The Teriberka Nature Park and development pathways: Insights from the 2022 Arctic Festival participants

Amid a recent surge in Arctic tourism in Russia, the development of nature parks in the region—particularly as instruments for promoting sustainable tourism—has become increasingly relevant. Sustainable tourism is defined as tourism that considers its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts while addressing the needs of tourists, businesses, the environment, and local communities. This article presents the perspectives of visitors to the village of Teriberka and the local nature park on the development priorities of specially protected natural areas (SPNAs) in the context of sustainable tourism. The study is based on data collected through a survey conducted by the authors during the Teriberka Arctic Festival held on July 16–17, 2022. Survey results revealed visitor expectations and perceptions regarding the nature park and its development. The findings indicate strong interest in the enhancement of tourism infrastructure. Specifically, the results confirmed prior assumptions held by the Murmansk Directorate of Regional Protected Areas regarding the need for rest areas, toilets, observation decks, and boardwalks. Notably, only 18% of the respondents supported the idea of establishing a visitor center at the park’s entrance. The scientific contribution of this study lies in assessing the potential of SPNAs as a tool for advancing sustainable tourism in the Arctic. Using the Teriberka Nature Park as a case study, the article demonstrates how visitor opinions can serve as valuable input for management decisions. Based on these findings, a ban on motor vehicle traffic during the snow-free season was introduced to reduce anthropogenic pressure on the park's landscapes. Future research will focus on exploring the views of different visitor groups regarding the development of SPNAs.