Planning for Sustainability in Nordic Tourism Destinations: Case Ylläs, Lapland, Finland

Abstract

Tourism destinations often face the challenge of balancing environmental protection with the demands of tourism growth, which can strain local resources and ecosystems. This paper presents findings from the MATKA Sustainable Tourism Destinations project (2009–2011), a multidisciplinary initiative investigating sustainable solutions in land use planning, energy systems, and architecture for Nordic tourism destinations. The case study focuses on Ylläs, a rapidly growing ski resort in Finnish Lapland. The research analysed a 1200-hectare development area adjacent to the existing ski centre, where a planning competition in 2010 sought innovative approaches for sustainable resort design. Results indicate that sustainability objectives often become secondary to short-term stakeholder interests as planning progresses. The study suggests that strong cooperation between researchers and planners throughout all planning stages can help embed sustainability goals and mediate conflicts among stakeholders.