Destination Roros completes double of top world awards

Hilde Bergebakken and Linda Ramberg passionate about Roros SEE VIDEO

Winners of the top destination at the 2011 Responsible Tourism awards win the prestigious global Tourism for Tomorrow Award.

Said the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC): "Their successful multi-stakeholder approach to creating a thriving sustainable tourism destination in the old mining town of Røros, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is an example for many to follow."

"Since the end of mining in the late 1970’s, Destination Røros has been instrumental in reversing the area’s environmental degradation, guided by a management plan that actively engages and builds cooperation among local communities, municipal authorities, and private sector stakeholders. "

"Emphasis is placed on demonstrating that historical cultural sites and formerly degraded natural areas can be revitalised and utilised in new contexts through sustainable development, thereby bringing tangible economic benefits to the local people. Destination Røros is also a pilot project for Norway’s country-wide Sustainable Tourism Initiative."

Attracting over one million visitors each year, the town of just 3700 inhabitants maintains its sense of place through a local knowledge’ programme run for 180 businesses, local food safaris and much more.

Key to the destination’s success is its commitment to sustainability at all levels increasing the value of the tourist’s experience and the benefits to locals.

The multi-stakeholder approach the destination has facilitated is reversing the area’s environmental degradation and economic decline and in creating a thriving, sustainable tourism destination.

In addition to cultural heritage, its work has resulted in the rebounding of nature, including the southern-most population of wild reindeer in Scandinavia. Destination Røros has also launched initiatives to develop, support, and promote the local culture and indigenous Smi heritage.

Said Linda Ramberg  "It’s a winter dream for tourists, it’s very exotic in winter and a green wonderland in summer"

Hilde Bergebakken added "Apart from our activities, we have amazing food. The food of Roros is very unique, you can taste the wilderness- when food is growing slowly you have a unique taste in the food.

Activities in Roros include: hiking and biking; hunting and fishing; canoeing and boating; horse riding and husky dog mushing; bathing and wellness spa treatment.

Roros Website:
Winter:
Norwegian
Roros channel

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