The winner of the 2024 Matka Travel Fair’s Sustainable Travel Competition is the spa hotel and restaurant Kasnäsudden

The winner of the Sustainable Travel Competition at Matka Travel Fair 2024 impressed the judges with its comprehensive sustainability program that covered all participation criteria of the competition. Kasnäsudden also demonstrated perseverance by participating in the competition for the second time and achieving victory this time around.

"Perseverance is also required in sustainability efforts, and some of the finalists, such as Kasnäsudden, have been engaged in development work for decades. Kasnäsudden was selected as the winner because their presentation addressed all the criteria for participation in the competition. Particularly noteworthy were their efforts in purifying seawater for the hotel and spa's use, and their extensive social responsibility program, which considers the local residents, seniors, and children", says Timo Saranpää, the chairman of the competition jury.

Kasnäsudden's hotel manager, Tanja Liljeqvist, mentioned that this recognition is highly significant for their entire staff and family. She generously expressed gratitude during the emotional award ceremony and plans to use the price money in some way to enhance the well-being of their staff and further develop sustainability initiatives. She emphasizes that environmental issues and sustainability are the cornerstones of their company.

Ab Kasnäsudden Oy is a subsidiary of Ab Salmonfarm Oy, established in 1995. It operates in Kasnäs, located in the Turku Archipelago. This family-owned business is part of a family enterprise currently led by the second generation, Wilhelm Liljeqvist and his family. The company includes a hotel, restaurant, spa, meeting services, guest marina, caravan area, as well as a food store with a fish counter, a cafe, and a bakery.

The criteria of the competition, including the use of clean energy, reducing energy needs, and utilizing local products, services and companies, are admirably reflected in the operations of the spa hotel and restaurant. Electricity is sourced from windmills on the nearby island of Högsåra. Measures have been taken for heat conservation, and the spa, outdoor pools, and restaurant are heated using waste heat recovered from the parent company, Ab Salmonfarm Oy, located nearby. Water is also sourced locally, as both utility water and spa waters are purified from seawater at Kasnäs' own treatment plant. Locally cultivated and produced products are offered in the restaurant, store, and spa.

Social responsibility is also taken into account in the operations of Kasnäs. All seniors in Kemiönsaari have free access to the spa's services, and preschoolers are offered swimming lessons. They enable young competitive swimmers to practice in their pools. Community spirit is also important to Kasnäs, and they organize events such as Midsummer celebrations for the local residents.

In 2024, a record number of 33 companies and operators participated in the Sustainable Travel Competition. The finalists showcased innovative approaches to sustainability, considering both environmental and social factors. The other finalists in the competition were Haltia Lake Lodge, Adventura Tour Operator Ltd, Scandic Hotels, and Viking Line.

The competition jury included the jury chairman Timo Saranpää; SMAL (Association of Finnish Travel Agents), Liisa Kokkarinen; Visit Finland, Minna-Maari Harmaala; Haaga-Helia university of applied sciences, Lumia Ankkuri; Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre.

For more information:

Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, event communication: Anu-Eveliina Mattila, anu-eveliina.mattila@messukeskus.com, +358 50 555 6183,

Competition Jury Chairman, SMAL, Timo Saranpää, timo@kontiki.fi, +358 50 5236005.

Ab Kasnäsudden Oy, Tanja Liljeqvist, +358 40 535 2105.

The Matka Travel Fair takes place at the same time as the Caravan Fair from 18 to 21 January 2024, at Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. The international travel trade event, Matka Workshop Day, was held on 17 January 2024.

Website: www.matkamessut.fi | Twitter: @MatkaTravelFair | Hashtags: #Matkamessut #matka2024