ICRT Finland

ICRT Finland – the Finnish Network for Responsible Tourism

ICRT Finland, the Finnish Network for Responsible Tourism, was established in 2015 as part of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) network. The ICRT Finland network includes over 100 members, including individuals, tourism entrepreneurs, destination operators, and those working in educational organization. The network, coordinated by the Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences, welcomes anyone with the enthusiasm and desire to promote responsible tourism.

The international ICRT network was reorganized at the end of 2024 and is now known as ICRT Global. ICRT Global is a non-profit organization that shares knowledge and understanding of responsible tourism, based on the 2002 Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism and its update, the 2022 Responsible Tourism Charter.

ICRT Global promotes responsible tourism through education and training. Additionally, the network highlights new ideas and information through its website, awards, and events. The network is led by its founder, Emeritus Professor Harold Goodwin, and tourism professional Debbie Hindle, supported by a board and advisory council comprising significant experts in tourism and academia. Independent regional ICRTs operate worldwide to promote responsible tourism, each with its own operational models and specific regional goals.

Responsible Tourism

The purpose of Responsible Tourism is to develop destinations and regions where people can live and visit better. Responsible Tourism includes, for example, reducing the negative impacts of tourism, increasing the well-being of local communities and supporting the economy, involving locals in decision-making, ensuring the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, creating meaningful connections between tourists and locals, and increasing understanding of the local context. Responsible tourism can ensure the well-being of the local environment and communities as well as provide meaningful experiences for travelers.

All forms of tourism can be more responsible than they currently are. Progress depends on all stakeholders taking responsibility for developing new forms of tourism. What is responsible in each destination is tied to the local environment and culture. Each tourism destination and company should define its own priorities that are most important for that specific destination. Responsibility involves continuous, concrete actions in tourism industry for the benefit of the environment, people, communities, and the economy.

Activities of ICRT Finland

The network has its own internal communication channel where each member can inform and discuss current events related to Responsible Tourism, best practices, and other related topics.
Informing about current themes of Responsible Tourism on social media.
Organizing events and program content related to Responsible Tourism together with partners.
The network meets on average three times a year to exchange information and experiences related to Responsible Tourism.

ICRT on Social Media

ICRT Finland - LinkedIn

ICRT Global - LinkedIn

ICRT Finland - Facebook

ICRT Global - Facebook

Contact us

Are you interested in promoting responsible tourism by participating in the network's activities? Contact us at icrtfinland(at)jamk.fi.

Petra Blinnikka

Lehtori, Senior Lecturer

Global Competence, Global Competence

Liiketoiminta, School of Business

+358405399185

[email protected]

Riitta Koivisto

Asiantuntija, Specialist

Matkailu ja palvelut, Tourism and Service Business

Liiketoiminta, School of Business

+358504793981

[email protected]

Upcoming events

Responsible Tourism Seminar Week 11.-13.11.2025

Past events

2025

Urban Climate Leaders in Tourism – Climate Change Brings Major Competitors Together, Matka Travel Fair, January 17, 2025

The Urban Climate Leaders in Tourism collaboration network aims to be pioneers and set the direction for the industry both nationally and internationally. The network's activities are based on the UN-led international Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, and its members are committed to common goals and actions. Each member is working ambitiously to promote sustainable and climate-friendly tourism and is committed to advancing the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) program led by Visit Finland. At the Matka Fair, the work of the collaboration network was presented, and the panel discussion delved into the future prospects of tourism, companies' measures for preparedness and adaptation, and the power of collaboration. The program was organized in collaboration with the ICRT Finland network, with active members of the network participating in the arrangements.

Moderator: Milla Öystilä, The Governing Body of Suomenlinna
Urban Climate Leaders in Tourism Group, Jukka Punamäki, City of Helsinki
Scenario Work Results, Kimmo Kivinen, Capful
Climate Neutral Destinations Project, Matti Pollari, Visit Tampere

Panelists:
Jarmo Rintala, Sokos Hotels
Petri Isomäki, Strawberry
Nathalie Huber, Lapland Hotels

2024

Emerging Tourism Trend: Transformative Tourism, Matka Travel Fair, January 19, 2024

Katja Pasanen (University of Eastern Finland) interviewed researcher Elli Vento (University of Eastern Finland) and entrepreneur Mari Ahonen (SaimaaLife) about transformative tourism on the Adventure Stage. The program was organized in collaboration between the ICRT Finland network and the project "Transformative tourist experiences – new business opportunities to enhance sustainability in tourism”.

Sharing Experiences of Responsible Tourism Development – Nordic Perspective, Sustainability Summit, Matka Travel Fair, January 19, 2024

In a discussion moderated by ICRT Finland network coordinator Petra Blinnikka (Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences), Kajsa Åberg (Region Västerbotten Tourism) and Hanna Muoniovaara (Visit Finland) shared best practices and solutions for developing responsible tourism and discussed collaboration opportunities between Nordic countries to promote sustainability in the tourism industry.

