Tour guides in nature-based tourism: Perceptions of nature and governance of protected areas, the case of Skaftafell at the Vatnajökull National Park

Tour guides at Skaftafell, a key site within Vatnajökull National Park, play a pivotal role in shaping tourists' perceptions of nature and influencing the governance of protected areas. The study, conducted collaboratively by the University of Gdańsk (Poland) and the University of Iceland, reveals that guides significantly impact how visitors engage with and understand the dynamic landscapes characterized by fire and ice. By analyzing guide narratives and tourist experiences, researchers identified a gap between official conservation policies and the practical governance observed in nature-based tourism. This highlights the need for more integrated approaches to balancing ecological preservation with visitor education and sustainable tourism practices.

Schaller, H. J. (2016). Tour guides in nature-based tourism: Perceptions of nature and governance of protected areas, the case of Skaftafell at the Vatnajökull National Park. Unpublished. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.1.1650.5208