Visit Finland has awarded the Sustainable Travel Finland label to the Kymi Region Cooperative Society's Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Kouvola. This recognition is proof of the hotels' long-term and high-quality work to promote sustainable travel.

Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) is a national sustainable travel programme managed by Visit Finland. It takes a comprehensive view of the ecological, sociocultural and economic aspects of sustainability.

The STF label helps travellers to identify places that are serious about sustainable operations. It is only awarded to operators that complete the Sustainable Travel Finland programme, and the recipients of the label are also assessed regularly. The label for Vaakuna is valid until 28 February 2025.

"The Sustainable Travel Finland label is a clear indication of the fact that Original Sokos Hotels Vaakuna Kouvola is committed to sustainable operations and is taking real steps to promote sustainability. Sustainability is not a trend, it's the only correct way to operate. Travellers and tour organisers expect companies to make sure their operations follow the principles of sustainability," says Hanna Muoniovaara, sustainable travel specialist at Visit Finland, a part of Business Finland.

Receiving the label is a fantastic achievement and a recognition of the long-term sustainability work of both hotels. Vaakuna has been certified with the world's leading travel industry ecolabel, Green Key, for many years. The hotel pay attention to matters such as reducing the consumption of energy and water, waste management practices and minimising food waste. Their operations favour ecolabel products and sustainably produced food. The development work is also reflected in the high level of sustainability competence among their personnel.

In Kymenlaakso, five accommodation and travel services have now been awarded the Sustainable Travel Finland label.

"The Sustainable Travel Finland label is a great achievement for exemplary and goal-oriented sustainability work, which also positively affects the image of our region as a travel destination. We want to encourage all tourism operators in Kymenlaakso to develop their operations, because we are committed to promoting sustainable travel in our region. For example, we have created the freely available Kymenlaakso sustainable travel playbook to help you get started," say Ekaterina Miettinen, tourism director at Visit Kotka-Hamina and Kirsi Vainio, head of communications and marketing at the City of Kouvola.