Regenerativ landsbygdsturism i Österbotten

About the project

The Regenerative Rural Tourism in Ostrobothnia, ReTur, project aims to develop tourism in the region by creating a regenerative operating model. The project is led by Novia University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with the Kristinestads Näringslivscentral Centre and Dynamo Närpes. The project includes several activities, such as developing a handbook for regenerative tourism, conducting a needs and resource mapping among local stakeholders, and organizing workshops and seminars to disseminate knowledge and inspire regenerative practices.

Project goal

The aim of the project is to strengthen the tourism industry in Ostrobothnia through regenerative operating models and to foster collaboration between different types of organizations in order to develop business models that contribute to regional development.

Expected results and impacts include a handbook that guides small-scale tourism operators in regenerative tourism practices, increased competence and awareness of regenerative tourism among local stakeholders, improved economic viability within the tourism sector, and strengthened collaboration between tourism operators and local communities.

The project's target groups are tourism organizations in Ostrobothnia, including destinations, visitor organizations, small businesses, associations, municipalities, and other organizations connected to the tourism industry. Local residents also constitute an important target group.

The project runs for two years and three months, starting in the autumn of 2025. Part of the project implementation is geographically focused on South Ostrobothnia, where the project's final product will be tested and further developed. The results of the project will be shared throughout Ostrobothnia through events and external communication activities.

The project will provide tourism stakeholders with tools and knowledge to implement a regenerative tourism model tailored to the local needs and resources of Ostrobothnia. It is expected to contribute to enhanced well-being and regional attractiveness through positive environmental impacts, improved economic sustainability, and increased social sustainability driven by local engagement and regenerative practices.