The steady influx of Chinese tourists to Rovaniemi in recent years has sparked an increasing demand for cuisine that caters to their tastes. While the city is home to three Chinese restaurants, along with a variety of eateries offering local fare, it begs the question: Is Rovaniemi truly equipped to serve its growing number of Chinese visitors?
This topic was at the forefront during a recent seminar led by Xing Liu from the Natural Resource Institute Finland (LUKE). In her insightful paper titled “Remember These Things When Serving Chinese Guests,” Liu shed light on the unique preferences of Chinese tourists and the essential considerations for providing an accommodating dining experience.
Data indicates that Lapland experienced a remarkable surge in overnight stays by visitors from China and Hong Kong in 2016, with expectations that overall tourist demand in Finland will rise by over 30 percent in the coming years. Liu attributed this boom to several captivating factors: the enchanting presence of Santa Claus, Lapland’s breathtaking natural landscapes—the aurora borealis, pristine forests, and shimmering lakes—as well as years of strategic promotional efforts by Visit Finland, Visit Lapland, various travel agencies, and even Alibaba.
Despite these attractions, Liu pointed out several shortcomings in how Rovaniemi currently caters to its Chinese guests. Key issues included limited variety, unappealing food presentations, and the temperature of drinks served alongside meals. Chinese diners typically expect three core elements in their food: color, flavor, and taste. Liu highlighted that many Chinese travelers shy away from dairy products and prefer hot beverages, such as tea or hot water, during meals.
“The challenge now lies not in the number of restaurants but in the diversity and styles of cuisine offered,” Liu emphasized during her discussion with Daily Finland. “Chinese travelers are increasingly eager to immerse themselves in different local food cultures, yet they typically rely on Chinese restaurants for familiar tastes.”
She noted that there is a high demand for Chinese restaurants, as local options often lack both competitive pricing and timely availability. “While local eateries featuring affordable Lappish cuisine, such as the ‘Rovaniemi menu,’ are popular, their prices can exceed those of Chinese menus by 10 to 30 percent, depending on the portion sizes and selections available,” Liu explained.
Local establishments that offer specialty menus—those with high-quality, uniquely crafted dishes—tend to be particularly well-received, as they provide a taste of authentic local culture. However, Liu pointed out that Rovaniemi currently has a limited number of such restaurants, largely due to the seasonal nature of tourism. Many of the top-tier restaurants, like Nili, are often fully booked well in advance.
In response to the burgeoning interest from Chinese tourists, both local and Chinese restaurant owners have begun to adapt. Katri Ruotsalainen, the manager of Nili restaurant, noted, “We recognized the growing Chinese customer base and introduced our menu in Chinese two years ago. Previously, our menu was available in other foreign languages like Russian and Italian, but this change has made a significant difference.”
Zhang Heng, manager of the Chinese restaurant Hai Long, also spoke to these developments, sharing that his establishment features a dedicated space for Chinese patrons, allowing them to enjoy their meals in a familiar ambiance.
“Rovaniemi has seen a commendable rise in the number of Chinese restaurants, which currently meet demand quite effectively. However, it’s worth noting that our busy high season tends to fill up quickly,” said Sanna Kärkkäinen, Managing Director of Visit Rovaniemi.
Data supports this optimism; from January to March 2017, Rovaniemi reported approximately 24,700 registered overnight stays from Chinese tourists, including visitors from Taiwan and Hong Kong, making up about 15 percent of all foreign overnight stays in the city. Last year marked a significant growth, with China emerging as the top source for tourists in Rovaniemi, contributing nearly 30,000 bed nights.
As Rovaniemi embraces this influx of Chinese visitors, the challenge now lies in meeting their culinary expectations while showcasing the best of local culture—an endeavor that promises to enhance the experiences of tourists and locals alike.