Lapland - The North of Finland's search for four travellers to experience the heart and soul of Lapland has come to an end. The online 'Meet the Locals' campaign run in the UK, Netherlands and Russia saw hundreds of entrants and awakened interest among fans of Lapland around the world, with entries coming in from sixteen countries including Sri Lanka and Singapore.  

The campaign searched for travellers seeking genuine experiences who would visit Lapland as part of a life swap. Now the lucky swappers have been chosen. Jaime, Megan and Travis from London and Neeltje from Amsterdam will be heading to the last wilderness in Europe in early December to swap their lives with four Lappish residents who will open their homes and lives to the visitors.

Jaime Nunez, 37, a British holiday swapper who works in an advertising agency and enjoys wall-climbing in his free time will be jumping into the shoes of Gareth Hutton from Enontekiö.

"My biggest dream is to live close to nature, doing creative things that can make the world a little better. Now I have been given a chance to do that. I get to go to Enontekiö to witness its unique natural phenomena and genuine Lappish hospitality. In exchange, Gareth will get to spend time in a very Bohemian North-London lifestyle," quotes Jaime.

Meanwhile, Eero and Tiina Leppänen from Rovaniemi will exchange their daily lives with the backpacking and scuba-diving couple Megan, 28, and Travis Symons, 29. Though currently living in Britain, the culture- and adventure-thirsty couple is originally from Australia. They hope that through them, Eero and Tiina will experience London through the eyes of locals. Some of Megan and Travis's biggest dreams are to scuba dive in Antarctica and to visit many different countries. Learning about the Leppänens' lives in Lapland's modern and lively capital is one step toward fulfilling those dreams.

The one-week life swap will start on the 2nd December 2013. The experiences of both sets of swappers can be followed in words and pictures on OnlyInLapland's Facebook page.

"Besides candid encounters with local people, the visitors can expect an exciting hunt for northern lights, a taste of Lappish cuisine and journeys to discover the natural environment, tailored to their own wishes. I believe that each of them will have such unique experiences in Lapland that they will leave a small bit of their hearts here forever," says Hanna-Mari Talvensaari, Marketing Director for Lapland - The North of Finland project.

-Ends-

Further information:

Hanna-Mari Talvensaari, Head of Marketing, Lapland - The North of Finland, Regional Council of Lapland hanna-mari.talvensaari@lapinliitto.fi, +358 (0)40 570 0268                                                                                                              

www.OnlyInLapland.com

http://www.facebook.com/OnlyInLapland

Download the Laplication app for your iPad or iPhone http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/laplication/id553424031?mt=8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9N54n8nYA4E&list=UUWus6_keqvCN-w1n1o7HPbQ&index=6

Lapland - The North of Finland tourism project aims to create pulling power for northern Finland, especially in the Netherlands, the UK‐, Germany and Russia. The target group for Lapland and Koillismaa is modern humanists, who make up 15% of the global tourist population. The Finnish Tourist Board's budget for the three-year project is 5.8 million euros. The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the Regional Council of Lapland and the Council of Oulu Region, the municipalities of Lapland and Koillismaa and the Finnish Tourist Board.

For press information please contact:
Amelia Astley Birtwistle
Tel: +44 207 953 7470
Email: Amelia@lotus-uk.co.uk