Asian tourists flock to the home of Santa Claus

Asian tourists flock to the home of Santa Claus. [Photo/CNTV]

For Lapland, in Northern Finland, this holiday season is crucial. The number of Russian visitors to the home of Santa Claus has been declining in recent years, so now the tourist industry is turning its attention to Asia in the hope of attracting new business over the holiday season.

It's a winter wonderland in the Santa Claus Village, about eight kilometres north of Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland in Northern Finland.

More than 300,000 people, from as far and wide as Australia, China, France, and Ireland, visit the village every year to enjoy the snow and get into the festive spirit.

That's good news for Rovaniemi, a city geared towards winter tourism. This season counts for up to 60 percent of total annual visitors.

In recent years, an expanding Asian middle class - buoyed by increased disposable income and relaxed travel restrictions - have been packing their bags, making Europe one of their top destinations.

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