Fifth regional stakeholder meeting in Finland

On 6th June 2025, the fifth DETOCS meeting in Finland took place at Restaurant Kerkkä in Lapua.

The event began with a presentation on Simpsiö Ski & Bike Park and its sustainability plan. Simpsiö is not only a winter ski resort, but also a versatile year-round nature and leisure centre. During the snow-free season, downhill cycling is available in the bike park, and the area’s diverse nature trails offer opportunities for hiking and cycling. Simpsiö has already undertaken significant environmental work, and our stakeholders encouraged them to apply for environmental certification.

The meeting also featured a presentation of the preliminary contents of the updated South Ostrobothnia Regional Programme. The programme includes the following provisional measures related to tourism:

• Increasing the visibility of tourism in South Ostrobothnia, strengthening the operating environment of the tourism sector, and investing in the internationalisation, sustainability, and digitalisation of the customer journey.

• Encouraging the certification of sustainable tourism and promoting its use as a competitive advantage.

• Strengthening nature tourism and the role of Geopark areas as guardians of natural and cultural heritage, as well as promoters of sustainable tourism and economic activity.

• Developing tourism content and ensuring services are marketed in an attractive manner.

• Developing food tourism as a key part of the region’s offering, combining local food culture, local production, and tourism services into a strong competitive factor.

Energy-related measures are cross-sectoral.

A brief presentation of the good practice brochure was also given, and a translated version will be available by the end of June.