In the heart of Finland, the Vaasa Region is setting new standards in sustainable tourism, honored as a best practice by the Sustainable EU Tourism Project. Through collaboration among municipal and business stakeholders, and guided by the region's Destination Management Organization (DMO), Vaasa developed a robust sustainable tourism strategy. They embraced the EcoCompass certification and the national Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) label to transform the local tourism landscape.

As a result, 30 businesses gained eco-certification, sustainable transport systems were expanded, and tourism infrastructure was improved, including the Kvarken Archipelago and the Bothnian Coastal Route. These efforts have propelled Vaasa as a finalist for the 2026 European Green Leaf Award, showcasing its commitment to resilient, responsible tourism and offering a model for other regions to follow.

For more details on the challenges faced and solutions implemented, visit this link.

#Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Tourism #Sustainable tourism #Responsible travel #Green transition #Stakeholder engagement #Destination management