Falun is the first destination in Sweden to achieve the highest level of Green Destinations’ international certification for sustainable destinations. The certification is based on an extensive independent assessment and is international recognition of the destination’s long-term work on sustainable development. Visit Dalarna coordinated the process as part of its work to strengthen the attractiveness and competitiveness of Falun and Dalarna.
The certification is the result of long-term work by Falu Municipality, Visit Dalarna, the tourism industry and civil society organisations. Particular focus has been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Falun and the national arena Lugnet, including the destination’s work to plan for and manage major events such as the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2027. The assessment covers, among other things, how the destination works with natural and cultural heritage, climate adaptation and the environment, social sustainability, business development, and long-term governance.
Strengthens the Attractiveness of Dalarna
The certification shows that Falun takes a long-term approach to developing the destination with consideration for nature, culture, climate, the local community and the business sector. For visitors, organisers and other partners, it provides confirmation that the work has been assessed and approved by an independent party. This can make it easier for stakeholders that impose sustainability requirements when choosing a destination for travel, meetings and events.
– For many tour operators, event organisers and visitors, ambitions are no longer enough. They are asking for independent verification. The certification gives Falun credible confirmation of the sustainability work being carried out and strengthens the destination’s competitiveness in international markets, says Gunilla Tegen, Project Lead, Sustainability, at Visit Dalarna.
– The certification shows that the long-term work being carried out jointly by the municipality, the business community, civil society organisations and other stakeholders is of a high international standard. It is both recognition and an incentive to continue developing Falun as an attractive place in which to live, work and visit. The certification comes at an important stage as Falun prepares for the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2027 and strengthens the destination’s international profile, says Liza Lundberg (S), Chair of the Municipal Executive Board of Falu Municipality.
The certification application was completed within the framework of Visit Dalarna’s project Dalarna Towards a Sustainable Destination, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Region Dalarna.
