Tourism Safety Is Improved Together
By Niko Niemisalo, Project Manager, Multidimensional Tourism Institute, Lapland University of Applied Sciences
“The tourism safety and security network model, developed in Finland, is utilized in developing safety and security throughout the whole of the Arctic region.” (Arctic Strategy of Finland 2013)
Since the late 1990s tourism has raised its importance globally as business and leisure activity. Tourism carries with it an opportunity to act as a catalyst for economic growth and employment also in the Arctic regions. The tourism industry leans on the sensitive Arctic environment and experiences generated by an Arctic way of life. High quality and safe operations should be the hallmarks of northern tourism.
The specific features common to all destinations in the Circumpolar North are the long distances, sparse population, sensitive nature and severe climatic conditions. In Finnish Lapland, the Multidimensional Tourism Institute (MTI) has developed the Tourism Safety and Security System to mitigate these challenges. The work is implemented in close cooperation with the tourism industry, public authorities, municipalities, higher education institutions and non-governmental organizations.
E-tools for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs): Case of Tourism Safety Tools®
Tourism Safety Tools® is an e-tool that helps micro and small companies to verify the statutory obligations as well as their own best practices and to document them conveniently. The focus is on the safety value chain when providing accommodation, food and beverage (F&B) and activity services. Tourism Safety Tools® gives free access to risk management and self-supervision tools.
Developed with the Support of ERDF and ESF financing
Regional Safety and Security Cooperation: Case of Barents Rescue 2015
Barents Rescue exercises are organized every two years, and the participating countries are Finland, Norway, Russia and Sweden. The purpose of the exercise is to develop cross-border preparedness and to guarantee rescue cooperation in case of an emergency. During the exercise the professionals of rescue services, health care, volunteer organizations and other participants train together in challenging Arctic conditions. The participation of higher education institutions is welcome in the Barents Rescue exercises. In the Barents Rescue 2015 the Multidimensional Tourism Institute provided evaluation, research and support in parallel events like exhibitions and hosting of visitors. The Barents Rescue 2015 was successful and provided practical networking on regional, national and international level.