Oulangan Taika encourages its customers to act responsibly on their own trips

Tourism in Ruka-Kuusamo is founded upon the region’s magnificent natural attractions. Hence, the promotion of responsible tourism is especially important for local tourism businesses. Through the Sustainable Travel Finland program (STF) by Visit Finland, companies can incorporate sustainable practices and responsible choices into their daily operations.

The flowing waters and majestic hills of Kuusamo, with their breathtaking views, left a lasting impression on Tommi Kallberg, who hails from southern Finland. During his summer hikes, while still working in IT, Kallberg began to dream of more meaningful work that felt like a pleasant hobby and provided mental enrichment.

When an appealing house in Käylä went up for sale, Kallberg made a spontaneous decision to buy it as a second home. His dream quickly materialized when, in 2022, Käylä became his primary residence and Kuusamo his home base and the headquarters of his own company.

Nowadays, Kallberg is involved in all aspects of running Oulangan Taika. He guides hikes and day trips, whether on skis, snowshoes, on foot, or by canoe. For self-guided customers, the company rents out hiking gear from backpacks to camping and cooking equipment, as well as canoeing gear.

– The preservation of biodiversity is built into everything we do. We always move in nature using muscle power, explains the founder and head guide of Oulangan Taika.

Oulangan Taika also encourages its customers to foster biodiversity. Every experience program and nature experience has a consciously chosen theme that is discussed and highlighted.

For example, when fishing, they talk about endangered trout populations. And when canoeing, they discuss the historical river conflicts in Kuusamo. This adds value to the experience and encourages customers to act more responsibly on their own trips.

– Conversations with customers have been very fruitful. They gain new perspectives on the Kuusamo area and its nature, which they can also reflect on in their daily lives. Our customers find it enriching that they are not just taken snowshoeing to Myllykoski, but also learn about the history of the place.

Oulangan Taika wants to set an example for others

Oulangan Taika had already described its commitment to sustainability before the STF program, in connection with applying for the Green Activities certificate. In the STF program, the company has focused especially on the future and what can be done in the coming years to make operations even more sustainable.

– With the STF program, we have started to calculate our carbon footprint. For meals offered in nature, we will pay even more attention to local ingredients, Kallberg explains.

Socio-economic responsibility has also been a core value for Oulangan Taika. The guides are locals who know the nature, its ways, and Outdoor Etiquette. They collaborate with local businesses and pay subcontractors a fair compensation.

The STF label is important to Kallberg because it is also proof to customers and partners that the company's operations are genuinely sustainable. Oulangan Taika pays the national park usage fee to Metsähallitus for all customers participating in their tours. Additionally, the company supports nature conservation in Kuusamo by donating part of its profits to the Pro Kuusamo association.

In addition to hiking etiquette, the Leave no Trace principles are followed on hikes to minimize environmental impact.

– Setting an example and talking about responsibility is essential for us. We also educate our customers on the importance of biodiversity for those of us working in tourism.

Can nature's carrying capacity withstand growing tourism?

The impact of large crowds on sensitive natural sites has been a topic of discussion in recent years as the pandemic led more people to hike in national parks. To preserve nature's carrying capacity, Oulangan Taika only uses existing hiking structures and marked trails in its programs.

Nature experiences are offered not only in Kuusamo but also in Posio, Salla, and Hossa.

– Another big issue is litter-free hiking. We collect any trash along the way. At the campfire sites, we guide our customers to use firewood sparingly and to chop wood for the next visitor. These are basic principles of hiking etiquette.

What does Kallberg think about the carrying capacity of nature in the Kuusamo area? Can it withstand growing tourism?

– Currently, the built hiking trails in the Kuusamo area are in good condition because people know how to behave here. Overall, places in northern Finland have remained cleaner than in southern Finland, he notes.

Kallberg believes that running a business responsibly is ultimately in everyone's best interest. He doesn't want to expand his business too much, as it would eventually affect the quality of the experiences he offers to his customers.

– We have beautiful nature here that customers want to come to and see. Responsible tourism is a marketing advantage that opens new doors with customers, says Tommi Kallberg.

Read more:
Sustainable Tourism in Ruka-Kuusamo
Oulangan Taika

Published: 15.7.2024
Text: Pauliina Toivanen
Photos: Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association/Jani Kärppä and Oulangan Taika