Christmas in Lapland: plans to save the season
That the winter of 2020-2021 will be abnormal is common knowledge. Ski slopes probably will not reopen, travel is a point [...]
RVN
That the winter of 2020-2021 will be abnormal is well known. The ski slopes probably won't reopen, travel is a question mark between travel bansand mandatory quarantine. But what is happening in those countries that winter cannot do without? What strategies have the quintessential Christmas resorts put in place?
In this article:
One example comes from the Lapland, who is trying to save Christmas. In every way.
Christmas in Lapland, everything is decided on December 13
From March 2020 to the present, Lapland has seen tourist numbers plummet dramatically. It has focused on local tourism, but it has not been enough to avoid the disastrous losses. The hope? An easing of restrictions, originally scheduled for Nov. 23 but now postponed. Only travelers from Australia, Japan, Rwanda, Vatican State, South Korea, Singapore and New Zealand are not subject to mandatory testing or quarantine.
The numbers, however, are reviewed weekly, and the hope is that the December 13 tourists from Europe are also (re)admitted to the country. The idea being considered by the government is to admit foreign travelers to Lapland For 72 hours without the requirement of quarantine. However, it is necessary to show on arrival the (negative) result of a Molecular test carried out 72 hours before.
"Christmas has not been cancelled. This year will be different from previous years, but I am sure that travelers arriving here will find tremendous enjoyment. Together with the Lapland Hospital District, we have created a safe travel model," commented Sanna Kärkkäinen, managing director of Visit Rovaniemi (the official home of Santa Claus).
On the other side of the border, in Sweden, the situation is different. European citizens can safely treat themselves to a vacation without access restrictions or mandatory quarantine (but don't plan to arrive in Sweden and then go to Finland: the borders between Scandinavian countries are closed). However, the problem arises when returning to Italy: the government, to date, prevents people from leaving the red and orange regions and is considering introducing mandatory quarantine for those traveling abroad for the Christmas vacations.
Source: Visit Rovaniemi (Facebook)
Plans for the future (not just the near future)
Of course, if indeed the Finnish government lifts the blockade on arrivals, Christmas in Lapland will be different. Large groups will not be allowed and people will travel with family or a few friends (in this way, ensuring social distancing will be easier). Travel will be short and we will need to optimize the time once we get to Rovaniemi (you know you can get there almost for free because of the membership rewards points linked to your American Express Platinum?). But it will be worth it: Lapland is a beautiful place, and it is the only place in the world where children can meet the "real" Santa Claus.
But there are those who preferred bet everything on 2021. The British tour operator Inghams is running a massive advertising campaign to bring tourists to Lapland in the months of November and December Of the coming year. How? By focusing on exclusivity: stays in frozen igloos, huski sled safaris, northern lights hunts. Even hotel chains are of the same mind: restrictions take away the magic. Santa can be met online for this year. And booking now for 2021 can be really profitable.
