Sunday, May 25th, 2025
In a significant step towards maintaining the Sámi culture and promoting sustainable tourism in the Arctic Finland, the Sámi Parliament unveiled a draft for a new certification system for tourism operators in Lapland.
This initiative -the responsible Sámi tourism certificate, which was presented during the conference of the indigenous folk conference from May 20 to May 22, 2025, is intended to determine clear standards that honor the cultural values and environmental compatibility of Sámi to ensure that visitors have an authentic and respectful experience of the Sámi life.
Context: increasing tourism and its challenges in the Sámi regions
The untouched Arctic landscapes of Lapland and the unique indigenous heritage have increasingly attracted tourists worldwide. However, this increase has brought a number of challenges that affect the local Sámi communities. According to the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tourism in the region has created both economic opportunities and cultural pressure, especially for indigenous peoples, whose traditional livelihood and customs are closely intertwined with the country.
Incidents of cultural appropriation, such as B. non-Sámi visitors who attract themselves in the traditional costumes of Sámi or imitate cultural practices have caused concern. In addition, environmental impacts threaten rehearsal, fishing and collecting practices that maintain the way of life of the Sámi. Data protection violations, including tourists who photograph children or local communities without consent, were also reported. These problems underline the urgent need for regulated ethical tourism, which rather benefits the Sámi communities than to exploit.
The responsible Sámi tourism certificate: goals and implementation
The certification is intended to identify and support tourism companies that act according to the principles of Sámi culture and the fragile arctic environment. Tauno Ljetoff, a member of the Sámi Parliament, emphasized the role of certification in clarifying the current situation of Sámi tourism to better support operators who adhere to sustainable and culturally appropriate practices.
The certification criteria include:
- Cultural sustainability: Guarantee of tourism products and services reflects the Sámi heir without distortion or appropriation.
- Environmental responsibility: Protection of the natural environment that is integrated in Sámi livelihood and the Arctic ecosystem.
- Community commitment: Inclusion of Sámi communities in tourism planning and decision to protect their interests.
- Ethical visitor behavior: Promotion of respectful behavior among tourists, including rules for photography, cultural interactions and support of local companies.
Kirsi Suomi, the project planner, advised that the guidelines are still being checked and that after approval by the Board of Directors of the Sámi Parliament and the plenary assembly, completed in the course of this year.
A model for indigenous tourism worldwide
The initiative financed by the European Union reflects a growing global trend of indigenous communities that claim control over tourism in their territories. The responsible Sámi tourism certificate is not only intended for the Sámi regions of Finland, but also as a scalable model for other indigenous peoples who are looking for sustainable and ethical tourism frames.
The conference of the Indigenous Peoples, which was organized together by the World Indigenous Tourism Alliance (Winta) and the University of Lapland and focused on the global importance of ethical tourism in indigenous territories. Experts and community leaders informed experiences and strategies to ensure that tourism respects the rights, cultures and environments of the indigenous people.
Economic advantages for Sámi communities
Tourism is a critical source of income for many Sámi families, especially in remote Arctic areas in which traditional economies are under pressure from climate change and modernization. Due to the distinction of certified operators, the new system will help to stand out authentic Sámi companies in a competitive market and strengthen local employment and economic resilience.
Tauno Ljetoff noticed that “the coordination of traditional livelihood and tourism is important” and the certification can help to “create even better practices” that harmonize economic development with cultural preservation.
Sámi's responsible tourism certificate is based on earlier initiatives of the Sámi Parliament, including the principles of Sámi tourism and guidelines for tourists who were passed in 2018, which were published in 2022. These earlier framework conditions laid the foundations for the promotion of responsible behaviors and awareness of Sámi -cultural sensitivity.
Official state support and regulatory framework conditions
The Finnish government supports the development of a sustainable tourism policy that respects the rights of Sámi, as is guaranteed by the Finnish Convention and International Agreement, such as IAO Convention on the rights of indigenous rights.
The official website of the ministry outlines its commitment to promoting tourism, which brings economic growth with environmental protection and cultural heritage. The responsible Sámi tourism certificate corresponds closely with these goals and the wider Arctic strategy of Finland.
Next steps and public participation
Before the official adoption, the certification standards of the draft of a public consultation of Sámi communities, Tourism -Stakeholder, converting experts and government agencies are subjected. This integrative process ensures that the system is culturally appropriate, practical and widespread.
After approval, the Sámi Parliament plans to start a sensitization campaign for local companies and international tourists. The campaign will emphasize how important it is to respect the Sámi culture and the environment and at the same time enjoy the unique attractions of Arctic Finland.
Conclusion: On the way to a sustainable future for Sámi tourism
The introduction of the responsible Sámi tourism certificate is a major progress in securing the Sámi culture and the Arctic environment from the pressure of mass tourism.
The Sámi Parliament is intended to determine clear, culturally well -founded standards in order to strengthen indigenous tourism operators and to offer visitors an authentic and ethical travel experience.
This groundbreaking initiative underlines the potential that the tourism government led by indigenous people serves as a global benchmark.
Since the Arctic Finland continues to attract visitors from all over the world, responsible tourism will play a crucial role to ensure that the rich cultural heritage of the region has been ongoing for generations.
