Kemi Tourism Ltd. is part of two Interreg projects in order to improve the sustainable ways in tourism business, cross-border collaboration, product development, international marketing and to find new sales channels and partners. As we are located in both Finnish Lapland and on the coast, we collaborate with AETC – Arctic Europe Tourism Cluster and Bothnian Coastal Route.
Arctic Europe Tourism Cluster- project
Arctic Europe Tourism Cluster-project is the next and stronger step of the cross-border cooperation in Arctic Europe. The project goal is to build a more resilient and regenerative tourism, to meet rapid changes and future expectations for the benefit of tourism industry, local societies, and visitors in Arctic Europe.
In earlier Visit Arctic Europe projects (VAE I 2015-2018 and VAE II 2018-2022), the arctic regions of Sweden, Finland and Norway have succeeded in establishing Arctic Europe as one travel destination and have taken the first steps towards a tourism cluster. Kemi Tourism Ltd. has been part of this development work since day one. We have participated in both VAE I and VAE II. Now the time has come for the next and improved phase, an active brand and an active cross-border tourism cluster that will ensure cooperation, renewal and a more sustainable tourism industry in Arctic Europe long after the project ending.
To reach this overall goal the key topics in the project will be:
• innovative b2c-marketing to increase attraction on new and existing markets
• innovative b2b-marketing to ensure international cooperation with travel trade
• develop and strengthen active year-round business
• develop sustainable forms of tourism (social, economic and ecological)
• strengthening the role of arctic culture in tourism
• raise level of digitalization
• build knowledge and actions based on post-pandemic travelers’ behaviors and needs
• improve accessibility to and within the Arctic Europe region
• build and develop smart and trust-based cross-border networks
Project facts
BUDGET: 4,1 M Euro / 3 countries
TIME PERIOD: August 2023 to July 2026
PARTNERS: Finnish Lapland Tourist Board, Northern Norway Tourist Board, Swedish Lapland Visitors Board
The Bothnian Coastal Route- project
“Coastal experiences all year round, with sustainability in focus.”
The Bothnian Coastal Route project, including northern Finnish and Swedish destinations, aims to increase awareness of the coastal route around the Bothnian Bay and over the Kvarken strait as an attractive travel route for both foreign visitors and the local population.
The Bothnian Coastal Route project, including northern Finnish and Swedish destinations, aims to increase awareness of the coastal route around the Bothnian Bay and over the Kvarken strait as an attractive travel route for both foreign visitors and the local population.
Through the project, the Finnish and Swedish partners aim to increase the reasons for visiting the destinations along the route to discover their rich product range and create better conditions for sustainable growth.
MAIN GOALS AND EXPECTED ACHIEVEMENTS:
- BCR is known for its natural and cultural values and sustainable products
- Greater visibility through communication and marketing around a sustainable route (market canvassing)
- X number of TOs and DMCs have visited the area and started a production (FAMs)
- An increase in round trip travel and nr of guest nights
- Capacity building by networking, enabling benchmarking, learning from one another and adopting best practises
- An increased nr of co:s have started, or improved their work around sustainability
- Economic growth and future sustainable development
Sustainability
Social, ecological and economic sustainable development is an overarching goal in the Interreg Aurora Programme. All projects funded by Interreg Aurora contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The Bothnian Coastal Route project team has identified two specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that this project contributes to. These primary goals are SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) is relevant because it encourages sustainable tourism practices, such as minimizing waste, saving resources, and promoting local products. By adopting principles of responsible consumption and production, the tourism industry along the Bothnian Coastal Route can reduce its environmental impact and provide visitors with a more sustainable and enjoyable experience.
SDG 13 (Climate Action) is critical in the tourism sector as it emphasizes the need to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. Sustainable tourism practices, such as using eco-friendly transportation options and supporting low-carbon activities, align with the objectives of SDG 13. This not only helps preserve the natural beauty of the coastal areas but also ensures the long-term viability of the tourism industry in the region.
Project facts
Project time: 1.1.2023-31.12.2025
Budget: 2 712 677 euros
The total budget of this project is 2 712 677,00 EUR, whereof 1 763 241,00 EUR EU-funding via the Interreg Aurora programme. The rest of the funding comes from Finnish national and Swedish regional co-funding, from the Nordic Council of Ministers, and from municipal and private co-funding.