Potentials and barriers of cycling tourism as a tool for regional development: The case study of Eurovelo1 in the region of Tromsø and Finnmark

Abstract

This project explores the potentials and barriers of cycling tourism in the Arctic region of Tromsø and Finnmark. The objective is to present different perspectives in relation to a future development of cycling tourism in the area: the cycling tourist/users perspective, tourism stakeholders and administrators. To achieve these objectives three main methods have been employed: a qualitative survey to gather users' perceptions, interviews to shed light on stakeholders perspectives and finally, sensory ethnographic work which led to an embodied understanding of the cycling experience on the EuroVelo 1 route which connects Tromsø with NordKapp. The research engages with experience evaluation theories and multidimensionality of tourist experience. Finally, the intention is to add value to the ongoing improvements of the route EuroVelo1 in the Arctic region with the aims to understand users' perspectives and needs for the development of a more decisive cycling tourism strategy.