«Ecotourism is enriching
nature and cultural experiences,
organised by responsible tourism companies

with consideration for their guests,

the environment and the local community

that they are a part of»
                                                            ©Ecotourism Norway

The first five certified ecotourism businesses announced

Ecotourism Norway is proud to present the first certified ecotourism businesses in Norway. We congratulate Alaskan Husky Tours, Lofoten Kajakk, Svalbard Villmarkssenter, Ypsøy Kystgard and Høve Støtt with their achievements!

Having worked with these businesses through the process of certification, we have learned to know five great representatives for ecotourism with excellent products to offer their guests, says Lone Lamark in Ecotourism Norway.

Look here for more information about the certified ecotourism businesses.

Look here for the criteria for certification.

A unique certification scheme for Norwegian ecotourism (100208)

Ecotourism Norway is now owned by Innovation Norway/Visit Norway but was developed through a three year process in cooperation with a test group of tourism companies and destinations, GRIP - The Norwegian foundation for sustainable development and the Norwegian directorates for Cultural Heritage and Nature Management.The Norwegian government is funding the project.

As a result of the project a certification scheme for Norwegian ecotourism was officially presented in January 2008 and the first companies are currently in the process of certification. Information about the certified companies will be made available on this website in due course. The certification scheme is developed uniquely with the Norwegian nature and cultural heritage in mind, but is fully inline with the prinsiples recommended by the International Ecotourism Society (TIES).

A Norwegian ecotourism business:

1. is nature and culture based and has ecotourism as an underlying philosophy for all its business activities.

2. contributes actively to nature and culture conservation, is aware of its own effect on the environment and always practices a precautionary attitude.

3. is run as sustainably as possible, constantly balancing ecological, cultural, social and economic considerations.

4. contributes positively in the local community, uses the local workforce, local products and services, works for increased collaboration and shows a general responsibility towards the community..
5. contributes to preserving listed buildings and has local adaptation, local architectural style and distinctiveness as a general goal in its choice of materials and solutions.
6. places particularly high demands on hosts and guides, and communications and interpretation is a central part of the product.
7. offers memorable experiences and creates meeting places that give employees and guests insight into local culture, community and environment.