Sustainable Travel in the Tornio River Valley
Sustainability is part of everyday life in Original Lapland
In the Tornio River Valley, sustainability is not a separate concept – it is a natural part of everyday life.
Here, tourism is built on small local businesses, close cooperation and a deep respect for nature, culture and community. By choosing local companies in Original Lapland, you are already supporting sustainable travel and helping to sustain local livelihoods and life along the river.
Together, we are committed to developing tourism that respects our environment, strengthens our culture and supports the well-being of local people.
This we promise together
1. WE WORK FAIRLY TOGETHER
• We work without prejudice with all businesses, communities and individuals in the area.
• “The area” means the Original Lapland area shared by Sweden and Finland.
2. WE TAKE CARE OF NATURE AND ANIMAL
• We instruct our visitors to be safe in nature and act responsibly.
• We use what nature has to offer sustainably.
• We make sure that animals receive good and dignified care.
3. WE RESPECT OUR LOCAL CULTURE
• In this area, we speak our own dialect, meänkieli, that in Sweden is considered an official minority language and in Finland a Torne Valley dialect. Throughout this area, in spoken language we call our language meänkieli (Our language).
• We strengthen, respect and maintain meänkieli by using it actively and telling about it.
• Maybe you’d like to show your respect to meänkieli and learn a few phrases: ”Kuas solet? (Who are you?) Mistäs solet poissa? (Where are you from?) Sole poka mikhään!” (No worries or let’s take it easy)
4. WE TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER
• In our companies we respect each other:
– by sharing the company’s story with our customers and on our website
– by adhering to valid employment law and regulations
– by taking care of the entrepreneur’s and employees’ well-being
• We do not discriminate against anyone because of their religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or skin colour.
• We raise any issues and areas of development in various forums and occasions and bring them to the attention of decision makers.
5. WE PROMOTE LOCAL PRODUCTION
• We promote local foods and ingredients as well as handicrafts, materials and products as much as we can.
• We use local services as much as we can.
6. WE VALUE SAFETY AND QUALITY
• Companies adhere to valid safety and hygiene laws that apply to facilities, equipment, appliances and services.
• All the guides and instructors have at least basic first aid skills.
7. WE TAKE THE IMPACTS ON CLIMATE SERIOUSLY
• We recycle and save energy.
• We advise our guests to choose an environmentally friendly means of travel: www.perille.fi
