Our regenerative tourism efforts

Helsinki Tourism Innovation Challenge autumn edition 2026 encouraged us to create new services for Seurasaari Island during the low season. One of the criteria was to include regenerative tourism efforts, so we did our best.

Our new service, "Find your inner Finn - Embrace the grey season like a local," focuses on teaching international visitors, expats, and immigrants how to enjoy the season that many call depressing: the grey and often rainy days of October and November. The experience includes guided nature walks, playing popular Finnish games, and enjoying camping-style lunch together outdoors.

Here are some of our efforts to make this experience sustainable:

• Keeping the maximum group size to 8 ppl

  • To allow time for questions, social connections, and community spirit to happen.

• Choosing plant-based food and sustainable local fish alternatives from Finland

  • Such as JärkiSärki roach and oat-based cheese by Mö.

  • Selecting food that has a connection to Seurasaari island, like broad beans, apples etc.

  • Calculating the amount of food to prevent foodwaste.

  • Informing the guests in marketing/communication material, that the food will not include meat.

• Serving herbal tea made from 100% Finnish herbs by the family-owned company Yrttipaja.

  • Supporting a smaller business and choosing an alternative to coffee.

• Buying camping bowls, cups, and cutlery from a Finnish brand Kupilka.

  • Their products are durable, dishwasher-safe, and made from Kareline Natural Fibre Composite.

  • In addition, using reusable and machine-washable lightweight wood fiber cutlery.

• Encouraging guests to arrive by public transport.

  • Aligning the start and end times to match the bus 24 schedule.

• Teaching the guests about "Jokaisenoikeudet": everyone's rights and responsibilities.

  • Encouraging people to enjoy the outdoors around the year responsibly.

• Doing activities together that can act as a way to break the ice with the locals.

  • Acknowledging that Finland is not the easiest culture in which to make new friends as an adult. Therefore, providing tools, such as teaching how to play games that Finns enjoy. Discussing Finnish-style community-spirited work "talkoohenki" and how asking for practical help is often better option than asking "how are you".

• Organising the activity despite the rain and teaching the attendees how to dress and mentally prepare for the autumn weather.

  • Sharing a how-to video for the attendees: you can watch it on YouTube

• Using existing gear and testing them before making new purchases.

  • For example, backpacks, carts/carriers, cooler bags.