The tourism marketing company Meri-Lapin Matkailu oy has filed for bankruptcy

Aerial view from Kukkolankoski in Tornio.
Finland’s largest free rapid, Kukkolankoski is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Meri-Lap.

The ten-year-old company’s life is coming to an end due to bankruptcy. The company is owned by the companies and municipalities of Kemi, Keminmaa, Tornio, Tervola and Simon.

According to Taisto Saare, chairman of the board of Meri-Lapin Matkailu oy, the reason for the financial crisis is the recent collapse of tourism caused by the corona pandemic and cuts in the funding of the municipalities and companies that own the company.

Companies own 92 percent of the company and municipalities 8 percent.

According to Saari, the chairman of the board, Meri-Lapin Matkailu oy has been important to small tourism companies in the region that do not have their own marketing organization.

According to Saari, the company currently has one employee and owes around 20,000 euros.