TOURISM AWARD 2015

Destination Røros was one of three finalists for the Tourism Award 2015.

Destination Røros consists of around 200 trade-, catering- and tourism businesses in the municipalities Holtålen, Røros, Os, Tolga, Tynset and Alvdal. Along with two other candidates, we are nominated for the Tourism Award 2015 in Norway. This is a coveted award, and we are proud to be nominated by Innovation Norway.

The main areas of our work are the promotion of the Røros region as a tourist destination, as a brand, as well as operating the Tourist Information Office in Røros. We also organise The Røros Winter Fair as well as the local Christmas Fair. In addition to this we conduct business development projects to enhance our members’ reputation. This is done via a separate development company: Visit Røros AS – to focus even more on sustainable destination development.

Destination Røros developed a new strategy 7 years ago, focusing on the World Heritage Røros as our most important asset. This makes it easier to differentiate ourselves in relation to other destinations. This has led to overall sustainable tourism development. We have focused particularly on developing service skills for local businesses and our member companies: more than 500 people have participated, from local food producers to developers of activities. Destination Røros is an early adopter of sustainable tourism, and has been involved in setting the course for this holistic thinking in Norwegian tourism.

Experiences in the Røros region are based on the world heritage, dissemination of outstanding universal values, local food production and -experiences, and many cultural events. We have two national parks and several protected areas. Active dairy farming can be experienced by visitors, along with local food safaris. Røros has been declared Norway’s Culture Municipality for three consecutive years, and is often referred to as Norway’s local food capital.

Destination Røros has received the two main global prices for our work with responsible and sustainable tourism, and we are often used for training purposes by other Norwegian and foreign destinations engaged in similar development. Under the brand ’Look to Røros’ both lectures, workshops and study tours can be applied for by other destinations and development companies. The approach to sustainability manifests in a focus on nature, culture, community building and creation of economic value. Teamwork is another key element for the success we have had in these endeavors. Røros has helped to strengthen Norway in the International markeds, and contributed to this country’s branding as an environmental beacon.

Destination Røros has managed to turn deficit into positive numbers. This has been reflected in our members’ profit margins, as soon as this new course was charted. Working together instead of competing with each other, makes us experience strong international growth.