Responsible tourism through cooperation
The Tainionvirta business group is a cooperation network formed by ten tourism-sector companies from Hartola and Sysmä, which together develops the region's tourism to be more sustainable, more competitive and more attractive. The entrepreneurs invest in the development of responsible tourism services, digitalisation, and energy efficiency to respond to growing demand among domestic and international travellers.
The objective of the project is the productisation of responsible tourism services, the enhancement of companies' processes through digitalisation, and the introduction of environmentally friendly solutions. All members of the business group acquire an environmental certificate and the Sustainable Travel Finland label granted by Visit Finland. The certificates are audited by an external evaluator.
In the Lahti Region area there are currently 11 STF-label companies, so the Tainionvirta business group will double that number when the development work has been completed. Investing in responsibility is important for the companies because it improves competitiveness, responds to the growing expectations of travellers, and ensures the sustainability of operations both economically and from the environmental perspective.
The objective is to be a pioneer of responsible and regenerative tourism in Päijät-Häme
This development work also benefits the region's residents and travellers. New services, such as responsible nature activities, higher-quality accommodation options and increasingly comprehensive tourism products, offer more choice and experiences for everyone. Customers gain access to more developed services, such as better digital booking systems and year-round events. In addition, responsibility is visible concretely as a cleaner environment, more pleasant local tourism and better employment opportunities in the region.
The entire region benefits from the impact
The objective of the joint development work of the Tainionvirta companies is to strengthen the vitality of the region, create more tourist flows and improve the service offering for locals, summer residents and visitors. Let us together make Tainionvirta a model area for responsible tourism, where the beauty of nature, high-quality services and sustainable development are combined. Already now, the results achieved by the business group are attracting wide interest; the project has been presented at several different entrepreneur events across Häme.
Project: Sustainable Travel Tainionvirta – business group project
Project administrator: Municipality of Sysmä
Project funding: European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development 2023–2027 / Häme Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment
Further information: Päivi Koskela Oy, project coordinator
Included in cooperation:
Camping Sysmä Oy, Casa De Sandra Oy, Hartola Golf Oy, Ilola Inn Oy, Krouvin Camping / Matti Punakallio Ky, Kuninkaan Portti Hartola Oy, Rantalan Lomamökit / Jouni Hokkanen, Tervalepikon Torpat / Vesa and Taina Blomqvist, Virtaan Kartano / Tiina Stjernvall and Vuorenkylän Purnu Oy.
