Browsing by Author "Lahovuo, Ira"

Tourism is considered as one of the engines for regional development because of its economic impacts. Nature-based tourism is one of the fastest growing tourism segments in the world. At the same time, visits to National Parks have increased significantly. National Parks have become attractions that have appeal also at the international level. Visitor centers present the natural attractions of Finland. They serve tourist and educational purposes. The tourism function has grown in importance along with the development of the tourist destinations and regions of northern Finland. This study examines the significance and success factors of visitor centers in three case study areas from the tourism point of view. The aim of the study is to create a comprehensive picture of the role and significance of the chosen visitor centers. Also the study aims to understand how the visitor centers have integrated into the tourist region by the collaboration networks and their location and to form an understanding about the key success factors. The theoretical framework is based on the literature concerning nature-based tourism and science of commerce. Above all, the focus is on research that concern National Park tourism, visitor centers and success factors. A model for analysing the operational environment is constructed based on the literature review. The three visitor centers chosen for the case study are Ukko, Oulanka and Kellokas. All are successful considering their visitor numbers, but their operations and operational environment differ from each other. All are located near popular National Parks and tourist destinations. Typical of the case study method, the study combines different types of methods and material. The semi-structured interviews were carried out to get first-hand knowledge. The results of the visitor surveys conducted in National Parks and visitor centers and a development plan for the visitor center network were used in the study. One of the purposes of this study is to offer information for the long-term development of the visitor centers. The subject of the study is agreed with the Natural Heritage Services of Metsähallitus. According to the case studies, the visitor centers are considered by the stakeholders as important parts of the service offering of the tourist destinations. Their significance is emphasized by the National Parks because they operate as gates to National Park both by their location and offering. The visitor centers have an important role in passing information on natural environment both to tourists and locals. The importance of individual customer service is pronounced. The visitor centers are venues for local events and they are creating positive image of Metsähallitus. According to the case studies, the key success factors are the location near a popular National Park, in or near a popular tourist destination and in ideal location considering the flow of tourists, the accessibility, diverse collaboration with the actors of the region, established role, profiling through the region's strenghts and the services surrounding the National Park. The visitor centers are part of the National Park's services. They reach a vast amount of people and because of that they play a role in promoting sustainable nature tourism. In tourist regions, the visitor centers also play a role as one component of the regional competitiveness by the increasing National Park tourism.