Supporting Tourism SMEs in Sustainable Responsibility
About this good practice
"Making Tourism SMEs’ Sustainability Efforts Visible" is a project designed to strenghten tourism companies´ knowledge of sustainable and responsible practices, while helping them communicate these efforts more effectively. During the project, participating companies obtained the Ekokompassi or Green Key eco-label and Visit Finland's Sustainable Travel Finland label.
Business cooperation was central to the project, with peer learning and knowledge exchange as key approaches. The project included a study visit to five different destinations. The sites visited had been certified and they shared practical lessons on the certification process.
In the past, sustainability work in companies was not systematic and was not communicated to customers. The project provided support to businesses on a longer-term basis and tailored to their needs, both through workshops (e.g. communication, the Sustainable Travel Finland label platform and its use, carbon foot print calculation) and personalised advice (e.g. support with certification applications and funding).
The communication has highlighted concrete and diverse actions such as geothermal heating, solar energy, traditional biotopes, local food and textile repair. Sustainability and responsible communication also helped companies identify and reach new customer segments. By the end of the project, companies had deepened their understanding of sustainability and made their efforts more visible to customers and partners.
Resources needed
The project was funded by the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment of South Ostrobothnia: €62,901.20. One part-time employee was involved in implementation.
Evidence of success
Six companies participated. Five achieved the Ekokompassi environmental certificate, and one obtained the Green Key. All six have completed or are completing 7 steps to sustainable tourism development path and have received or will receive the Sustainable Travel Finland label.
Companies also improved communication by adding more information about their sustainability efforts to their websites and customer channels. The entrepreneurs got to know each other, which encouraged cooperation.
Potential for learning or transfer
This method proved effective in encouraging SMEs to engage in sustainability. Support with certification applications and funding helped increase participation. During the certification process, companies noticed visible improvements and savings- such as reduced mixed waste thanks to customer sorting, which was well received.
Peer learning and collaboration were highlighted as major benefits. The model is easy to adopt in other regions with few changes, and offers a solid framework for SMEs engagement in sustainability.
Further information
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