A collaborative effort rooted in the Arctic
The report brings together expertise from leading researchers and institutions, including the UiT the Arctic University of Norway, University of Lapland, Umeå University, Aalborg University, the Sámi Parliament in Norway and Innovation South Greenland/Visit South Greenland. The Sámi Parliaments in Finland and Sweden were collaboration partners in the project. The report is the result of extensive collaboration within the Sustainable Indigenous Tourism in the Nordic Arctic project, which aimed to strengthen knowledge co-creation, capacity building, and sustainable development through cross-Arctic cooperation.
This important publication, released by the Nordic Council of Ministers as part of the TemaNord series, offers timely insights into the evolving landscape of Indigenous tourism across the European Arctic. Importantly, the report reflects the voices and perspectives of Indigenous tourism actors themselves. It builds on discussions and outcomes from the European Indigenous Tourism Conference 2025, the first event of its kind in Europe, held in Inari in 2025.
Key themes: strengthening Indigenous tourism on its own terms
At the heart of the report are four interconnected pillars that define sustainable Indigenous tourism:
- Connection to land and place– recognizing the deep relationships between Indigenous communities and their environments
- Storytelling and decolonisation– reclaiming narratives and cultural representation
- Certifications and trademarks– supporting self-determination and responsible business practices
- Collaboration and community inclusion– ensuring tourism development is rooted in local participation
Together, these pillars emphasize a central message: sustainable tourism must create space for Indigenous cultures to thrive on their own terms.
Beyond tourism: culture, creativity, and economic opportunities
The report also highlights the potential of linking tourism with Indigenous art, duodji and design. This approach not only enriches visitor experiences but also supports cultural continuity and local livelihoods. By offering practical insights for destination management organizations, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, the report contributes to building more just and sustainable tourism systems in the Arctic.
Why this matters for our work
For us, this report is more than a publication, it is a reflection of the values that guide our work. Being part of this collaborative effort reinforces our commitment to:
- Supporting Indigenous-led development
- Promoting ethical and sustainable tourism practices
- Strengthening partnerships across the Arctic
We are especially proud to see Britt Kramvig contributing to research that has real-world impact for Indigenous communities, Indigenous businesses, and future generations.
As Indigenous tourism continues to grow in importance, the insights from this report provide a strong foundation for future initiatives. They remind us that meaningful tourism development is not only about economic growth, but also about cultural resilience, self-determination, and shared futures.
Interested in learning more?
The Full Report is available through the Nordic Council of Ministers’ publication platform: https://www.norden.org/en/publication/indigenous-tourism-european-arctic
The Executive Summary of the report is available in poster-format: https://matkailu.samediggi.fi/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/EITC25-juliste.pdf
