When choosing an event venue, its characteristics and consideration of participants are becoming increasingly important factors. Turku offers a setting where sustainability is a competitive advantage: a compact urban structure, a unique archipelago, and a strong commitment to sustainable development enable impactful and responsibly organized events. Below is a list of things to consider when planning an event:

1. Timing – balance and year-round activity

Turku is a year-round event city. Autumn, winter, and early spring offer high-quality settings for congresses, seminars, and corporate events—often with better availability. Events held outside peak seasons also have a positive impact on local employment.

How can I influence year-round tourism through timing?
By scheduling events outside the busiest season, you can balance tourism demand, improve service availability, and offer participants a more relaxed experience.

2. Travel more sustainably – arrive by land

Most event emissions typically come from participant travel. Turku is easily accessible with low emissions from across Finland by train or bus. Ferry connections from Sweden and Turku Airport also support international accessibility.

The city’s compact structure is a major advantage: most event venues, hotels, and restaurants are within walking distance of each other. Local transport can be managed on foot, by bike, or via public transport—without the need for separate transfers. Turku’s public transport system, Föli, also makes cycling easy with city bikes.

How can I reduce travel emissions?
By favoring public transport options such as trains and buses, both when arriving and during the event.

3. Accessible events – inclusion for all

In Turku, event organizers have strong opportunities to consider diverse participants and ensure accessibility for as many people as possible.

Many venues and hotels in Turku are designed with physical accessibility in mind: barrier-free routes, elevators, accessible restrooms, and sufficient space for mobility aids. The compact city layout and short distances also make moving between venues, accommodation, and restaurants easier.

Accessibility goes beyond physical solutions. When planning events, it is important to consider the needs of neurodivergent participants as well. Clear guidance, quiet spaces, predictable programs, and providing information in advance help participants better understand the event and feel safe.

When accessibility is considered from the start, the event becomes truly inclusive—and a higher-quality experience for everyone. In Turku, event organizers can create events where every guest feels welcome.

4. Catering – local choices and clean water

A well-produced event also considers catering. Restaurants and catering companies in the Turku region emphasize local products, seasonal ingredients, and vegetarian options. In Finland, tap water is clean and drinkable, making it unnecessary to purchase plastic water bottles. Refillable bottles and water stations are practical and environmentally friendly solutions, especially for large events. Food packaging follows EU regulations.

What impact do my food choices have on emissions?
Food production is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. You can influence this by choosing plant-based and locally produced foods.

5. Materials – less stuff, more meaning

The environmental impact of events can be significantly reduced through material choices. Digital programs and apps reduce the need for printed materials. If printed materials are used, they should be carefully considered and recyclable.

How can I give participants a memorable takeaway without physical items?
Quality over quantity: local products or intangible experiences—such as guided tours or archipelago excursions—leave a stronger impression than mass-produced items.

6. Recycling – simple and effective

Efficient waste management is an essential part of a responsible event.

How can I influence participant recycling behavior?
Clear instructions and guidance make recycling easy. When choices are simple, people are more likely to commit to them.

7. Length of stay – combine business and leisure

Environmental impact is also linked to travel as a whole. When participants combine a business trip with leisure time, the environmental impact per day of stay decreases.

Why encourage participants to stay longer than the event?
The overall experience becomes significantly more memorable when the trip includes more than just the event. Turku’s historic center, riverside restaurants, cultural attractions, and maritime atmosphere are all easily accessible. Just a short distance away lies the Turku Archipelago—one of the most beautiful archipelago regions in the world—inviting visitors to hike, cycle, kayak, or relax in nature. These experiences leave participants with lasting memories of both the event and the trip to Turku.

8. Communication as part of the event

The choices made for an event deserve to be visible. Event websites, invitations, and on-site communication can highlight concrete actions: how sustainable mobility is encouraged, how catering is planned, and how waste is sorted.

Why communicate these choices?
Transparent communication builds trust and strengthens the event’s brand. It also encourages participants to make responsible choices.

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Turku – a responsible choice for impactful events

In Turku, sustainability is not an add-on but a natural part of event planning.

When you choose Turku, you choose a city where sustainability and memorable experiences go hand in hand—all year round.

Visit Turku Archipelago (VTA) strengthens the image of Turku and the archipelago as a sustainable travel destination through marketing and supports local businesses in developing more responsible practices.

VTA has been awarded the Visit Finland Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) label. This label recognizes destinations and companies committed to the long-term development of sustainable tourism. We also encourage event organizers to choose responsibly operating partners. Responsible companies may hold certifications or labels such as Ekokompassi, the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, or the STF label.