International tourism in the Arctic Lakeland region is continuing to grow after the coronavirus pandemic, with particularly strong momentum seen in passenger forecasts for Kajaani Airport. Registered international overnight stays in the region increased by more than 43% in January–October 2025 compared to the same period last year. Demand for winter tourism in Finland and the Arctic Lakeland region continues to grow, and improved flight connections are also boosting development in the region.
Photo Iida Homanen.
During the winter (December–March), the seat capacity of international flights to Kajaani will increase by 36% compared to the same period last year, while the growth for Finland as a whole is 7%. Kajaani’s growth rate is clearly higher than the national average. According to the ForwardKeys Destination Gateway forecast, Kajaani Airport will receive 50 percent more international passengers than last winter.
Strong growth expected from the UK, the Netherlands and Germany
New charter flights from Manchester in December are reflected in strong growth among British travelers in particular, with customer numbers expected to increase by up to 200%. Growth of 32% is expected from the Netherlands, particularly in January and February. The number of German travelers is expected to grow by +43%, evenly throughout the winter and especially in March. According to the forecast, approximately 1,000 more foreign air passengers will arrive in Kajaani during the winter months than last winter, totaling more than 3,000 passengers. In addition to passengers arriving on direct flights, the forecast includes foreign passengers flying to Kajaani via Helsinki and staying for at least one night. Tourists arriving on winter flights from Manchester will stay in the area for 3–4 days, and thanks to weekly flights from Amsterdam, Dutch tourists will stay for at least a week.
-Tourism trends show that consumers are increasingly seeking new and lesser-known destinations, says Susanne Heikkinen, Analyst at Visit Finland.
In addition to the largest tourist groups, passengers are also expected to arrive from Sweden, Switzerland, and Spain, among other countries, for the winter season that has just begun.
– It is very encouraging to see that the long-term work to develop international holiday flights and cooperation with tour operators is now showing concrete results. Growth does not happen by itself – it requires market knowledge, building trust with airlines and tour operators, and the ability to meet the expectations of the target markets. The strengths of Arctic Lakeland Finland are appealing to international travelers on an expanding scale, says Aija Laukkanen from Vuokatin Matkailukeskus Ltd.
Load factor is increasing in scheduled air traffic
The average monthly passenger load factor on scheduled flights from Helsinki to Kajaani during the first half of the year (January–July) was 50–60%.The trend has been even more positive in the fall: in August–October, the load factor climbed to 60–67%, with September being the best month of the year so far.
-During the fall, passenger numbers on scheduled flights grew by more than 10% compared to the same period last year, and in October, the 4,000 monthly route passenger limit was exceeded for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began, says Risto Hämäläinen, Development Director for the City of Kajaani.
International demand for Arctic Lakeland continues to grow
The attractive appeal of Arctic Lakeland Finland is constantly growing. Increasing numbers of tourists bring much-needed vitality to the region and open up new opportunities for local tourism businesses. Brand marketing is based on the tourism region’s own strong attractions. Arctic Lakeland is profiled as a peaceful and authentic tourism destination for different target groups, both in winter and during the snow-free season. The visibility of the tourist region has been purposefully increased directly among consumers and in cooperation with airlines, tour operators, influencers, and the media.
-Awareness has been strengthened in the consumer market, particularly in the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK, through targeted digital campaigns. The goal is to convert growing interest into concrete tourism demand and sales revenue for the region,” says Arctic Lakeland Coordinator Hanna Linjala.
Media and influencer trips are a cost-effective way to increase awareness of the Arctic Lakeland region in target markets.
– Wild Taiga, in collaboration with Visit Finland and Finnair, has brought several media groups to Arctic Lakeland this year, for example, in the UK, the traditional media circulation of our press trips has been 101 million, and in November, ITV’s live morning broadcasts from Arctic Lakeland were also watched by an audience of millions over three days, says Jaana Keränen.
– Tourism also supports everyday services and leisure opportunities that are important to all local communities. The growing interest highlights the need to develop tourism in the region in a sustainable way, says Minna Komulainen, regional development expert at the Regional Council of Kainuu.
For more information:
Risto Hämäläinen, City of Kajaani
risto.hamalainen @ kajaani.fi, 044 710 0217
Susanne Heikkinen, Visit Finland
susanne.heikkinen@businessfinland.fi
Aija Laukkanen, Vuokatin Matkailukeskus Ltd.
aija.laukkanen @ vuokatti.fi, 040 611 6950
Hanna Linjala, Arctic Lakeland Finland
hanna.linjala @ kamk.fi, 040 583 7362
Jaana Keränen, Idän Taiga association
jaana @ wildtaiga.com, 050 592 0505
Minna Komulainen, Regional Council of Kainuu
minna.komulainen @ kainuunliitto.fi, 044 410 0726