Developing a new destination responsibly in Finland’s Turku Archipelago

Embedding sustainability from the outset

In Finland’s southwest lies the Turku Archipelago, a vast network of over 20,000 islands that are largely unknown to international travelers. In this film, we follow the team at Visit Turku Archipelago as they highlight how they plan to work with local businesses to grow international tourism in the region, but in a way that’s sustainable from the beginning.

Local storyteller and digital content specialist Saga Tanner takes us on a journey to meet business owners who have sustainability woven into every part of their operations. We visit Gabriel, owner and guide of Archipelago Sea Paddling Academy in Korppoo, who rotates his island routes to allow nature to recover and ensures his guests leave no trace behind. “Even after ten years,” he says, “I still discover new places.”

On Houtskär Island, Outi and her husband Sam run a small hotel and restaurant, Hotel Hyppeis värdshus where recycled furniture, locally sourced fish and vegetables, and a deep respect for the environment are part of their everyday choices. Their potatoes come from next door. Their fish, from the surrounding sea.

This film captures the delicate balance between nature, community, and tourism, and how small choices, rooted in local knowledge, can make a big impact. Visit Turku Archipelago is seeking more visitors, but they don’t want just any visitor. They want select travelers who respect nature, and wish to travel in a low impact way.