Managing cruise volume at Nordic cruise destinations

The volume of cruise ship arrivals is a critical factor in the debate over the sustainability of local cruise destinations. However, cruise operators primarily determine itineraries, leaving local destinations with limited control over the frequency and timing of arrivals. This study draws on the concept of community-based tourism from a new institutional economic perspective to explore the establishment of institutions that destinations can implement to influence the volume and timing of cruise arrivals, promoting more sustainable cruise practices. Our study focuses on four Nordic destinations: Gotland in Sweden, & Iacute;safj & ouml;r & eth;ur in Iceland, and Lofoten and Svalbard in Norway. Despite the challenges and opportunities of managing cruise traffic, each destination has implemented institutions to manage and control the influx of cruise ships. Our findings reveal that these destinations are employing a range of institutions, including regulations, guidelines, and innovative measures, to influence cruise traffic. This demonstrates how these control strategies can enhance the development of community-based tourism.