Differing perceptions and tensions among tourists and locals concerning a national park region in Norway

A study on the Laponian Area reveals that while tourists often perceive national park regions as untouched wilderness, locals associate authenticity with deep cultural traditions and a long-standing bond between people and landscape. Both groups share a desire to preserve wildlife and natural features, suggesting that authenticity could serve as a unifying concept for sustainable tourism and local development. The research used mixed methods—including focus groups, interviews, on-site surveys, and internet surveys—to explore these differing perceptions. Engaging tourists in understanding the historical and contemporary livelihoods of local communities may enrich their experiences without undermining locals' views on authenticity.

Gundersen, V., & Rybråten, S. (2022). Differing perceptions and tensions among tourists and locals concerning a national park region in Norway. Journal of Rural Studies, 94, 477–487. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2022.07.017