Through a free seven-step certification programme, Sustainable Travel Finland has brought over 1,300 businesses and 65 destinations onto a common national framework for sustainable tourism.
CREATING A SHARED PATH TO SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
Recognising the need for a coordinated approach to sustainable tourism, Visit Finland launched the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) programme in 2020. The free initiative provides tourism businesses and destinations with a structured seven-step process that guides them from commitment and training to certification, measurement, and continuous improvement. Supported by digital tools, training programmes, and clear guidance, the programme helps participants integrate sustainability into everyday operations and earn the verified STF label.
SUPPORTING THE SECTOR WITH TOOLS AND TRANSPARENCY
Sustainable Travel Finland brings together an entire ecosystem for sustainable tourism under one national framework. The programme combines third-party certification with a dedicated digital platform, a carbon footprint calculator, a national indicator system, and continuous training through the Visit Finland Academy. Public dashboards provide transparent data and support evidence-based decision-making. By establishing a common standard aligned with international criteria while reflecting Finland’s unique context, the programme helps create a consistent and credible approach to sustainable tourism.
SETTING A NEW STANDARD FOR DESTINATIONS
By March 2026, more than 1,300 companies and 65 destinations had joined the programme, with 537 businesses and 13 destinations earning the STF label. Together, they offer more than 2,200 verified sustainable travel experiences. The initiative supports Finland’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2035 and has contributed to international recognition, including Helsinki’s top ranking on the Global Destination Sustainability Index in 2024 and 2025. Sustainable Travel Finland demonstrates how governments can turn sustainability into a long-term industry standard.
