As part of the Gateway to Land of National Parks project, the Municipality of Salla is preparing to establish a national park in the Sallatunturi Nature Reserve. The area covers more than 10 000 hectares. According to Parks&Wildlife in Finland’s calculations, approximately 76,000 visitors visited this conservation and recreational area in Sallatunturi last year.
During the autumn of 2019, a feasibility study was carried out in Salla. The survey searched the views of municipalities, businesses, tourists and tour operators on the establishment of the park. The survey showed that both the locals and tourists have a positive attitude towards the National Park. The locals hope that local livelihoods such as reindeer herding and hunting will be safeguarded.
The National Park is expected to create new opportunities in business, provide more services for tourists and sustainably strength as an attraction in Salla.