Visit Reykjanes Participates in REGENERATE Project Meeting in Finland

Last week, Visit Reykjanes hosted the INTERREG REGENERATE project partner meeting in Finland, bringing together partners from Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Ireland. The meeting focused on reviewing the progress of the project, concluding the first work package, and planning the next phase of activities that will support the development of regenerative tourism across the Northern Periphery and Arctic region.

REGENERATE is an international cooperation project funded through the Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic (NPA) Programme and runs from 2025 to 2028. Visit Reykjanes is the Lead Partner of the project, coordinating the collaboration between partners across the four participating countries. The project aims to support regions in transitioning towards regenerative tourism, an approach that seeks not only to minimise negative impacts but also to create positive outcomes for nature, local communities and regional economies.

Reviewing Progress and Planning the Next Phase

A key focus of the meeting was the completion of the project's first work package, which included stakeholder mapping, tourism analysis, expert interviews and the identification of regenerative tourism best practices across the participating regions. The outcomes of this work provide the foundation for the next stages of the project.

Partners also planned the activities of the second work package, which will focus on developing training materials and practical tools for tourism businesses, establishing regional Regenerative Travel Hubs, organising workshops, and creating promotional materials that support the implementation of regenerative tourism.

In addition, the partnership reviewed project coordination, communication activities, upcoming milestones and the joint action plan for the coming months.

The meeting was held at Hawkhill Cottage Resort in Finland, a recognised example of regenerative and sustainable tourism. Participants had the opportunity to explore how the resort integrates climate action, circular economy principles and nature-based solutions into its daily operations, providing valuable inspiration for the project.

Building Stronger Destinations Together

Through REGENERATE, Visit Reykjanes is working closely with international partners to develop practical solutions that help destinations create long-term value for nature, local communities and visitors.

The knowledge, partnerships and tools developed throughout the project will support the continued development of Reykjanes while also benefiting other Northern Periphery and Arctic regions committed to building a more regenerative and resilient tourism sector.