Sodankylä tourism 2.0
The Sodankylä Tourism 2.0 project aims to strengthen the climate resilience of Sodankylä’s tourism industry, support tourism businesses in their sustainability efforts, and enhance the region’s attractiveness as a sustainable travel destination.
The project is a group project and is coordinated by Lapland University of Applied Sciences and implemented in cooperation with the Municipality of Sodankylä and Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences.
The project addresses challenges associated with the growth of tourism, such as increased environmental pressure, by helping businesses develop responsible business practices. Many local companies lack the resources or knowledge needed to transition to more sustainable operations and meet the rising expectations of responsible travelers. This project provides concrete solutions to these challenges and supports the tourism industry’s adaptation to climate change.
Key project activities include developing a Sustainable Tourism Roadmap for Sodankylä, providing Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) training for tourism businesses and enhancing sustainability communication in the tourism and hospitality sectors. These initiatives equip businesses with the tools and expertise to reduce their environmental impact while fostering long-term business development. Participation in the STF program strengthens tourism companies’ sustainability efforts and enhances their competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. The Sustainable Tourism Roadmap ensures a strategic and continuous approach to tourism development in Sodankylä. In the long run, the project improves the resilience of the local tourism industry, reduces tourism’s environmental footprint, and strengthens the region’s position as a sustainable tourism destination.
Project Period: Main project: 1 January 2026 – 31 December 2027. Municipality of Sodankylä sub-project: 1 January 2026 – 30 June 2027
Project Partners: Lapland University of Applied Sciences (Lead Partner), Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences (Project Partner), Municipality of Sodankylä (Project Partner)
Funding: Regional Council of Lapland, European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Total Budget: 111,177 €
Funding Rate: 80 % , 88,942 €
Further information:
Anu Ovaskainen
Project manager
anu.ovaskainen@sodankyla.fi
tel. +358 40 630 8919
Marjo Harjula
Tourism coordinator
marjo.harjula@sodankyla.fi
tel. +358 40 565 6967
Project plan
Project materials
At the launch event of the Sodankylä Sustainable Tourism 2.0 Project on 27 April 2026, participants heard inspiring and practical business presentations on the development of sustainable tourism. Companies shared their experiences and insights on topics such as sustainability certifications, responsible tourism practices, and how development measures have supported their business planning.
The event was aimed especially at tourism businesses and other stakeholders working within the tourism sector. A recording of the event is available on the Municipality’s YouTube channel via the link below (please note: the link opens on @munsodankyla YouTube channel).
Project events
Project launch event 27.4.2026
