Growing tourism puts pressure on Inari – municipality to examine impact on local residents

In Rovaniemi and Tromsø, Norway, similar surveys revealed concerns about housing and transport.

The municipality of Inari is studying the social impact of tourism among local residents and collecting local people’s experiences of how tourism affects their living environment, health, culture and community.

Tourism in Lapland has grown, especially in Rovaniemi, but its growth is also putting pressure on Inari. The number of paid overnight stays in Inari increased by 17.5% last year compared to the previous year.

Through an open questionnaire targeted at the citizens of Inari, the municipality wants to promote responsible tourism in the Inari region. The results of the survey will also be used as a basis for tourism projects.

The survey will be conducted as part of the Visit Finland Responsibility Program. The survey explains what good and bad experiences the locals have about tourism.

– Then we are further added as a municipal to promote sustainable tourism and what it is for sustainable tourism, and where tourism should be invested in the Inari area.

Tourism growth in Rovaniemi and Tromsø tightens rental housing market

A similar survey on the social impact of tourism growth has also been conducted in Rovaniemi. Based on the answers, the people of Rovaniemi mainly think positively about tourism.

However, the residents of Rovaniemi are particularly concerned about the short rental of housing, such as Airbnb. Short rental has increased housing prices. According to respondents to the survey, long-term rental homes have become more difficult.

In addition, traffic and public safety of the city are concerned. Respondents feel that the city’s infrastructure is not in balance in relation to the increased number of people. For example, locals wish for better public transport links and traffic signs.

Also in Tromsa, Northern Norway, the local experiences of tourism have been explored. The Tromsine people feel that the strong growth of tourism has increased housing prices and increased hazards in traffic. In Tromsa, we are also concerned about the impact of tourism on the nature and environment of the area.