The New York Times writes about the harms of tourism in Rovaniemi

The US media has interviewed local residents and Santa Claus, among others, about the increased tourism.

The New York Times in the United States writes about the downside of tourism in Rovaniemi in an article on Tuesday. The NYT writes that the town has become almost “uninhabitable” for residents, as masses of tourists travel there to meet Santa Claus.

– In 2024, 1.5 million overnight stays will be recorded in the city, more than double the number recorded ten years ago. This is a city of 60 000 permanent residents, Kärkkäinen comments to the NYT.

Tourists have taken away the sense of security

NYT reports that it interviewed both local residents and Santa Claus for the story.

A local interviewed by the magazine says that tourists renting Airbnb apartments have ruined the sense of security, for example, by seeking the wrong homes. According to him, some of the apartments were visited by prostitutes, and there was a fire in one apartment in the kitchen.

The story emphasizes how the people of Rovaniemi do not want a tourist trap like Barcelona in their hometown.

Santa also commented on the growing tourist business that has grown up.

– Those who benefit are happy. Those who are not jealous, ”Santa tells NOW.