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 received the European Green Leaf 2021 award from the European Commission in recognition of its environmental initiatives. 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

The goSaimaa region, covering the Lappeenranta and Imatra area, consists of two cities and seven municipalities. We are part of Finland’s Lakeland region, located on the shores of Lake Saimaa, Finland’s largest lake. Fresh air, clean water, safety and pristine nature are not things we take for granted – they are the cornerstones of our work.

goSaimaa actively contributes to the development of sustainable tourism in the Lappeenranta and Imatra region. The goals and measures of this work are outlined in the regional sustainable tourism roadmap, developed in 2023

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) goSaimaa has signed a commitment to the ten principles of sustainable tourism. These principles include respecting the local environment, favouring local products, and considering climate impacts in decision-making. The commitment outlines the goals of our activities rather than the verified environmental performance of the entire tourism region.

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

goSaimaa participates in regional tourism development initiatives addressing environmental, cultural, social and economic responsibility. The initiatives and their objectives are described in the regional sustainable tourism roadmap. 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 2022-2026 (PDF)