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Sustainability stories from Finland

Credits: Seppo Rinta-Kauppila

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In this newsletter...

In Finland, sustainability comes from within. By choosing Sustainable Travel Finland labelled providers, you can be sure that they take sustainability seriously. We have listed some options for your next event in Finland.
Credits: Seppo Rinta-Kauppila

Covid-19 Certificate to Messukeskus Helsinki

Credits: Messukeskus Helsinki

As the first Nordic event organiser, Messukeskus Helsinki, Expo and Convention Centre has received a Covid-19 certificate in recognition of exemplary work for Covid-19 safety. The certificate has been awarded by SAFE Asset Group, an international certification and consulting company specialising in the security of commercial premises.

SAFE Asset Group conducted an extensive audit for the certificate, which verified Messukeskus’ safety policies and guidelines. The certificate is a recognition that the instructions, the hygiene of the premises and equipment, the safety expertise of the staff and other measures related to the control of Covid-19 have been thoroughly taken care of.

Built for large public events, Messukeskus has a smooth entrance with automatic gates, the possibility of electronic payment, service points protected with plexiglass and contact free taps. Entrance routes and service points are equipped with hand disinfection automats and safety distance markings. Face masks and other hygiene equipment are available for visitors. Efficient air conditioning and in some place up to 14 meters high halls improve safety.

Sustainable Travel Finland labelled venues for business events

Visit Finland has developed the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) programme to help the travel & meetings industry in Finland to adopt sustainable practices. The programme is designed for companies and destinations to develop more sustainable practices. So, when you spot a venue or supplier that has the Sustainable Travel Finland label, you know they take sustainability seriously.

Tampere Hall (picture) was awarded the label this spring. Tampere Hall’s versatile facilities are ideal for both small meetings and large conferences, as there are several adjoining lecture theatres and classrooms as well as exhibition facilities.

If you’re looking for greener and more sustainable choices for your events in Finland, you’ll find all the destinations and companies that have been awarded the Sustainable Travel Finland label here. Some examples of venues and suppliers that have already been granted the label have been listed on the Finland Convention Bureau website.

Credits: Tampere Hall

Responsibility at Sokos Hotels

Sokos Hotels is part of the Finnish cooperative S Group, which aims to be a pioneer in responsibility in all its industry sectors. They have already for many years been carrying out systematic corporate responsibility work in all areas of operations in the Sokos Hotels chain. In addition to cooperation on a chain level, the hotels work extensively with local partners for the benefit of the nearby region. They also aim to reduce food waste and consider energy efficiency aspects when modernising the properties. The procurement activities comply with S Group’s shared sustainability principles and guidelines.

For the ninth consecutive year, the Sokos Hotels chain was named Finland’s most sustainable hotel chain in the annual Sustainable Brand Index study. The study is the largest brand study in Europe, in which consumers assess the sustainability of companies in different industries.

All Sokos Hotels are included in the Green Key environmental programme. The hotels also actively participate in local responsibility initiatives, like charity projects and recycling furniture. Read more about their responsibility actions here.

Credits: Elina Manninen / Keksit

Safe and sustainable experiences in Espoo

Credits: Aku Pöllänen

Espoo, the neighboring city to Helsinki, has room to roam and enjoy safe experiences: there are plenty of activities for every taste all year round. When the time is right, and travelling is safe again, Espoo welcomes groups to enjoy the experiences. Why not try these:

CANOE AND HIKE IN NUUKSIO NATIONAL PARK
A group tour combining easy but scenic paddling at the peaceful Hawk Lake with a pleasant hike to a viewpoint. The activity starts and ends at Natura Viva´s Hawk’s Nest wilderness center. Natura Viva has been granted the Sustainable Travel Finland label.

PICK BERRIES WITH A FINN
Go on a berry-picking trip with a local guide who knows the best places. During the trip, you will learn about the Finnish freedom to roam (“Everyman’s rights”) and how to move in the forests without disturbing the wildlife, as well as using the forests as a source of food. Hawkhill is also an STF label holder.

SLEEPING IN THE AIR
The adventure accommodation Tentsile camp Nuuksio North is open all summer. Sleeping in the tent suspended between firm trees is a wonderful experience and brings you closer to the nature.

More information on Espoo as a destination for meetings and events on the Visit Espoo website.

Virtual site visits in Helsinki

You can now visit some of the most popular meeting venues in Helsinki virtually – and start planning your future event. Helsinki Convention Bureau has prepared virtual site visits to showcase the options for events.

FINLANDIA HALL
Centrally located, in park-like surroundings in the heart of the city by the Töölönlahti Bay, Finlandia Hall (picture) is ideal for conferences and exhibitions, as well as for smaller meetings and galas. A masterpiece by the great Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, Finlandia Hall is worth a visit in its own right. Have a look at the facilities here.

MARINA CONGRES CENTER
Marina Congress Center is a multifunctional congress venue by the sea, close to the market square in Helsinki. The top class service makes it an ideal venue for meetings and banquets. There is also a hotel with 462 rooms next to the venue. The site visit starts here.

All virtual site visits to some of the iconic venues and hotels in Helsinki can be accessed via Finland Convention Bureau website.

Credits: Finlandia Hall
Credits: Pekka Lehtonen

When the time is right, and traveling is safe again, we can assure that traveling to Finland continues to be memorable, responsible and health safe. FINENTRY digital service makes it easier to travel to Finland and manage the coronavirus testing that may be required for entry. By May 23, the vaccination rate in Finland was 41.0 %.

Finland Convention Bureau provides complimentary information, consultation and assistance to all congress organizers and meeting planners.
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