According to UN Tourism Agency, sustainable development in tourism considers the current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities. Sustainability in tourism ensures that travel activities are conducted without damaging the environment, local cultures, or economies. It enhances the travel experience for future generations, balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social responsibility.
Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) programme, developed by Visit Finland – a unit of Business Finland promoting an international travel to Finland –aims to strengthen the commitment of travel professionals to sustainable tourism development. Launched in 2020, the programme provides companies and destinations with a concrete toolkit for developing sustainable tourism.
By November 2024 the impact of Sustainable Travel Finland programme was evaluated for the first time. The evaluation was commissioned by Business Finland.
Based on the evaluation conducted by 4FRONT, one of the strengths of the programme is its national coordination. The programme has strongly built awareness, competence and capabilities in the theme of sustainable tourism for the companies and destinations participated in the programme.
To enhance the programme’s effectiveness and impact, the evaluation recommends reinforcing the support mechanisms and improving communication efforts, particularly in conveying the programme’s added value. Furthermore, leveraging national networks, fostering stronger collaboration, and systematically aligning the programme with other Business Finland services and those provided by the Team Finland network present valuable opportunities to strengthen programme’s impact.
“The evaluation provided us with valuable information on how the goals of the STF programme have been met and what are the essential short-term impacts of the programme. In addition, the evaluation has helped us to identify the conditions and key factors which will support the programme’s impact in the future.” says Liisa Kokkarinen, Head of Sustainable Development from Business Finland’s Visit Finland unit.
The evaluation report (in Finnish)
Further information:
Hanna Koskela, Coordinator, hanna.koskela@4front.fi
Picture: Visit Finland
