The Arctic as a tourist destination

The Arctic has long been an exciting destination for individual tourists. It has increased its popularity with larger numbers of tourists in recent decades. Its traditional main attractions are based on specialities of nature, folk culture and various opportunities of discovery and experience. Essential aspects of tourist attractions are first analyzed generally in this article. Nine categories and six qualities of attractions are defined as a conceptual basis. The conceptual framework created is then applied to Lapland using Finnish newspaper adds as empirical material. The analysis reveals unused attraction potential, especially in the categories of history and folk culture. The article ends with a short discussion on the threats posed by increasing tourism.