Visit Tromsø-Region's expert committee for destination development

Visit Tromsø-Region has established an expert committee with representatives from 13 different partners. The committee works closely with Tromsø's Destination Management and helps to ensure that the needs and views of organised tourism are included in the development of the Tromsø region as a destination. 

The Destination Management Board, established in 2024, is an advisory body and a collaboration between the public sector and the business community to help manage and develop Tromsø as a sustainable destination. It consists of a broad group of stakeholders, including politicians, civil servants in Tromsø Municipality, Visit Tromsø-Region, Avinor, the Port of Tromsø, a business association and several development teams representing the residents of Tromsø. The aim is to continuously work on finding sustainable solutions that safeguard local communities, the environment and business. 

As a direct consequence of the establishment of the Destination Management Board, Visit Tromsø-Region quickly took the initiative to establish an expert committee consisting of its own partners. The expert committee helps to give the partners a formal channel into the work of Destination Management. The committee acts as a professional and strategic link between the partners and Destination Management. 

How the expert committee works in practice

The expert committee provides input on issues that should be addressed by the Destination Management Board, participates in professional discussions on development and acts as a sparring partner on current tourism-related topics. All of Visit Tromsø-Region's partners were invited to express their interest in participating in the committee, and the current composition reflects the breadth of the industry - with representatives from hotels, activity providers, attractions and restaurants. There is a mix of small and large businesses, from both the city and the region. 

The committee meets physically about once every two months, ahead of the Destination Management Board's meetings. If necessary, digital meetings are also held between the regular meetings. This ensures an ongoing dialogue and well-prepared input to the Destination Management Board. 

The following participate in the expert committee, for a period of two years at a time: 

1. Terje Theodorsen, Scandic Grand Hotel 
2. Henry Nyvoll, Best Arctic 
3. Niina Pietikäinen, Norwegian Travel 
4. Anne Grete Johansen, Polaria 
5. Magne Aarbø, Tromsø Outdoor 
6. Tove Sørensen, Tromsø Villmarkssenter 
7. Cecilie Nøstvik, Hermes 
8. Knut Perander, Midnight Sun Marathon 
9. Morten Lønstad, Restaurantdrift 
10. Bengt H. Larsen, Sommarøy Arctic Hotel 
11. Martin Lobert, Tromsø Accessible Tours 
12. Cristian Costa, FRAM Tours 
13. Lone Helle, Visit Tromsø-Region 
14. Inger-Lise Brones, Visit Tromsø-Region 

Do you have any questions about the expert committee, or would you like to participate? Do you have input that the expert committee should discuss? Get in touch with Inger-Lise Brones, advisor for sustainability and society at Visit Tromsø-Region.