Visitors also spend more money, boosting the economy of the communities surrounding the park.
Many people still use national parks in Finland, according to the state-run natural resources management company. Mezzahallitus.
Last year, 3.6 million people visited Finland’s national parks, reflecting a 1% increase from 2022. At the same time, visitors boosted the economy of local communities near the park by 4 percent, resulting in an additional impact of approximately 10 million euros, the company explained in a press release. on friday.
Interest in the park has been growing since 2000, according to Metsähallitus’ executive director of parks and wildlife. Henrik Jansson. Many people visited national parks during the coronavirus pandemic, but the park’s popularity wasn’t just a temporary phenomenon.
Visits to national parks have increased by 12% since 2019. These visitors spent around 285 million euros in the area surrounding the park last year.
“It is worth remembering that national parks are an attraction, especially in eastern and northern Finland, and are important drivers of the local economy.Although Finns are increasingly living in cities, many We want to spend our free time in the most majestic nature in “even more remote areas,” Jansson said in the release.
However, Mezzahallitus, which is state-funded, also pointed out that this year’s funding will be 11 million euros lower compared to 2023.
To address this, the company has made efforts to increase efficiency and save money, including cutting staff.
Of the 41 national parks in Japan, the following were the most popular last year.
1. Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park – 584,000 visitors
2. Urho Kekkonen National Park – Number of visitors 417,600
3. Nuuksio National Park – Number of visitors 274,400
4. Koli National Park – Number of visitors 249,100
5. Pyhä-Luosto National Park – Number of visitors 217,400
6. Aulanka National Park – Number of visitors 175,800
7. Shipoonkorpi National Park – Number of visitors 172,500
8. Repovesi National Park – Number of visitors 132,400
9. Syote National Park – Number of visitors 106,100
10. Teijo National Park – 93,000 visitors
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