Rovaniemi, Santa's official home, captivates Indians seeking white Christmas, northern lights
Indians headed to Santa Claus's home this winter, with Rovaniemi witnessing a 20% uptick in visitors from the country. These comprised high net-worth individuals (HNIs), honeymooners and families looking at the Finnish destination to experience not just a white Christmas, but also the northern lights and Arctic activities.
Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland, Finland, and is located on the Arctic Circle.
It was recognised as the official home of Santa Claus in 2010, but it's also home to 12,450 reindeer. The tourism growth this Christmas season was about 20%, while the entire winter season is about 10% higher compared to previous year, according to Sanna Karkkainen, CEO, Visit Rovaniemi.
When it comes to Indian travellers, there has been a 154.7% increase, measured by registered beds, though Indians make up 1.3% of its total visitors.
«We are witnessing increased interest not only from family/multi-generational families, but equally from India's millennials, couples/honeymooners, HNIs and UHNIs seeking that once-in-a-lifetime experience that money can't buy,» says Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head — Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India), adding that Indians are increasingly becoming discerning travellers and the YOLO (you only live once) mindset is creating strong demand for destinations like Finland. «Our data shows a 20-30% YoY uptick in demand.»
«Finland is a new luxury destination for Indians and is well known among Indians as 'the happiest country in the world'.
