Starting in March, heightened inspections of tour operators will take center stage in Northern Finland and Finnish Lapland.
Metsähallitus, the state forest management agency, is stepping up its oversight of tourism enterprises in popular outdoor recreational areas. This initiative aims not only to clarify best practices for operators but also to curb unauthorized tourism activities, as outlined in a press release issued on Monday.
The agency emphasizes that any tourism firm facilitating visits to protected areas must have signed cooperation agreements with them. Yet, it appears that some operators are either unaware of these stipulations or choosing not to follow them.
Metsähallitus also highlights that tour operators utilizing hiking trails, rest areas, and other facilities within their jurisdiction are required to pay annual fees based on their customer volume. Importantly, these fees are established by law.
As of the end of last year, Metsähallitus had recorded over 700 tourism entrepreneurs, with approximately two-thirds providing paid excursions in areas they manage. The remaining operators offer different services, such as guidance on accommodations and dining near national parks and hiking trails.
According to Katja Blomberg, a senior tourism specialist at the agency, the fastest-growing segment of this industry is outdoor activity firms, particularly in the bustling tourism hubs of Northern Finland.
To ensure compliance, Metsähallitus is organizing targeted monitoring visits to the country’s most frequented hiking and outdoor activity spots, working closely with local wilderness and game officials.
As this increased scrutiny begins next month, the focus will be squarely on ensuring that tour operators adhere to established rules and have the necessary permits. Without these agreements and paid fees in place, firms will be barred from operating in these prime locations, as stated by Metsähallitus.