Responsible tourism
We are strongly committed to responsible tourism. Every year, we select the Responsible Tourism Operator of the Year, which has been pioneering and exemplary in its work. In our selection, we emphasize areas of responsible tourism, which include ecological, economic, social, and cultural responsibility. The choice is always difficult, because there is so much to choose from in North Karelia.
Maijan Juhla- ja pitopalvelu - responsible operator in 2025
Maija Timonen's Maijan Juhla- ja pitopalvelu catering service is known for its uncompromising commitment to Karelia à la carte values: locality, uniqueness, hospitality, and appreciation of nature. Maija's base is in the former Ojamäki school in Kitee. Completed in 1929, the school building has been renovated with respect for tradition, and the premises exude the history of the area.
Maija Timonen is not only a successful entrepreneur, but also an active networker and promoter of regional cooperation. She has served as chair of the local tourism association and continues to be a unifying force for various actors.
Cooperation between companies and attachment to the local community are essential but often overlooked aspects of responsible tourism – these are precisely the themes that Maija Timonen's work emphasizes and promotes
.Venejoen Mylly and Piilo – responsible operator in 2024
Venejoen Piiloand Mylly are the brainchild of Terhi Holopainen and her family, showcasing their ideas and craftsmanship. The cottages were built using old construction techniques and recycled building materials.
The company offers experiential services in the historic Old Mill. With the mill, the traditional landscape of the farm has been restored and the village community has been involved in the work and activities. Local products and Kupilka's ecological tableware are used in the catering.
"I am lucky that our family has been able to settle here on the ancient watermill lands of our family in Kontiolahti. We ended up in the middle of wonderful nature, part of our family's history. I want to share the experience with others and invite all good people to the village and the warm saunas on the shore of Sydänlampi
!Kihaus Folk ry – vastuullinen toimija vuonna 2023
The responsible tourism operator for 2023 is Kihaus Folk ry. Kihaus Folk ry actively promotes folk music and raises awareness of it.
We appreciate the association's long-term work in promoting local and national folk culture. Kihaus Folk would not exist without a large group of volunteers, with around 80 volunteers working hard at the event. We want to give recognition to the entire community that makes the event possible.
www.kihaus.fi
Apartment Hotel Lietsu - 2022 selection
The hotel was established in the center of Joensuu in 2019 as "the child of two dreams," as the hotel owners, Maria Saastamoinen and Helena Puhakka-Tarvainen, explain. The dream carried them through the coronavirus years, and the future now looks bright.
Responsibility is reflected in minimizing environmental impact, promoting sustainable business practices, and respecting local culture. The entrepreneurs see history, tradition, and Karelian culture as a source of richness
.Hermann's Winery - 2021 selection
Hermannin Viinitila, founded in 1989, is Finland's oldest winery. Domestic raw materials, high-quality products, and innovative product development are at the heart of the company's operations. The company believes in the power of localism, but is not afraid to conquer international markets. The wine shop and wine tower built around the production facility add to the vitality of Ilomantsi.
Puukarin Pysäkki - 2020 selection
Puukari's operations reflect entrepreneur Anni Korhonen's passionate and uncompromising attitude towards Karelian food culture, traditions, and sustainable development. At Puukari, ecological and cultural responsibility go hand in hand. Through her own personality and actions, Anni promotes North Karelia as a region for food tourism and responsible travel.
Tomi Laurikainen – 2019 selection
Actor and dancer Tomi Laurikainen has done independent and artistically uncompromising work to promote cultural tourism in Outokumpu. The Juuret festival, led by Laurikainen, has been a unique combination of dance, theater, and music. After completing his dance studies, Tomi settled in Outokumpu and found his own "roots" there.