| dc.description.abstract | With an increased awareness of sustainability and the value of natural properties, a trend has
emerged within the tourism industry that has given rise to an increased demand for natural
destinations that promote the development of the local community, also known as ecotourism.
Contextual consideration is needed to study the full effects of ecotourism and the High Coast
in the north of Sweden sets that stage in this bachelor thesis. The focus of the study revolves
around three main topics: community development, destination development, and preservation
of natural values, depicted from the perspective of nine actors active in, and around, the High
Coast. The topics were examined through the lenses of the actors’ perceptions of reality,
gathered through semi-structured interviews with representatives from the different
organisations and later analysed through a theoretical framework focusing on social and
ecological sustainability, as well as management theories. The research suggests that
ecotourism is a viable direction for the High Coast’s tourism industry, but should be
approached with caution to maximise the benefits for social and ecological development. A
change in management and a stronger trust in non-profit organisations are suggested as
potential areas of improvement, although these recommendations should be considered with
regards to the temporal and spatial context the study was conducted in. | en_US |
