The Vaasa region is proudly recognized with Visit Finland's Sustainable Travel Finland label as of September 2024. This honor reflects the commitment of Visit Vaasa and over half of its international tourism businesses to sustainability, having completed a dedicated program.

As the first mid-sized Finnish destination to earn this distinction, Vaasa, set along Finland's stunning west coast, is leading the way in eco-friendly travel.

"Our partnership with Visit Vaasa is crucial to our shared vision of a greener future," notes Liisa Kokkarinen, Visit Finland's sustainability expert. Max Jansson, CEO of Visit Vaasa, adds, "This is just the beginning. Sustainability is at the heart of our mission, and we'll keep striving for excellence."

Explore Vaasa's array of sustainable travel options, from cozy stays to exciting attractions and dining, in a handy directory at the link below.

Discover the sustainable companies offering services for travelers in Vaasa region >>
Read more about Vaasa region sustainability actions >>

Located amidst pristine wilderness, Salla has always been dedicated to preserving the area for future generations. This commitment has now been honored with the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) label, a recognition of the collective efforts of local businesses ranging from ski slopes to cozy accommodations and engaging activities.

Salla's tourism sector is thriving with a mindful approach to growth that respects the environment, ensuring that development coexists with the conservation of its unique natural heritage.

The community's engagement efforts have also been celebrated with Salla's 'Give back to local nature' campaign earning the Skål Europe Sustainability Award 2024. In partnership with the Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation, this initiative highlights Salla's innovative approach to transparent carbon offset programs, encouraging involvement from local residents, international visitors, and tour operators.

Learn more about Salla's path towards sustainability >>

City of Oulu proudly stands as the first among Finland's six largest cities to earn the STF label, marking a significant stride in its strategic commitment to sustainable tourism. As global demands for responsible travel grow, Oulu is ahead of the curve, incorporating sustainability as a competitive edge in industry development and marketing.

The city's journey to sustainability is characterized by collaborative efforts of local stakeholders. For example, Kirsi Eskola from Go Arctic shares, "We prioritize locally sourced ingredients and organic products in our cafes, and our events feature creative, recycled decor. Additionally, we contribute to charity from our team events, underscoring our commitment to sustainability."

Oulu's proactive stance ensures tourism evolves in harmony with the environment and community values.

Read more about Oulu's sustainable actions here >>

On December 2, 2024, the Turku Archipelago region was awarded with the Sustainable Travel Finland label, showcasing its commitment to responsible tourism. Boasting the largest network of dedicated businesses among the destinations awarded, Visit Turku Archipelago stands out as a leader in sustainable travel.

"By the number of businesses involved, Visit Turku Archipelago is the largest among STF-certified destinations, marking it as a significant destination from a tourism standpoint. Achieving this goal has required strong collaboration and a shared vision," comments Liisa Kokkarinen, expert in responsible tourism at Visit Finland.

With a long-term approach to sustainability, Visit Turku Archipelago's operations include a network of 40 businesses committed to advancing sustainable tourism. This network features hotels, restaurants, events, and experience services. The region has also crafted a five-year development plan filled with concrete actions to further its sustainable journey.

Discover more information including the full list of sustainable companies in the area >>

3.12.2024