The City of Lahti and the Päijät-Häme Region have long been recognised as pioneers of sustainable development. Lahti was the European Capital of the Environment in 2021 and aims to be nature-positive by 2030. The environmental work carried out by the city and the region has created a strong foundation for the region and a framework for developing sustainable tourism. In addition, the Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark, which operates in the area of six municipalities in Päijät-Häme, has played a significant role in the development of sustainable tourism in the region.
– Our sustainable tourism development programme and the Sustainable Travel Finland label are an excellent basis for the Lahti Region’s new regional tourism strategy, which will be completed during the summer of 2025. We are now celebrating this milestone, but at the same time, we are aware that sustainability work requires continuous development and commitment, says Raija Forsman, CEO of Visit Lahti.