Eckerö Line already gazes into the future after covid-19 – sustainability and safety are the trump cards of Finnish tourism

Sustainability and combating climate change are the main trends of tourism and the coronavirus pandemic has further strengthened them. The Finnish shipping company Eckerö Line has moved its sustainability policy to the next level in preparation for the times after covid-19. As recognition of long-term sustainability work, Business Finland awarded Eckerö Line the Sustainable Travel Finland label.

Eckerö Line is convinced Finnish tourism industry has all the preconditions to meet the increasing consumer demands for sustainability – and to succeed in the tough competition for international tourists as the borders reopen. For the travel industry, sustainability has simply become a requirement.

According to Visit Finland* the future tourism keywords are for example real experiences, meaningfulness, a flexible combination of distance work and vacation as well as local tourism, also by car or camper-van. Furthermore, the sense of safety and confidence in managing exceptional situations at the destination will be highlighted among travellers’ choices. Finland is known as a stable society, that has succeeded better in controlling the coronavirus pandemic than most other countries – and that is why Finland is an internationally attractive choice as a travel destination.

“Eckerö Line’s long-term work for the benefit of sustainable choices has now reached a new level, and we believe it will perfectly meet our customers’ expectations in the post-corona time. Our new sustainability programme is even more systematic than before and focuses on people, the environment, the way we operate and safety. Our competent personnel is the heart of the program: their mission is to every day create a friendly and responsible customer experience for passengers. Investing in the well-being of our personnel is important to us, even in these very difficult times”, says Taru Keronen, Managing Director of Eckerö Line.

As an indication of long-term sustainability work Business Finland awarded Eckerö Line with the Sustainable Travel Finland label. For travellers the label is a tangible sign of sustainability and an easy way to make responsible choices. For Eckerö Line the label offers a new and concrete tool to further develop sustainable operations.

“According to the Sustainable Travel Index published by Euromonitor International in March, Finland together with Sweden, Norway and Estonia, are Europe's leading countries in sustainable tourism. To maintain and strengthen this position, it is truly wonderful that companies like Eckerö Line are setting an example for the entire tourism industry. The goal is that all the services tourist encounter in Finland, would meet the expectations of a responsible traveller”, says Kristiina Hietasaari, Senior Director at Visit Finland.