Today more than ever, attention to the environment and sustainability is an element that cannot be ignored in any field: Santa Claus village in Rovaniemi, strives for sustainable development and is seriously engaged in the fight against climate change.
This was stated by Antti Nikander, coordinator of the Village cooperative, which represents approx 50 companies in the tourism and experience sector located beyond the Arctic Circle and in the immediate vicinity: even if significant steps have been taken towards the goal only in recent years and much work remains, the direction is right and the will is concrete.
Eco-friendly tourism is a win-win for everyone
It is very clear to the operators of Santa Claus Village and the surrounding area that everyone (nature, consumers, entrepreneurs, and the local community) can Take advantage of principled tourism Sustainable Development. It is a job that never ends, as there are always many opportunities to improve the environment, the people who live in the area, and animal welfare.
The team believes the Arctic Circle will continue to see new and increasingly interesting examples of planet-friendly tourism.
Virtuous examples of Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi
Let’s take a look at a few examples of how the cooperative and its affiliates operate while respecting the environment.
First, many Santa Claus Village companies have invested in industry standard certification: He was the first to receive the prestigious designation Bearhill Husky in Rovaniemi Sustainable Travel Finland.
In addition, Arctic Snowhotel & Glass Igloos also received recognition in 2021, and more companies in various industries will receive certification shortly.
However, when it comes to heating, almost all of the accommodations in the Village were built around 2010 and their carbon emissions are low.
The Glass Resort which offers accommodation in charming glass igloos, uses air heat pumps that use so-called “green electricity” for heating, new Premium cabins at Santa Claus Holiday Village are heated ecological geothermal energy always on green electricity, while older cottages in Lapland benefit from ecological district heating in various ways.
A key role is played by “green electricity”, produced from renewable energy sources reduces CO2 emissions and is used by more and more companies from the Santa Claus Village cooperative: in addition to heat pumps, numerous service cars of Santa Claus Holiday Village and Santatelevision use ecological electricity and there are plans to develop EV charging infrastructure to provide low-emission energy for tourist vehicles.
Sustainable Tourism Handbook for Santa Claus Village Companies
Finally, it is also organized by the Village Cooperative training courses on sustainable development for local companies and has just completed the “Santa Claus Village Sustainable Tourism Handbook”.
The dream in reality is that “Santa Claus’s Kingdom” will eventually become one of Finland’s top tourist destinations with zero carbon emissions and as a whole obtain a renowned certification in Sustainable Travel Finland.