Sustainable tourism

Kokkola Tourism Ltd (Visit Kokkola) wants to take sustainability aspects into account in all decision-making and operations of the organization. The role of travel in the economy is growing and it is important that each of us is committed to sustainable development. Our entire staff, including management, is committed.

We pay attention to current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities. For us, environmental responsibility means concrete actions in our own operations. We are committed to conserving natural resources and increasing the positive impact on the environment.

As a sign of our responsibility actions, Kokkola Tourism Ltd has been awarded the Sustainable Travel Finland label and the Eco-Compass certificate. Our goal is to continuously develop our operations.

Sustainable Travel Finland

Kokkola Tourism Ltd has been obtained the Sustainable Travel Finland label as proof of valuable and long-term work for sustainable tourism. We have gone through the STF program developed by Visit Finland and met the required criteria. The label allows us to communicate our efforts to promote sustainable tourism to international tourists. In order for the tourism industry to be able to meet changing demand and continue to grow, development must be sustainable.

We also want to challenge all tourism companies in the Kokkola area to participate in STF’s program. The label makes it easier for tourists to identify responsibly produced services.

More information: Sustainable Travel Finland – Business Finland

EcoCompass…

• is an environmental management system (EMS) and a certificate that is audited externally
• contains 10 criteria that the organization commits to meet
• is based on ISO 14001 (International Standard for Environmental Management)
• is owned by the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation

More information: EcoCompass

Our commitment to sustainability

• We want to act as a responsible example in the region, also encouraging actors in the region to take responsibility aspects into account in their operations.
• We take environmental considerations into account in all our decision-making and operations.
• We offer responsibly produced travel and excursion packages, respecting the cultural heritage of our region.
• We provide guidance to tourists to respect the vulnerable archipelago nature. The island of Tankar is a nature conservation area and included in the Natura 2000 network as a part of the Luoto Archipelago. The trees and landscape are managed in accordance with a nature management plan. Tankar is also part of a national urban park. We encourage visitors to follow only marked trails and avoid the northern parts of the island where the bird nesting areas are situated.
• We make better choices for the climate by reducing the burden on the environment, such as minimizing printing, recycling and sorting.
• We encourage both locals and tourists to walk or cycle. Nature is close by. Due to its location, arrival in Kokkola is also convenient by public transport.
• Equal treatment of others is important to us, regardless of their background or special needs.
• We are happy to recommend locally produced products and services. We cooperate with companies and actors in the region.
• We want to communicate responsibility issues and provide quality experiences that everyone feels safe and happy.

Responsibility requires the effort of each of us. Together we will succeed!