The kickoff event of Carbon Neutral Experience 2.0 drew over sixty participants keen to delve deeper into the Sustainable Travel Finland program and certification. Businesses note that communicating and marketing sustainability pose challenges.
Carbon Neutral Experience 2.0 (CNE 2.0), dedicated to advancing sustainable tourism in Uusimaa, commenced on a positive note at its opening event held in Pasila, Helsinki, on Thursday. The gathering saw the participation of over sixty experts and representatives from municipalities and diverse businesses.
The event kicked off with an insightful presentation on Carbon Neutral Experience 2.0, covering its objectives, available services, and upcoming spring workshops and training sessions. These sessions are designed to mentor and guide businesses through the various stages of the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) program, assisting them in attaining the prestigious STF certification.
After the CNE 2.0 representatives, Hanna Muonionvaara from Visit Finland emphasized the practical significance of the free STF program and the international impact of the STF certification, effectively communicating a commitment to sustainable practices to global travelers.
The discussions continued with Kaisa Rantama from Ravintola Tila and Marika Vihko from Valo Hotel & Work, both of whom have successfully achieved the STF certification. They shared valuable insights into the significance of sustainability within their enterprises, highlighting the far-reaching effects of STF certification on business operations and even employee well-being.
Wrapping up the event, Karoliina Korpela from Visit Espoo elaborated on the manifold benefits that the STF program has brought and can bring to the entire tourism sector. She underscored Visit Espoo's role in supporting businesses with STF certification, providing not just visibility but various forms of assistance.
Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences’ Project Manager overseeing Carbon Neutral Experience 2.0, Sami Nykter, remarked that the event delivered a lot of valuable information, even managing to surprise him personally. Nykter found it unexpected that, unlike international tourists, domestic travelers are not particularly acquainted with the STF certification or the associated principles of sustainability.
"It came as a bit of a surprise, but on the other hand, Visit Finland's marketing is targeted towards international tourists. In the discussions of the companies, it was emphasized that sustainability communication and marketing especially seem to be challenging for domestic travel businesses," he reflected.
Nykter highlights that this insight has surfaced in prior company interviews, leading Carbon Neutral Experience 2.0 to target supportive initiatives specifically toward businesses. Simultaneously, he expresses eager anticipation for the upcoming STF workshops set to commence in March.
In these forthcoming workshops, the seven essential steps outlined in the STF program will be thoroughly explored. This includes aspects such as commitment, skill development, crafting a development plan, certification and measurement, and, of course, sustainability communication.
To ensure widespread accessibility, STF workshops will be conducted across various locations in Uusimaa. Confirmed venues so far include Helsinki, Hyvinkää, Lohja, Nurmijärvi, Raasepori, Sipoo, and Porvoo. The project is financially supported by the Uusimaa Regional Council and is scheduled for implementation from 2023 to 2025.
ou can sign up for workshops through the link below: https://link.webropolsurveys.com/S/D1EC9B699534419B
