax in Rovaniemi.

Strengthening the responsibility and sustainability of tourism is also seen as important. According to the respondents, this would be successful by reducing snowmobile and huscopes and increasing walking and cycling routes.