About us

About us

Estonian Nature Tourism association was founded year 2018. Our goal is to develop Estonian nature tourism, to network Estonian nature tourism service providers, to be a reliable partner for the Estonian Tourism Board and other partners.  We know Estonian nature tourism entrepreneurs, have good contacts and can recommend the best ones for your trip.

We believe that Estonia’s image as a country rich in natural beauty is vital not just for tourism, but also for promoting our culture and economy on a global scale.

We support the principles of sustainability and eco-tourism, always striving to protect and promote nature while upholding the highest standards of tourism ethics. We work closely with local communities and nature tourism service providers to create meaningful and responsible travel experiences.

Our efforts include advocating for the interests of nature tourism businesses, promoting their services both locally and internationally, and collaborating with various sectors to ensure the development and quality of nature tourism in Estonia.

Kaisa Linno – Board Member
Kaisa Linno is a nature tourism professional with a strong background in community-based and sustainable tourism development. She holds a Master’s degree in Nature Tourism from the Estonian University of Life Sciences and has a particular interest in the role of local communities in protected areas and destination management.

Kaisa combines academic insight with hands-on experience, contributing to the development and international visibility of Estonian nature tourism through cooperation, quality-driven approaches, and long-term sustainability.

Aivar Ruukel – Board Member
Aivar Ruukel is a pioneer of Estonian nature tourism and one of the key figures behind the international recognition of Soomaa National Park and its unique Fifth Season. He is known for developing canoeing, wetland and nature-based experiences that respect local traditions and fragile ecosystems.

With decades of hands-on experience, Aivar contributes deep practical knowledge, strong values of sustainability, and long-term vision to the work of the Estonian Nature Tourism Association.

Mart Reimann – Board Member
Mart Reimann, PhD, is a long-standing lecturer and researcher at Tallinn University, specialising in rural and sustainable tourism development. His work combines academic research with practical international cooperation.

Mart is actively involved in international rural tourism development, including long-term collaboration in Ukraine through various Interreg and cross-border cooperation projects, supporting knowledge transfer, capacity building, and resilient tourism systems.

Liina Steinberg – Board Member
Liina Steinberg is a nature tourism professional with a strong focus on sustainable tourism development, visitor experience and cooperation between tourism and nature protection. She actively stands for ensuring that Estonia remains a forest-rich country for future generations. She combines environmental values with practical action in forest and nature protection.

Liina is also a freelance nature photographer and bird guide, with a deep knowledge of Estonian birdlife and ecosystems. Through her work, she helps raise awareness of biodiversity, responsible land use and the importance of protecting natural habitats.

Bert Rähni – Board Member
Bert Rähni is a leading wildlife tourism entrepreneur and nature guide in Estonia, known for developing unique birdwatching and large predator experiences. As the founder of Natourest, he has played a key role in introducing high-quality bear, lynx, bird and wildlife observation tours, attracting international nature enthusiasts to Estonia.

Bert actively advocates for responsible wildlife tourism and the balance of living nature, combining entrepreneurship with conservation awareness, education, and sustainable guiding practices that support both ecosystems and local communities.

Triin Kallas – Board Member
Triin Kallas is an expert in community-led rural development and sustainable tourism. She serves as the Executive Director of the Estonian LEADER Network, supporting local action groups and community-driven regional development across Estonia.

Alongside her strategic role, Triin has practical experience in nature-based tourism as the founder and operator of Vango Imedemaa, a family-run tourism farm focused on outdoor experiences and local hospitality. She brings a strong balance of policy-level insight and hands-on tourism practice to the Estonian Nature Tourism Association.

Marilin Pehka – Project Manager
Marilin Pehka is an experienced nature tourism project manager, entrepreneur and community tourism developer with a long-standing role in advancing sustainable and international nature tourism in Estonia. Since 2022, she has served as Project Manager of the Estonian Nature Tourism Association (ELTÜ), coordinating international cooperation projects, B2B activities, and sector-wide marketing initiatives.

She has played a key role in developing cross-border partnerships, organising FAM and press trips, and strengthening Estonia’s visibility in international markets, particularly the UK. In parallel, Marilin has led Visit Kõrvemaa, shaping the region into a recognised nature destination through strategic branding, product development and close collaboration with local entrepreneurs.

Her work bridges entrepreneurship, storytelling and sustainability, supporting both local communities and the long-term development of Estonian nature tourism.