Helsinki Declaration for Travel Industry

Helsinki Declaration for Travel Industry is the travel industry’s commitment to sustainable travel. It is open to all travel industry professionals, from beginners to pioneers, interested in sustainable travel.

The declaration is not a list of admission requirements that need to be completely fulfilled upon signing but rather a commitment by a company representing the travel industry to develop the sustainability of its operations. By signing the declaration, companies and organisations promise to commit to sustainable principles, to be concretely enacted as they see fit.

The declaration itself is not proof of a company’s sustainability. For signatories in the early stages of development, committing to the declaration may be the first step towards a formal responsible travel program or certification. For those who have been working on sustainability for a longer period of time, signing the declaration is a confirmation of the company’s existing sustainability work.

The first version of the Helsinki Declaration was signed at the Matka Travel Fair in 2009 and version 2.0 of the declaration was published at the Matka Travel Fair in 2020. The third version of the declaration, the Helsinki Declaration for Travel Industry, was published at the Matka Travel Fair in 2026.

The signatories of the declaration include domestic and international operators from many different sectors: travel agencies, tour operators, land, water, and air transport, accommodation services, and MICE sector. Other participants include travel and tourism organizations, associations, education institutions, and travel media.

DECLARATION BACKGROUND

The impacts of travel — good and bad — are extensive. Travel industry negatively affects the environment and nature. It may also have unfavorable effects on local cultures and local communities’ social structures. Travel, however, is the prerequisite of many professional industries and creates opportunities for cooperation and togetherness, for relaxation and new experiences. Travel is a significant industry in many countries that spurs infrastructure development and improves people’s wellbeing. Travelling also bridges gaps between peoples and nations, breeding tolerance and understanding.

The Helsinki Declaration for Travel Industry encourages the travel industry to set a shared direction for responsible activities, to reduce negative impacts of travel, and to increase its positive effects.

Read the declaration below

For further information, please contact Jenni Kemppainen at +358 9 4133 3530 or jenni.kemppainen@smal.fi.

Signatories