Presentation Material: Sharing Experiences of Responsible Tourism development – Nordic perspective

What good can I really do as a traveler?, Matka Travel Fair, January 20, 2024

A panel discussion led by Anu Nylund (Mood of Finland Oy / ICRT Finland) on how travelers can make more responsible choices. Discussants included Sini Sarén (Fair Travel Association), Annu Huotari (Hawkhill Nature), and Eduardo Martín Almueida (tourism professional, local activist, Gran Canaria).

Intensive Online Seminar Week, March 18-22, 2024

A free and open week-long online seminar organized in Nordic collaboration focused on various themes of responsible tourism. The week included speeches, discussions, and workshops on topics such as climate change, accessibility, ethics, future trends, and practical applications.

Intensive Online Seminar Week

2023

Finnish tourism industry taking climate action, Matka Travel Fair, January 19, 2023

In a panel discussion organized in collaboration between Visit Finland and ICRT Finland, signatories of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism discussed the global declaration and how the tourism industry is striving to secure itself. They also shared concrete actions that the signatories are taking to protect our most important assets: our clean and pristine environment and the Finnish way of life deeply rooted in nature. The discussion was moderated by network coordinator Petra Blinnikka (Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences) and Liisa Kokkarinen (Visit Finland), with panelists Anu Nylund (Mood of Finland), Matti Pollari (Visit Tampere), Tuukka Sutinen (Levi Ski Resort), and Teemu Tuomarla (Haltia Lake Lodge).

Finnish tourism industry taking climate action - Matkatieto

Forms of Tourism: Introducing Volunteer Tourism, Virtual Tourism, and Regenerative Tourism, Matka Travel Fair, January 20, 2023

ICRT Finland organized a panel discussion on new forms of tourism, what they mean, and how these new forms of tourism can promote responsibility, add value to locals and nature, and consider economic responsibility. The panel was moderated by Katri Tihilä (Fair Travel Association), with discussants Rositsa Röntynen (Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences), Jaana Nordensvan (Uudenmaan Seuramatkat Oy), Anu Nylund (Mood of Finland Oy), and Ilkka Numminen (Case Paimenlomat / Metsähallitus).

Traveling Responsibly by Land – Local Travel Leads to New Experiences, Matka Travel Fair, January 21, 2023

Outi Rantala (University of Lapland) interviewed Professor Seija Tuulentie from the Natural Resources Institute Finland and Arto Sivonen, the creator and leader of Måndag. The discussion explored the possibilities of land travel and local travel amidst the climate crisis, and how responsible tourism can bring vitality to rural areas or promote mutual care between nature and people.

Networking Coffee for Responsible Tourism Project Actors, March 17, 2023

Online networking coffee sessions gathered project actors from across Finland to discuss current project activities and events, and to network for creating future collaboration opportunities.

Harold Goodwin: Tourism & Climate Change in a Finite World, June 16, 2023

Harold Goodwin, the founder of the international ICRT network, lectured at an online seminar organized by ICRT Finland on the topic "Tourism & Climate Change in a Finite World." The event was free and open to all interested in the topic.

Lecture Recording: Tourism & Climate Change in a Finite World

2022

Panel Discussion: Does everyone have the right or opportunity to travel? January 20, 2022

Due to the cancellation of the Matka Travel Fair, ICRT Finland organized an online discussion on inclusive tourism. The discussion was moderated by network coordinator Petra Blinnikka (Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences), with perspectives provided by Sanna Kalmari (Palmuasema), Hannu Medina (Gay Travel Finland), Jukka Punamäki (City of Helsinki), Sanni Björklund (University of Lapland), and Johanna Maasola (Visit Jyväskylä Region).

15th International Conference on Responsible Tourism in Destinations, June 9-10, 2022

The international Responsible Tourism in Destinations conference organized by the ICRT Finland network brought together experts from around the world at the Helsinki City Library Oodi. The conference sought solutions for carbon-neutral tourism, presented best practices for preventing over-tourism, promoted resilience in the tourism industry, and delved into other current topics in responsible tourism. The conference was organized in collaboration with the ICRT Hub, the City of Helsinki, the Helsinki Tourism Foundation, and Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences.

RTD 15 Finland & Summer School - Responsible Tourism Partnership

2020

The Finnish tourism industry cannot survive without tourists – solutions to the negative impacts of tourism, Matka Travel Fair, January 16, 2020

A panel discussion organized for professionals on balancing the negative and positive impacts of tourism. The panel discussion organized by the ICRT Finland network was moderated by network coordinator Petra Blinnikka (Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences), with discussants Anu Nylund (Mood of Finland), Eeva Koivula (South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences), Anu Häkkinen (Fair Travel Association), Jukka Punamäki (City of Helsinki), Milla Öystilä (The Governing Body of Suomenlinna), Niina Pietikäinen (Harriniva), and Hanna Muoniovaara (Visit Finland).

Recording: Discussions on Responsibility: The Finnish tourism industry cannot survive without tourists - YouTube (in Finnish)

A responsible journey begins with attitude – local travel leads to new experiences, Matka Travel Fair, January 18, 2020

The appreciation for local travel is on the rise, and various entities have actively started campaigning for local travel. The panel discussion organized by ICRT Finland included Matti Koistinen (Finnish Cyclists' Federation (FCF)), Hannu Komu (SUOMA ry), Jaana Merenmies (INTERKONTTI), Tom Selännniemi (Metsähallitus), and Sanna Kalmari (Palmuasema). The discussion was moderated by Anu Nylund, an active member of the ICRT Finland network and entrepreneur at Mood of Finland.

