Sustainability at the heart of Norway's roadmap

#NordicNews on sustainability and Norway

Tourism roadmap: Norway's path to becoming the world's most sustainable destination

Norway is striving to become the most sustainable tourist destination in the world by being profitable and environmentally friendly. Industry Minister Jan Christian Vestre presented a roadmap with 43 measures to strengthen the tourism industry.

The actions range from local visitor subsidies to a national licensing system for tour guides. With over 180,000 employees in the tourism industry, Vestre envisages cooperation to increase value creation, reduce the climate and environmental footprint, create year-round jobs and position Norway internationally.

The tourism roadmap includes measures and investments

The roadmap aims to make better use of the potential of Norway's spectacular nature and unique cultural heritage while ensuring that it retains its attractive values. Despite the pandemic, tourism has recovered, with an increase in foreign tourists - German visitors account for around 21 percent. The government plans to promote attractive destinations and protect nature and communities.

A national accreditation system for travel guides is intended to increase quality and safety. The roadmap also provides for investments to strengthen tourism as an export factor. The National Export Council is developing proposals to increase competitiveness, which will be presented in spring 2024.

An overview of some of the measures:

• Tourism 2030: Initiative for sustainable growth and innovation, with a focus on year-round activity and green change.
• National accreditation system for tour guides: Standardization and quality improvement of tour guide services.
• National Tourist Routes: Investment in development and progress in the National Transport Plan 2025-2036.
• Strategy work for Sámi tourism: Promotion of sustainable indigenous tourism and Sámi culture.
• Destinations Committee follow-up: Review of recommendations to improve the management and sustainability of Norwegian destinations.
• Subsidy for local visitors: Implementation of pilot projects with local visitor contributions.
• Environmental requirements for cruise ships: Introduction of environmental requirements for cruise ships and ferries in the World Heritage fjords.
• National tourist trails: Support for sustainable management of natural attractions.
• Innovation Norway's tourism work: Further development of Innovation Norway's tourism mission.
• New export investments in tourism: Proposals to strengthen international competitiveness are expected in spring 2024.

Mehr zu der Roadmap Norwegens.

Header: © Tobias Tullius Unsplash