Sodankylä Tourism 2.0

The project addresses the challenges brought by tourism growth, such as increased environmental impact, by supporting tourism businesses in developing responsible business practices. Many local businesses lack sufficient resources or knowledge on how to transition to more sustainable operations and meet the growing sustainability expectations of customers. The project provides concrete support measures for businesses and helps the region's tourism industry adapt to the changes brought by climate change.

The key measures of the project are

• preparation of a sustainable tourism roadmap for Sodankylä
• training for tourism companies according to the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) program
• developing sustainability communication for the tourism and restaurant sector.

Benefits for businesses and Sodankylä

Through these measures, businesses gain tools and expertise to reduce environmental impacts and develop their operations sustainably. Joining the STF program promotes the sustainability efforts of tourism companies and supports their ability to compete in domestic and international tourism markets.  

The sustainable tourism roadmap provides direction and continuity for tourism development in Sodankylä. In the long term, the project enhances the resilience of Sodankylä’s tourism industry, reduces the environmental impacts of tourism, and strengthens the area's competitiveness as a sustainable tourism destination.  

The project is implemented in collaboration with Lapland University of Applied Sciences and the Municipality of Sodankylä. The project is co-funded by the European Union. The total budget of the group project is €456,097.

Image: Juho Kuva