Broadening the scope of resources in nature: an explorative study of nature-based tourism firms

Abstract

Nature-based tourism firms and other stakeholders often compete for the same resources. Knowledge of and access to resource bases are therefore essential for firms’ success. Nature-based tourism firms operate in nature areas, which, for the Nordics, may include human-made objects and intangibles. In this study, we therefore adopt a broad approach towards the concept of natural resources and include human-made, social, and cultural resources, termed resources in nature. Based on 558 survey responses, we analyse the dependence on resources in nature for three types of nature-based tourism firms in Norway. Intangible resources, such as silence, views, and other sensory qualities, are generally the most essential resource group for the firms, together with special biotopes and unique and iconic landscapes and areas. Cultural resources are also of certain importance to the firms. This study contributes to knowledge-based management and the prioritization of resources essential for the nature-based tourism industry.