Visit Trelleborg's focus on the role of tourism in sustainable social development has recently been awarded the coveted Scandinavian Outdoor Award TRAVEL 2024 "Best Sustainability Concept". The award was presented at the annual ITB trade fair in Berlin and is a confirmation of the company's commitment to developing new ways of working with sustainable place and product development.
“This award is a big gold star for us at Visit Trelleborg,” says the company’s CEO Maarja Edman. It shows that we have been absolutely right in our endeavor to see tourism as a tool for the development of local society, which in turn benefits us local residents.
Visit Trelleborg received the award for its local tourism strategy, which is based on the UN's global goals, and for its participation in the sustainability project "Spela Roll", which is run in collaboration with Visit Skåne, local companies and Kontiki Reisen. The award highlights the value of Visit Trelleborg as a local engine in three areas:
- to promote sustainable social development
- to be perceived as an attractive destination all year round
- to strengthen local cooperation
The local tourism strategy, together with the ”Play a Role” project, is a powerful driving force for creating new attractive travel opportunities outside the traditional high season. This initiative promotes the economy of local businesses by contributing to a more even flow of customers all year round, which also enables more stable employment in the tourism industry. In addition, visitors are encouraged to take personal responsibility for the places they visit, in the hope that they will treat these places with the same care as if they were their own home. ”Play a Role” takes a holistic approach to sustainability, leading to more responsible and long-term sustainable tourism.
– The key to the success of this work has been a curious commitment from both Visit Trelleborg, our regional partner Visit Skåne and the local business community, which has allowed us to think outside the box. NThe nomination already made us very happy, but even winning helps us to reach out to new partners that our local partner companies can benefit from and do business with, notes Maarja Edman.
Visit Trelleborg is proud to share this award with all partners and looks forward to continuing to work together to make Trelleborg on the south coast of Skåne even more attractive to both visitors and its residents.
Local companies that have participated in the Play a Role project:
Hallåkra winery
Hönsinge Handwerks Brewery
PalmTree hotel + The Peacock
Red Sails restaurant
Smygehuk Lighthouse
Sisters & Beans
Trelleborg
Trelleborg Museum
Foteviken Viking Museum + Smokey Barbecue & Bar
The jury's justification reads:
Best Sustainability Concept – Visit Trelleborg
This sustainable and complex concept convinces the jury as it plays an essential pioneering role. Visit Trelleborg involves local stakeholders and motivates them to work towards a better future. They set a good example and show how a destination can develop sustainably together with all stakeholders.
According to the press release.
