Lapland is currently experiencing a curious phenomenon. Indeed, due to lack of space in their suitcases or because they have no use for them once they return home, tourists leave their winter clothes behind at the end of their vacation. Sometimes these are branded clothes whose price can reach 1000 francs. On site, this is becoming more and more problematic.
As reported by the Finnish news site Yle, the phenomenon was, for example, observed in Rovaniemi during this season. Nothing new about this. The Arctic Hotel Collection in Rovaniemi has, for several years now, been accustomed to seeing this waste of clothing by tourists.
“Every winter, we accumulate several bags of clothes and accessories abandoned by tourists. This includes branded clothing forgotten or intentionally left in hotel rooms,” explains hotel manager Miko Gröhn in Yle.
The problem is just as familiar at the Sokos Vaakuna hotel in Rovaniemi, which is tackling it by adopting a very proactive solution: “We put up posters in the elevator to inform guests that they can drop off their clothes at the dedicated collection point at our hotel reception,” explains hotel manager Tiina Määttä. These clothes are subsequently donated to charitable organizations.
This winter, the cup is full. The Municipality of Rovaniemi has decided to carry out an investigation in order to fully understand the extent of the problem and take action accordingly. As project manager Katariina Sieppi explains to Yle: “We know that travelers leave behind a large amount of clothes and objects, but until now they have no idea of the scale of the thing”.
Rovaniemi residents, tourism businesses and travelers themselves can participate in the survey, the results of which will be available in January. The survey is also part of a larger project to find new ways to promote the circular economy. Katariina Sieppi suggests various solutions, including the introduction of rental and recycling possibilities for winter clothing: “We could sell used winter equipment in good condition to tourists in a targeted manner or offer a collection service for winter clothing. objects which no longer have any use in their eyes.
Have you ever left clothes in a hotel?
