Sustainable Tourism

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The Global Challenge of Sustainable Tourism

Tourism, by its very nature, poses challenges to sustainability. In recent years, we have witnessed the negative impacts of mass tourism on various cities across Europe. Overcrowding, environmental degradation, and the strain on local resources have become common issues. In places like Venice, Barcelona, and Amsterdam, the influx of tourists has led to significant wear and tear on infrastructure, increased pollution, and disruption of local life.

Sustainable Tourism in Tromsø

Tromsø, however, stands out as a beacon of responsible tourism. This Arctic city has embraced sustainable practices to ensure that the natural beauty and cultural heritage remain intact for future generations. Tromsø offers visitors a unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant local culture. By prioritising sustainable tourism, Tromsø sets an example for other destinations.

Key Facts About Sustainable Tourism in Tromsø:
– Green Initiatives: Tromsø has implemented various green initiatives to minimize the environmental impact of tourism.
– Local Engagement: The city works closely with local communities and authorities to promote sustainable practices and protect natural resources.
– Alternative Energy: Efforts are made to use renewable energy sources and reduce carbon emissions.
– Protected Areas: Strict regulations are in place to preserve the pristine Arctic environment and protect wildlife habitats.

Our Commitment to Sustainable Operations

At Northern Shots, we are deeply committed to minimising our environmental footprint while providing unforgettable experiences. Here’s how we achieve this:

– Efficient Transportation: We encourage our guests to only use large comfortable coaches for our tours, which significantly reduces the per-passenger pollution rate. By splitting emissions among many travellers, we offer a more sustainable mode of transportation compared to smaller vehicles or individual car hires.
Figure: A fully occupied coach bus emits about 0.028 kg of CO2 per passenger per kilometer. This figure is over 10x lower than a passenger that travels with most of the competition, which uses smaller vehicles.
– Optimized Routes: Tromsø offers at least four different routes to view the Northern Lights each night. We prioritize the shortest routes possible to minimize mileage and reduce our carbon footprint. In contrast, other cities often require extensive travel to find optimal viewing spots, leading to higher emissions.
– Community Collaboration: As proud members of Visit Tromsø, we maintain close ties with local communities and authorities. This collaboration ensures that our operations align with the city’s sustainability goals and contribute positively to the local economy.
– Environmental Education: Our tours include information on the importance of environmental preservation and encourage guests to adopt sustainable practices during their visit.
Polarising Operations: From 2024 we are offering a second destination to our customers, also in an attempt to reduce the impact on one sole destination. This will be at the city of Alta.
Waste: We have minimized our waste production and converted everything we use on the tours to biodegradable materials: – wood spoons instead of plastic, paper cups instead of plastic cups, etc, and we also separate the waste to be able to recycle it. Fun fact: In Norway the waste is sorted optically by the colour of the plastic bags that we put the waste into.

By choosing Northern Shots, you are supporting a company that values sustainability and is dedicated to preserving the Arctic’s unique environment. We believe that responsible tourism is not just a choice, but a necessity for the future of our planet.