Ecolnet Case Study :: Travelling in Salla Association
Country
FINLAND
Contact Details
Address: Myllytie 1 98900 Salla
Tel: 00358 400 159 022
Email: paula.aspholm@salla.fi
Web: http://loma.salla.fi/en/restaurants_and_services/matkalle_sallaan_ry/
Tel: 00358 400 159 022
Email: paula.aspholm@salla.fi
Web: http://loma.salla.fi/en/restaurants_and_services/matkalle_sallaan_ry/
Keywords
Destination, activity coordinator, developer, regional network, rural
Case Description
The Finnish municipality of Salla, home to circa 4000 people, is located in southeastern Lapland. Despite the relative remoteness of the municipality, its economy relies heavily on tourism, placing challenges upon the social and economic sustainability of the sector and the regional economy. In this context, cooperation between the small tourism businesses is crucial. Since 2003, the regional businesses have organised their cooperation in the Travelling in Salla Association, with very good results.
Best Practices
1
Criterion 1 B.4. Local Entrepreneurs
Criterion 2 B.1. Community Development
Description
Criterion 2 B.1. Community Development
Description
The constant work of enhancing the quality of the tourism industry is crucial. However, often it is difficult to make use of quality programmes and standards imported from far away. In Salla, the local quality work is being done primarily through the local Association, which provides a platform for discussing the concrete needs of the businesses.
Training needs are constantly evaluated within the discussions in the Association, and common trainings are arranged to fulfill the needs of the businesses. Enhancing environmental sustainability is done within an eco-Salla process, which emphasises concrete actions and good examples, not abstract principles. T
his platform for discussions and the development of the tourism sector has been found to be a crucial element in building a common sense of empowerment and in enhancing the cooperation between diverse tourism-related businesses.
Training needs are constantly evaluated within the discussions in the Association, and common trainings are arranged to fulfill the needs of the businesses. Enhancing environmental sustainability is done within an eco-Salla process, which emphasises concrete actions and good examples, not abstract principles. T
his platform for discussions and the development of the tourism sector has been found to be a crucial element in building a common sense of empowerment and in enhancing the cooperation between diverse tourism-related businesses.