Responsibility is an essential core value in Jämtland Härjedalen

All tourism-related activities in Jämtland Härjedalen are to be characterized by responsibility as a core value with the aim of contributing to sustainable development. That is responsibility both on the part of visitors and suppliers. Our nature and culture are the foundations of the region’s tourism industry and must be handled accordingly, in balance with requirements for economic and social sustainability.

In Sweden today, very few are unaware of the fact that we all need to keep resource consumption and waste production to a minimum. To reuse, reduce, recycle and focus on energy efficiency. We are proud to say our snowmobile tours are now turning electric!

Cooperating with local stakeholders to create an attractive society is essential to us, hence the significance of tourism for regional development. Arranging events with local support and involving the local population in the development of products that benefit every level of society is one way of doing it. Developing all-year-round employment, skills development, coordinated recruitment and cooperation between companies and education providers is another. Tourism is contributing to local economy, service, infrastructure including trails, and it contributes to cultural exchange and understanding between guests and citizens. Without tourism our region would look entirely different, and it would not be possible to live in the countryside to the same extent.

To promote a responsible and sustainable development of tourism, the strategic measures of the destinations, companies and the regional developers needs to focus on the visitor’s perspective. Being a superior host and deliver high quality services exceeding expectations means focusing on hospitality training and increasing staff´s understanding of guest needs as well as keeping track of trends and future needs. Our staff also need to be good interpreters. Highlighting the value of reindeer herding and farming in the region, creating an understanding why the region looks the way it does and how we make sure the regional identity keeps dynamic, yet not lost beyond recognition.

Creating a firm financial foundation is the prerequisite for working sustainably. This in turn calls for continuous organisational development based on a long-term strategy.

Jämtland Härjedalen is rather remote and of course we are aware about effects of tourism-related transport. Therefore, we take action towards developing environmentally friendly fuels like hydrogen gas and electric flights as well as welcoming more possibilities to travel by train and environmental friendly cars. In fact there is no other region in Sweden having more electric car charging stations per person.