HÅLLBAR EKOTURISM I HÖGA KUSTEN: EN KVALITATIV STUDIE OM MÖJLIGHETER OCH HINDER FÖR LOKAL BESÖKSNÄRING

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.