Recording: Discussions on Responsibility: A responsible journey begins with attitude (in Finnish)

Responsible experiences from water bodies, Matka Travel Fair, January 19, 2020

Finland's image is associated with clean nature and thousands of lakes. From the perspective of Finland's accessibility, water bodies play a significant role. However, water bodies in tourism are still an underutilized resource in many places. We also do not want to lose this uniqueness, so utilization must be responsible. How can we develop responsible experiences from water bodies for tourism use? The panel discussion organized by the ICRT Finland network was moderated by Minna Tunkkari-Eskelinen (Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences / ICRT Finland network). Discussants included Matti Pollari (Renewing Särkänniemi Sustainable Tourism Destination), Milla Öystilä (The Governing Body of Suomenlinna), Matti Huitila (fishing tourism entrepreneur Läsäkoski), Anne Hyvärinen (canoeing route expert), and Minttu Perttula (Maritime Helsinki strategy).

2019

What can the tourism industry do for responsible tourism? Matka Travel Fair press conference, January 16, 2019

Presentation by network coordinator Petra Blinnikka on responsible tourism and the ICRT Finland network.

Responsible tourism is action, Matka Travel Fair, January 17, 2019

The ICRT Finland network shared information about its activities and provided examples of concrete actions for responsible tourism in a panel discussion led by network coordinator Petra Blinnikka (Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences). Panelists included Marketta Viljasaari (Green Key), Katri Tihilä (Fair Travel Association), Leena Grönroos (Haaga-Helia), Anu Nylund (Mood of Finland), Matti Tapaninen (Metsähallitus), Hannele Levävaara (Nukula Oy), Anna Stenius (Visit Finland), Matti Pollari (Visit Tampere), and Eeva Koivula (South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences).

How can I, as a local, participate in the traveler's experience? Matka Travel Fair, January 20, 2019

Travelers seek authentic experiences and adventures during their trips. Contact with local people is significant for getting to know the local culture. The panel discussion organized by the ICRT Finland network was moderated by Minna Tunkkari-Eskelinen (Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences), and the discussants represented locals, entrepreneurs, and marketers. The panel addressed questions such as: Why should locals participate in the traveler's experience? What do locals gain from it? How can locals be part of the traveler's experience?

2018

Sustainability Workshop, International Conference on Tourism Research, March 21, 2018

Harold Goodwin, the founder of the international ICRT Hub, organized a sustainability workshop as a pre-event for the International Conference on Tourism Research (ICTR).

The Limits to Growth, Responsibility and Over-Tourism, International Conference on Tourism Research, March 22, 2018

Harold Goodwin, the founder of the international ICRT Hub, delivered the keynote speech on "The Limits to Growth, Responsibility and Over-Tourism" at the ICTR conference (International Conference on Tourism Research). ICTR is an international research conference that provides researchers and professionals with the opportunity to share their experiences in tourism research.

ICTR is a new event in the international research conference calendar and offers a valuable platform for individuals to present their research findings, showcase ongoing work, and discuss conceptual and empirical advancements in tourism research. It provides an important opportunity for researchers and professionals to gather and share their experiences in this diverse and expanding field.

Tourism Employment: Current Challenges and Opportunities Workshop, 27th Nordic Symposium on Tourism and Hospitality Research, September 25, 2018

The international tourism employment research group (which originated at the Responsible Tourism in Destinations conference in Iceland and included members of the ICRT network) organized a workshop at the Nordic Symposium on Tourism and Hospitality Research. The workshop addressed the paradoxes of employment in the tourism and hospitality industry, such as low wages and the glamour of the job. Discussions focused particularly on the Nordic context, such as the growth of tourism in Iceland and job insecurity. Participants created new collaboration opportunities and drafted a summary working paper of key insights.

Organizers: Marianne Ekonen, Magnfríður Júlíusdóttir, Gunnar Thór Jóhannesson, Guðrún Þóra Gunnarsdóttir, Katrín Anna Lund & Andreas Walmsley

Future Challenges in Hospitality, October 31 – November 1, 2018

ICRT Finland was introduced at a seminar on responsible tourism held in Mikkeli.

2016

12th International Conference on Responsible Tourism in Destinations, June 9-11, 2016

ICRT Finland network was launched to a wider audience in June 2016 at the Responsible Tourism in Destinations conference (The 12th International Conference on Responsible Tourism in Destinations) held in Jyväskylä. The conference, organized for the 12th time globally, continued the series of successful events held around the world. This was the first time the conference was held in the Nordic countries. The theme of the event was Four Seasons and Responsible Tourism. The event was organized by Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences, ICRT Finland network, the Multidimensional Tourism Institute (MTI), and Lahti University of Applied Sciences.

RTD 12 Finland - Responsible Tourism Partnership

Harold Goodwin served as a guest lecturer at Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences Summer School from June 6-10, 2016.

Publications, Press releases and other activities