A1 Journal article (refereed)
Biodiversity, leadership, and resilience in a national sustainable tourism program (2024)


Sorakunnas, E., Räikkönen, J., Konu, H., Grénman, M., & Tyrväinen, L. (2024). Biodiversity, leadership, and resilience in a national sustainable tourism program. Scandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism, Early online. https://doi.org/10.1080/15022250.2024.2332308


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editorsSorakunnas, Esko; Räikkönen, Juulia; Konu, Henna; Grénman, Miia; Tyrväinen, Liisa

Journal or seriesScandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism

ISSN1502-2250

eISSN1502-2269

Publication year2024

Publication date21/03/2024

VolumeEarly online

PublisherRoutledge

Publication countryUnited Kingdom

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1080/15022250.2024.2332308

Publication open accessOpenly available

Publication channel open accessPartially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX)https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/94150


Abstract

This study addresses the complex relationship between biodiversity, leadership, and resilience in the tourism industry. We apply case study methodology to examine the potential of Visit Finland’s Sustainable Travel Finland program to increase the resilience of the Finnish tourism sector concerning sustainability challenges. The qualitative research data consists of interviews and secondary data analysed with content analyses. According to the results, the program offers support and proactive leadership to the Finnish tourism industry in meeting the rising sustainability demands on biodiversity protection. However, the first biodiversity steps have been small-scale and instrumental, corresponding to a narrow perception of nature’s value. Therefore, the program does not yet fully meet the scale and scope of current biodiversity challenges. Although it is a good start, biodiversity-respectful leadership and resilience building require a strategic approach that also recognizes intrinsic, relational, and ecosystemic biodiversity values accruing broadly to tourists, nature, and humankind.


Keywordstourismsustainable developmentsustainable tourismresiliencebiodiversitycertificationleadership (properties)

Free keywordssustainable tourism; biodiversity; resilience; leadership; certification


Contributing organizations


Ministry reportingYes

VIRTA submission year2024

Preliminary JUFO rating2


Last updated on 2024-03-07 at 01:25