goSaimaa Sustainability

goSaimaa Ltd is a corporation founded by the local cities, municipalities and travel companies. The key aim is to boost tourism in South Karelia by marketing the diverse product selection by the travel service producers. goSaimaa Ltd is responsible for organizing joint marketing of the South Karelia and updating gosaimaa.com internet portal.

As a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), goSaimaa Ltd, representing Lappeenranta and Imatra region, has joined the Visit Finland Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) program in autumn 2020. goSaimaa is responsible for arranging Sustainability training for the travel industry in South Karelia and including different interest groups in the development work to obtain the STF-label for the whole region. 

As the first training was set up autumn 2020 - winter 2021, goSaimaa has spread the knowledge of Sustainability according to the propositions given by the Visit Finland STF program. A group of different service providers in the tourism industry of South Karelia took part in the trainings and started their own path in the STF program starting in 2020.

To obtain the DMO STF recognition, goSaimaa has to have 51% of the whole South-Karelia travel industry (51% of the companies in the field of international tourism) join the STF program to be able to receive the recognition for goSaimaa Ltd. goSaimaa aim to reach the goal 2025, as well as implementing the theme of Sustainability to the Lake Saimaa level in the form of Sustainability strategy.

Joining the Sustainable Travel Finland program 2020 and taking the first recognized steps from the 7-step-program of STF towards becoming a sustainable travel destination have concluded the long-term planning of goSaimaa operations to work hard and aim for the title of sustainable destination.
Take a look at the Guide for a responsible travel company and get started with your company's own sustainability. 

One of the key features is the support that goSaimaa gets from its stakeholders, the city of Lappeenranta being one of the greenest cities in Europe. The Green Leaf winner 2021, Lappeenranta, gives its support to goSaimaa to proceed with the operations.

Sustainable Travel Finland -labelled companies are found here: 

goSaimaa values

goSaimaa, Lappeenranta and Imatra region, consists of two cities and seven municipalities. Being part of Finland's Lakeland district, situated on the shores of Finland's biggest lake, Lake Saimaa, we value our nature, Lake Saimaa Purest Finland, extremely high. Fresh air, pure water, safety and cleanliness of nature are not something taken for granted, these are the cornerstones for conservation as we aim to be a sustainable travel destination worldwide.

goSaimaa values high cooperation and respect of the partners as well as aims for top customer service and marketing image. goSaimaa respects the authorities and acts lawfully in all cases. 

goSaimaa is committed to supporting sustainable tourism in Finland and we have signed the pledge of 10 sustainability principles:

1) We practice fair cooperation.
2) We take care of the local environment.
3) We respect local culture and traditions.
4) We respect human rights and equality.
5) We favour local products and services.
6) Safety and quality are a priority for us.
7) We think about the climate when making choices.
8) We communicate openly.
9) We are constantly developing our business.
10) We are committed to the principles of sustainable tourism.

Instead of mass tourism, goSaimaa aims to attract travelers seeking authentic experiences at Lake Saimaa, Purest Finland. goSaimaa also encourages travelers to take the Sustainable Finland Pledge, which can be signed online: Sustainable Finland Pledge

We are committed to developing our business operations in line with sustainable travel principles - taking into account all aspects, ecological, cultural-social and economic responsibilities. We recognize that becoming a fully sustainable travel destination takes time, but we are constantly assessing and developing our operations and marketing towards the goal.

Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism 

goSaimaa has signed the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism 18.5.2022. Climate Action Plan 18.5.2022-17.5.2023 is done for the first time. 

Climate Action Plan 2022-2023 (pdf)

Regional roadmap for Sustainable Tourism (2023) has been done together with the cities of Lappeenranta & Imatra. 

Regional roadmap for sustainable tourism 2023 (pdf)