Sustainable Tourism Potential in The Nordic Countries
Norway Sweden Denmark eco friendly tourism
Photo by Sami Takarautio
The Nordic countries such as Sweden, Norway and Scandinavia offer some of the best views and travel opportunities in the world. Not only are these countries wonderful travel destinations, they are also eco-friendly and sustainability-minded.
In this blog I’ll give a few examples of how these Nordic countries are promoting sustainability and helping to make your travel at the destination more eco-friendly..
Photo by Kylie Cheung
Sweden (Green Transport)
The Euromonitor International's Sustainable Travel Index rated Sweden the number 1 country in 2020. A big part of their sustainability potential is in their commitment to green energy and sustainable experiences.
Sweden has worked towards using only renewable energy for public transportation. In 2017, they reached this goal. All public transport options in Sweden now run on 100% renewable energy, so if you travel to Sweden, try your best to use buses, the metro, or trains to get around the country to make your journey sustainable.
One of the best travel advantages Sweden offers is the freedom to roam anywhere and explore. Sweden wants to continue promoting the exploration of nature and taking part in nature-based activities, which are inherently more sustainable. Sweden is one of the most sustainable countries in the world large in part due to the country’s ambitious environmental goals,” confirms Lola Caroll, travel writer at Research Papers UK and Writinity.
Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen
Sustainability in Norway (Lowering cruise ship emissions)
Norwegians have a reliable history full of environmentally friendly practices and the people of Norway prioritize climate and environmental preservation. During the start of the pandemic, the Norwegian government established laws to decrease fossil fuel emissions released through cruise ships. The Norwegian government has pledged to enforce a zero tolerance policy for fossil fuel emissions from ships between 2026-2030.
Sustainable items reusable plastic free
Photo by Anna Oliinyk
Eco Certification in Scandinavia
Another key way that Scandinavia has promoted sustainable tourism is through the use of eco labels including Nordic-specific certifications, like Nordic Swan. Nordic Swan is acclaimed as the “official sustainability eco label for products and services from the Nordic countries” with criteria covering environmental practices among other health and safety-related measures. The certifications and action plans put in place by Scandinavian governments are a step in the right direction for the region’s sustainability potential, demonstrating their commitment to fighting the climate crisis and giving tourists what they want.
“If you are a traveler who wants to travel sustainably, plan a trip to Scandinavia. Most of the activities you do in the Nordic Countries will have minimal negative impacts thanks to the countries’ commitments to the environment,” shares Carey Duncan, sustainability blogger at Draftbeyond.
While the existing sustainability mindsets in the Nordic countries are a good starting point, it is also up to you to make your travel sustainable. By also being conscious about where you travel to, what you purchase and the kinds of activities that you take part in, you can make sure that your travel is truly sustainable no matter where you go.
Writer Eula Skiles works at both Homework Writing Service and Business Assignments. Eula covers digital marketing strategies and business tips. She loves to assist fellow individuals around the world with business work. Eula also works for Gumessays.com blog.
Sea Going Green is a sustainable tourism consultancy working with clients to help lower their environmental footprint and provide eco-friendly experiences for guests.
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