MacCannell revisited in the World Heritage Kvarken Archipelago, Finland

The Kvarken Archipelago, Finland's first UNESCO World Heritage Site based on natural uniqueness, demonstrates that even regions without established tourist 'imaginaries' can become globally recognized destinations. This study challenges Dean MacCannell's Attraction theory by exploring the archipelago's potential as a successful tourist attraction despite its lack of historical tourism focus. Through qualitative analysis, the research examines how the WH status has been strategically integrated into regional development over five years, benefiting the 2500 local inhabitants. The findings suggest that the Kvarken Archipelago possesses key attributes for tourism, leveraging its natural heritage and socio-economic assets to create a unique, globally appealing destination.

Svels, K. (2011). MacCannell revisited in the World Heritage Kvarken Archipelago, Finland. Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change, 9(3), 259–269. https://doi.org/10.1080/14766825.2011.620124