Safari guides in Lapland run out of work when the season ends – tourism growth now expected in summer and autumn

Tourism in Lapland grows even in the snowless season, but most seasonal workers are not employed. The growth of summer and autumn tourism requires long-term work.

Matilainen, who has worked as a safari guide for five years, is now looking for a job: first for the summer, then for the winter.

The job search is familiar to a Seson worker, but Matilainen is already looking for stability in life.

– It would always be easier if you could continue (in the same job). It is more challenging to find a job in the north, but if you look for work elsewhere in Finland or abroad, it is easier to get a job,” says Matilainen.

– It’s hard for companies if you have to hire new seasonal workers every year. It is also heavy for seasonal workers who would like to stay in the area and permanently live here, says Kouri.

Overnight night and coolness emerging trends

Lapland is known for its winter and snowy scenery, but tourism for snow -free time is also increasing. In 2024, tourism grew by 30 percent outside the Winter season in the Inari area from the previous year.

According to Hanna Kour, CEO of the Regional Organization, the extension of the season and the reduction of seasonal fluctuations have been the number one priority for years in the Inari region.

\”It’s the only way to grow sustainably here in northernmost Lapland,\” says Kouri.

According to Kour, the nightless night and the cool climate are rising trends among European tourists. For example, Switzerland and Austria have used the cool climate in tourism marketing.

The European Union also supports the development of summer tourism. The people of Lapland recently reported that tourism companies can apply for a fair transition to a total of EUR 2.8 million in funding for the year -round program service projects for the year -round tourism.

Accommodation capacity in Lapland can be found, but the development of program services requires investment. However, extending the tourism season is a long -term work, Kouri says.

– In order to start a big start, it requires long -term investment. Accessibility is also a big deal that there are direct scheduled flights from Central Europe. It requires a little restraint and design, says Kouri.

Lapland’s tourism sustainability has also been discussed many times with the just ended winter season. For example, tourism has loaded sensitive nature.

Seasonal work eats into tax revenues

Currently, the summer season employs in Saariselkä mainly for the hotel and restaurant industry, and Esa Matilainen, who works as a guide, does not have a job for the summer.

This summer, he will celebrate his girlfriend in home in France, but the couple would like to build their lives north. Continuing fixed -term makes it difficult to stabilize.

– The year -round could allow for a permanent employment contract, which then allows for permanent income and mortgage, says Matilainen of his dreams.

According to the Service Trade Union, 10,000-12,000 seasonal workers have worked in Lapland during the past winter season. However, only few people in the tourism season pays taxes in the area. When there is only a short period of work, the tax rate remains zero due to low income.

The municipality of Inari, the tourism companies and other stakeholders in the area are currently developing a reforming tourism strategy and a plan to develop tourism in the area, taking into account the nature, nature, Sámi culture and livelihoods.

*The topic was discussed on Tuesday, April 15th**in Yle Ođđasat, **.*