섹션 개요


    • Jingle All the Way: Community development through Christmas Tourism

      Abstract:
      In the spirit of the season, this presentation explores how Christmas tourism became a force of both community development and transformation. It does so by relying upon the case of Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland. Although Christmas tourism development started in the late 1960s, it was not until 2010 that Rovaniemi was officially recognized as the official hometown of Santa Claus. The presentation delves into the various dimensions of Christmas tourism, examining its impact on economic growth, local culture, and social life. By drawing on historical data and recent studies, we explore the role of strategic planning, political engagement, and community involvement in turning Christmas into a driver for tourism development. This presentation not only highlights the successes of Rovaniemi as a popular Nordic destination but also navigates through the challenges encountered along its development path.