Decline in Russian tourism sends Santa Claus Village into bankruptcy

The Santa Claus Village in northern Finnish town of Rovaniemi, has filed for  bankruptcy after failing to meet a $223,000 tax bill. With Russian visitors making up the majority of visitors, the  rouble’s decline and its impact on tourist numbers has played a significant role in the village’s demise,  according to  MD Yarmo Kariniemi. “First there were fewer tourists from Greece, and then Spain,” he said this week. “That was followed by fewer Italians, Portuguese and finally Russians.” The company has one more week to get its finances in order and  still hopes that it will be able to avoid closing down altogether. 300,000 visitors made the trip to the theme park last year.

Source: rbth