Kemijärvi, selected as the 2022 Winter City of the Year in Yle’s Half Seven programme, will receive nationwide visibility in a live broadcast on Valentine’s Day.
– The title is positive and has given us visibility and recognition. It has given us a boost to develop Kemijärvi as a tourist town,” says Anna-Christine Lampela.
Kemijärvi has long been known for its industry. Now they want to develop the town and bring it to the attention of tourists.
– Hopefully, the publicity will also attract new tourism entrepreneurs to the city. Nature and cultural tourism are Kemijärvi’s trump cards. The potential is there. We just need to get it all together and put it out there so that people can find us.
The hub of mountain destinations
The title of Finland’s winter city has also brought publicity to nearby municipalities. Kemijärvi is surrounded by fells.
– This title has been a matter for the whole of Eastern Lapland. You can take the train to Kemijärvi and our own fell, Suomu. Salla, Pyhä, Luosto, Ruka and Riisitunturi in Posio are also nearby. Kemijärvi is a good central location for these shops and services.
In order to receive domestic and foreign guests, it is important that people can get to the place easily. The electric train, airports and bus connections are of prime importance.
– In terms of sustainable development tourism, it is important that people get there by train. Of course, Rovaniemi and Kuusamo airports are also important. You can also take a bus from Kemijärvi via Suomu to Ruka and Kuusamo.
TV programme goes to town
Kemijärvi is the winter city of the year 2022 of the Ylen Half Seven program. It was chosen as such by public vote. On Valentine’s Day, Half Seven will broadcast the program live from the Kemijärvi Cultural Center, and of course it will start at 6:30 p.m.
In the broadcast, we are also in the courtyard of the cultural center. The Yukigassen snowball challenge is held in the yard. High school students have challenged Kemijärvi’s decision-makers to a snow war. In addition, the yard has a sledding hill, a snowman park and a husky ride to match the winter town theme.
In the courtyard of the cultural center, there is also something going on during the evening. The open-air event is open to everyone from 5 to 8 p.m. Kähinä-Pate will perform outside at the end of the live broadcast after 19:00.