Change of majority owner at Santapark Ltd (25.3.2009 13:12)The City of Rovaniemi, the Finnish Government and Lapin Matkailu Oy are selling the shares they own in Santapark Ltd to the Rovaniemi-based company, Santa’s Holding. Behind this company are Ilkka Länkinen and Katja Ikäheimo-Länkinen, owners of ProSanta Oy. The City of Rovaniemi, the Finnish Government and Lapin Matkailu Oy are selling the shares they own in Santapark Ltd to the Rovaniemi-based company, Santa’s Holding. Behind this company are Ilkka Länkinen and Katja Ikäheimo-Länkinen, owners of ProSanta Oy.
In 2008, the Ownership Steering Department in the Prime Minister’s Office organised competitive tendering for the Santapark shares amongst several Finnish organisations. In the opinion of Mayor of Rovaniemi, Mauri Gardin, the transaction will safeguard Santapark’s operating environment, both now and in the future. “As far as Santapark’s future is concerned, it is important that ownership is transferred to a strong, focused, local and active party. The new majority owners will reinforce the Christmas activities on offer to tourists in Father Christmas’ home town, Rovaniemi”
Christmas tourism a significant employer
Santapark, situated on the Arctic Circle at Rovaniemi, has proven to be one of Rovaniemi's and Lapland's most attractive destinations, both in winter and in summer. In recent years, Santapark has been visited by 50,000–60,000 people per year. “The concept of Santapark has proven to work well, but in order to ensure its continued development, we must invest in sales and marketing and keep tight control of costs”, says Ilkka Länkinen. “We will be introducing additional content and a more diverse range of experiences, which will support the image of Father Christmas and other tourism in Lapland”, he continues.
He emphasises that the near future will be challenging on account of the global financial situation. “Together with other Arctic Circle and Rovaniemi tour operators, we must increase Rovaniemi’s prominence in the international arena”, agree Ilkka and Katja.
Katja Ikäheimo-Länkinen says that the time to implement the new plans will be in 2010–2011, and the objective will be to improve customer activities, boost the Christmas theme and increase profitability. We will try to make changes aimed at improving efficiency as early as Christmas 2009, she explains. “The aim over the next five years is to be Finland's leading provider of Christmas tourism services. Key to our future strategy is continued investment in product development where the role of personnel will be significant”, say the new directors of Santapark, Katja and Ilkka.
Ilkka Länkinen and Katja Ikäheimo-Länkinen
Read more in English or German language by clicking on PDF files below.
Neuer Hauptanteilseigner bei Santapark Ltd.pdf
Change of majority owner at Santapark Ltd.pdf
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