Nature-Oriented Tourism in the Karelian Arctic

Aim. To identify the leading role of nature-oriented tourism in the Karelian Arctic (the northern part of Karelia, which is part of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation), as well as limiting and stimulating factors of the territory’s tourist development, taking into account the interests of the local community and approaches to sustainable nature management. Methodology. The data of 11 semi-formalized interviews conducted by the Author during May–July 2024 with key experts in the tourism sector of the «government-business-society» triad in three municipalities of the Karelian Arctic were analyzed and summarized: heads of specialized departments of municipal authorities, key tourism business organizations, specially protected natural areas, cultural institutions and non-profit organizations involved in receiving and serving tourists Results The leading position of nature-oriented tourism in the Karelian Arctic is presented. It is revealed that the localization of municipalities of the Karelian Arctic determines the specifics of their tourist and recreational potential and opportunities for tourism development: border municipalities – preserved vast areas of natural ecosystems and protected natural areas; eastern municipalities – the White Sea. Among the types of nature-oriented tourism, the leading place is given to ecological tourism, and also, other types of tourism are based on the unique natural potential of the territory (active, event, adventure, educational, etc.). The main factors of tourist attractiveness of the Karelian Arctic are the unique beauty and pristine preservation of northern nature, as well as the silence, peace and solitude («digital detox») that accompany tourists. The study identified a number of main limiting factors in the development of domestic and international inbound tourism. Further development and, especially, strengthening of the positions of nature-oriented tourism in the Karelian Arctic requires overcoming a whole range of infrastructural, personnel, economic, bureaucratic and other restrictions. Taking into account possible environmental risks from unorganized tourism, largely due to the insufficiency of the environmental culture of the local community, holding educational events on environmental conservation and organizing amateur tourism among the local population, from preschool to old age, should become a priority task of educational, environmental organizations and local governments, implemented on a regular basis. Research implications. A summary of interview data with tourism experts in three areas of the Karelian Arctic is of interest to regional and municipal authorities when making management decisions on the development of the tourism business in the Russian Arctic. The development of tourism in the Arctic should take into account not only possible environmental risks, but also the interests of the local community.