Lapland tourism employers call for stricter licensing to curb poor working conditions

The Finnish Hospitality Association (Mara) is pushing for mandatory operating licenses for Lapland’s tourism program service providers following reports of seasonal workers facing exploitation and unsafe conditions, Yle reports.

The call comes after recent media coverage exposed cases where employees described substandard housing, unpaid wages, and lack of proper breaks. While Mara acknowledges the issues are concentrated in a small number of businesses, its CEO Timo Lappi argues the sector’s rapid growth has attracted unscrupulous operators.

“Some companies are tarnishing the reputation of those who follow the rules,” Lappi said. He proposed licensing to allow authorities to vet business owners before operations begin, ensuring compliance with labor and safety standards. “When wages and benefits go unpaid, when workers are denied leave—this isn’t just wrong, it’s theft from society and distorts fair competition.”

One company criticized in reports, Arctic GM, denied wrongdoing. Its CEO Mehmet Buyukozturk attributed complaints to misunderstandings and disgruntled employees, claiming housing feedback was unfair and pay issues had been resolved. “I know there are firms here just trying to profit from the short season, ignoring safety,” he said. “We’re not one of them.”

Local business owner Heidi Haavikko of Snowhotel Family supported licensing, calling it “absurd” that anyone could lead activities like Northern Lights tours without oversight. “There should be checks to confirm if someone’s actually qualified,” she said, noting her own seasonal staff receive proper housing.

Mara’s push marks a rare stance for the typically deregulation-minded group. Lappi stressed that while most Lapland tourism businesses operate ethically, licensing would help weed out bad actors in a booming but vulnerable industry.