Testing a new hosting concept: Outdoor Qualified certificate

A pilot test of a brand new concept is currently in progress, with some of Dalarna's accommodation facilities being certified as Outdoor Qualified by Visit Dalarna. The certificate is intended to let guests know that a place is particularly outdoor-friendly.

A first test will be run during the 2022 summer season, when the selected pilot companies will be certified according to Visit Dalarna's new Outdoor Qualified hosting concept. The concept is all about being able to respond to guests based on specific needs and wishes related to outdoor experiences.

In the initial phase, the focus is on a number of selected facilities that cater to mountain bikers in the areas included in the Biking Dalarna network. For an accommodation facility, this may include offering bicycle washing and parking, skilled staff who can provide information on trails, offering lunch packs and other services that add value to the guest experience.

“There's a strong demand to meeting guests' specific needs and desires related to outdoor experiences. As a certified Outdoor Qualified accommodation facility or restaurant/café, we can create conditions to attract completely new target groups, address visitors who stay longer and offer more incentives for the visitor to travel,” says Andreas Hermansson, responsible business developer for the outdoor sector at Visit Dalarna.

Bjursås Berg & Sjö is one of the first facilities to put the concept to the test.

“We are proud to be acknowledged as Outdoor Qualified. It highlights our range of services and gives us an additional opportunity to reach guests who value proximity to good trails, great hospitality with expert staff and other added values that make their stay with us a positive experience beyond the ordinary. The concept is a great initiative by Visit Dalarna. It provides guests with a straightforward guide to facilities with extra services and value-added amenities linked to outdoor activities,” says Per Kempe, CEO of Bjursås Berg & Sjö.

After the first test of the concept, an evaluation will take place with the pilot companies in 2022.

“After that, there are plans to certify more accommodation facilities, restaurants and cafés as Outdoor Qualified. For 2023, the aim is to train and certify even more facilities that are qualified to meet guests based on different outdoor experiences,” says Andreas Hermansson at Visit Dalarna.

Contact:

Andreas Hermansson, Outdoor Business Developer.
andreas.hermansson@visitdalarna.se/ +46 10-600 29 38

The project is funded by Region Dalarna and the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.