Sustainability Communications Guide: a guide to sustainability communications for KIDE Hotel by Iso-Syöte and Ski Resort Iso-Syöte

This thesis examines the sustainability communications of Ski Resort Iso-Syöte and KIDE Hotel by Iso-Syöte. The overall purpose of this thesis was to produce a sustainability communications guide for the commissioner to develop their sustainability communication level to meet the growing demand for these kinds of actions. The goal of the authors was to develop their own understanding and expertise in this field. The thesis consists of a theory section introducing the sustainability matters in tourism and sustainability communications, and a qualitative research section. The theoretical background is based on Business Finland’s Sustainable Travel Finland program, Kotler & Keller’s marketing communication model, and other relevant literature. The research was based on qualitative interviews. The interviewees were selected in order to provide the authors a wide perspective of the phenomenon. The interview questions were designed individually for each interviewee to best mirror their expertise. The results of the research indicate that there is a need for more concise and cohesive communication considering sustainability actions from the commissioner. The results revealed factors regarding content, channels, and challenges of sustainability communications, based on which the final product was formed. The final product is in the form of a PowerPoint and PDF file and is attached as an appendix in this thesis. The research results correlated to a large degree with previously attained knowledge. The theoretical background of this thesis is in line and supports the research findings. Further studies could be done to investigate the extent to which consumers make purchase decisions based on sustainability factors, and also how communicating about sustainability matters possibly affects the purchase decision