Norway is the first country in the world which has launched a national certificate for sustainable destinations.
The certificate is based on international criterias, developed and tested by among others, Destination Røros and the municipality of Røros.
With this new label Sustainable Destination, Norway takes a lead in the international efforts to promote sustainability in tourism and destination development. Destination Røros is one of the destinations that have been pilots in this important work, and received the prestigious certificate “Sustainable Destinations” by Trond Giske from the Ministry of Trade and Industry in March 2013. The goal is that the Norwegian certification becomes an internationally approved system.
Destination Røros
One of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Norway
Broad collaboration in the community has given international awards and recognition for sustainability efforts with the “Responsible Tourism Awards – Best Destination” in 2011 and “Tourism for Tomorrow Awards Destination Stewardship” in 2012.
Examples of measures
“Røros Host”, a training program for staff in tourism, other service industries and public services. Participants were educated in hospitality and local history and cultural knowledge.
Focus on local food traditions – cooperation between producers, restaurants and retail shops, education and food guides offering local food safaries in the region.
Design project with NTNU students to develop waste cans adapted to the street environment in Røros.
Facts about Sustainable Destinations
The quality label “Sustainable Destination” is awarded to destinations that work systematically to enhance guest experience and reduce tourism’s negative impact.
Testimonials
Project manager for Sustainable Tourism in Destination Røros, Hilde Bergebakken, has led the certification process and thanked everyone who participated in the process and said she is impressed with the efforts different stake holders show to maintain and develop both tangible and intangible assets of natural and cultural heritage in the Røros region.
We are proud to be part of this pioneering work, says Director of Tourism, Linda M. Ramberg, who accepted the certificate along with the mayor of Røros municipality, Hans Vintervold.
This is a hallmark of the destinations that are now being awarded the label of “Sustainable Destination”. These destinations leads the way in the development of sustainable tourism, says Per-Arne Tuftin, Director of Tourism, Innovation Norway.
The development of sustainable tourism is one of the main objectives of the tourism strategy. This labeling system is a concrete result of this work and show that Norway now marks the best in the world in the development of sustainable destinations, says Trond Giske, Minister of Trade and Industry, about the certification.
