Tourism is contributing to job diversification in some remote and rural regions in the Nordics and is seen as an important factor for regional development. However, economic metrics still dominate when assessing tourism's impact on communities. While environmental factors are increasingly being considered, social factors often remain overlooked. This research takes a closer look at the social impacts of tourism, investigating the benefits and stressors of tourism on communities.
First, we set out to understand the concept of socially sustainable tourism in a Nordic context by analysing national tourism policies. The results indicate that the concept of socially sustainable tourism encompasses various aspects, including community engagement, cultural preservation, social equity, and the well-being of local populations.
Case studies in the Nordic countries suggest that tourism can strain resources, and that tourism development does not always guarantee positive social impacts for both visitors and residents. However, when tourism is planned in an inclusive way, tourism developments can play a role in maintaining services and increasing the attractiveness of a place.