Destination Järvsö has been nominated for the Stora Turismpriset 2022 for their work in developing the region using the tourism industry as a tool. Through innovative work to include everyone in their sustainability work, they have succeeded in turning words into action.
In order to win the Stora Turismpriset, the nominees must be able to show that they contribute to new thinking and innovative development of the tourism industry. In addition, they must work methodically and purposefully to develop, disseminate and share knowledge and to develop a sustainable business. This year, Region Gävleborg has nominated Destination Järvsö as Gävleborg's candidate for the Stora Turismpriset.
– It feels fantastic! I was reached by the news this morning when several member companies in Destination Järvsö gathered in a workshop that we arranged together with Ljusdal Municipality, a workshop on how we can improve our work linked to the 17 global goals. So the nomination feels really relevant and timely, so to speak. It feels very fun and encouraging that we have been nominated, says Amanda Sandahl, Destination Manager at Destination Järvsö.
Part of the nomination text reads: By daring to think big and innovatively, Destination Järvsö has become a driving force for the tourism industry, not least when it comes to sustainability work. They have worked hard to move from words to action. In 2016, they began actively working with the various sustainability dimensions and in November 2021, Järvsö became the first destination in the Nordic region to become GSTC certified. GSTC is a global standard for sustainable tourism developed by the UN based on Agenda 2030. This involves working to continuously improve based on 105 criteria and every year there is an audit where the destination is reviewed.
Collaboration leads to success
Destination Järvsö has taken a holistic approach to sustainability work and included everything from schools and associations to activity companies and visitors to the destination. They focus on cross-border cooperation with civil society and the public sector. Another example is the joint investment in cycling, which has resulted in Järvsö today being one of Sweden's leading cycling destinations.
– The nomination is a fantastic mark, not only for Järvsö but for our entire municipality. It shows that the work being done today is important and that we are at the forefront of sustainable tourism development. But it is also important that we remember that this is just the beginning! It is a big and important step for us, but the work continues to reach our sustainability goals, says Linnea Van Wagenen, Head of Unit for Strategic and Sustainable Development, Ljusdal Municipality.
Actively shares their knowledge
Destination Järvsö works systematically with knowledge transfer to its members all year round. They collaborate with universities in research projects, lecture at various training courses and networks and exchange knowledge with other destinations. Through the GSTC certification, international knowledge exchanges also take place.
– Destination Järvsö is really working strategically and inclusively to develop the region and the tourism industry. They have included the entire community in the sustainability work and are working systematically, which has resulted in Järvsö becoming the first destination in the Nordic region to become GSTC certified, concludes Lena Lejerström, tourism strategist at Region Gävleborg.
Read the full nomination from The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth here.
Information
Grand Tourism Prize
The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, through the Foundation for the Promotion of Knowledge in Tourism, annually awards the Great Tourism Prize to a company or other organization that has contributed to the development of the tourism industry in a new and innovative way. This year's prize is awarded according to the following assessment criteria.
Main criterion: The award winner contributes to new thinking and innovative development of the tourism industry.
Sustainability criterion: The award winner methodically and purposefully develops a sustainable business.
Knowledge criterion: The award winner develops, disseminates and shares new skills and knowledge to strengthen the hospitality industry.
The awards ceremony will take place in conjunction with the conference "The Tourism Industry on the Agenda" which will take place on November 30 at the Vasateatern in Stockholm. This year it will be awarded for the 29th year in a row!
According to the press release.
