Lidö Värdshus, Zero Island, in Stockholm's northern archipelago is nominated for the Stora Turismpriset 2019. Region Stockholm and Visit Stockholm, the city of Stockholm have jointly nominated the county's candidate. The Stora Turismpriset is awarded to actors who contribute to the development of the tourism industry in a new and innovative way. The national winner will be chosen on December 4 by the Foundation for the Promotion of Knowledge in Tourism.

The justification for Lidö Inn is: ”Spend a night in the Zero Cabin and experience a climate-neutral lifestyle. At Lidö Värdshus you can try the Zero Menu, a sustainable menu created by chef Jonas Svensson. At first glance it is an idyllic summer paradise, but Zero Island is much more than that, it is the future. Zero Island is a project to make an entire island, Lidö in Stockholm's northern archipelago, carbon neutral in one year”

–Lidö Värdshus is implementing a fantastic initiative that shows that it is possible to run the business sustainably. They work innovatively with great commitment and generously share their experiences. This is important when the hospitality industry is growing and has an important role in the development of Stockholm as an attractive sustainable destination to stay, live in and visit., says Anna König Jerlmyr, Mayor of Stockholm for Finance.

There are many changes that need to happen for Sweden to reach its goal of becoming climate neutral by 2045. On Lidö, many changes were made in one year through the Zero Island project. The difference was significant: the island's carbon dioxide emissions decreased by 78 percent from 2018 levels. Among other things, 90 solar panels have been installed, the heating system has been replaced, and a locally produced menu with as little waste and transport as possible has been developed.

– Entrepreneurs Olle Tejle and Hugo Olofsson have, through collaboration and commitment, created a tourist destination that is at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. In just one year, they have reduced their carbon dioxide emissions by 78 percent through the Zero Island project, thereby showing that it is possible to achieve a major change in a short time. By nominating them for the Tourism Award of the Year, we want to inspire the tourism industry throughout the country., says Gustav Hemming, (C) Regional Councilor for Growth and Community Planning at Region Stockholm. 

Lidö is a 2.5 square kilometer island and has been a nature reserve owned by the Archipelago Foundation since 2000. Since 2011, Olle Tejle and Hugo Olofsson have been leasing the island and running Lidö Värdshus. By creating a more sustainable existence on Lidö, they encourage others to join in and make their own contribution to a better and cleaner future.

– It is we, together with our staff, who, with energy, joy and hope for a bright future, work hard for a sustainable travel destination. We do not see our colleagues in our geographical surroundings as competitors, but rather that we are all complements. We must all work hard together to become a sustainable destination, entrepreneurs Olle Tejle and Hugo Olofsson comment on the nomination.