Natural Uniqueness and Sustainable Tourism Business. Small Tourism Enterprises in the Finnish Kvarken Archipelago World Natural Heritage Site

Sustainable tourism development in UNESCO World Heritage Sites faces significant tensions between ecological preservation, socio-cultural integrity, and economic viability. A study of small tourism enterprises in the Finnish Kvarken Archipelago—designated a World Natural Heritage Site in 2006—reveals that balancing these dimensions is critical for long-term success without compromising the site's unique natural and cultural values. The research highlights how micro-enterprises navigate these challenges through sustainable entrepreneurship, emphasizing collaboration with stakeholders such as clients, local communities, and other businesses. By integrating ecological, socio-cultural, and economic principles, these enterprises demonstrate a model for sustainable tourism that could inform broader conservation efforts in similar protected areas.

Berg, P., Syrjälä, H., & Laaksonen, P. (2014). Natural Uniqueness and Sustainable Tourism Business. Small Tourism Enterprises in the Finnish Kvarken Archipelago World Natural Heritage Site. Management & Avenir, N° 69(3), 187–203. https://doi.org/10.3917/mav.069.0187