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We believe that responsible tourism is as much about culture and supporting a local economy as it is about protecting the environment for future generations.
In Utsjoki we believe all elements come together comprehensively. We are exceptionally proud to be able to feature this region as tourism infrastructure remains limited. It is a remote, culturally rich and stunningly pretty region in the Northern most part of Finland. Employment here is generally based around the reindeer herders and the Sámi culture which accompanies this way of life.
During the holiday guests will experience the traditions and way of life of the Sami reindeer herders. This culture is almost unique within Europe and the preservation of this culture can be aided by maintaining its viability through tourism income. Guests meet the local people and interact provided un-staged cultural experiences. It is easy to forget that such culture exists within Europe as cultural exchanges such as these are usually reserved for more distant destinations.
Throughout their stay guests stay in locally owned accommodation and will sample local produce and handicrafts. Food, where possible, is locally sourced and thus the economic benefits of the expenditure are multiplied within the region. The excursions feature traditional activities such as ice fishing and cross country skiing as well as insights into the modern lives of reindeer herders, showing how the culture has adapted in modern times.
The level of understanding and appreciation which can be gained from a visit here I second to done and the direct benefits to local economies is hard to beat. Environmentally this holiday informs clients of the important ways in which the wilderness of Lapland can be preserved and how the Sami people play an important part in sustaining the pristine nature.
This holiday features activities which are traditional to the region and does not include snowmobile safaris, in keeping with the traditions as best as possible. A leave no trace policy is implemented throughout the tour and waste is kept to an absolute minimum due to the isolated nature of the destination. Waste is recycled where possible.
The accommodation has been built and furnished using locally or responsibly sourced materials where possible. Group sizes are kept to a maximum of 12 people here as tourist infrastructure is developing at a measured pace and the impact of any of the activities is managed more easily with smaller groups.
The founder of this company started as a family summer operator over 10 years ago. When he started adding a few Lapland holidays he was amazed at how popular they were and, avoiding the ski resorts, he set up more snow holidays in privately-owned accommodations in the wilderness. Today, these places are filled every winter with people living the dream - going on husky safaris across frozen lakes and cooking on log fires beneath the glorious Northern Lights. Many visitors book these holidays as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity but find themselves returning again and again, unable to resist the magnificent snowscapes.
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We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
