“Sparking Regeneration in Arctic Tourism: An Exploration of Nature-Based Entrepreneurs’ Practices in Kiruna Municipality”

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to explore the evidence of regenerative tourism practices in Northern Sweden. I aim to investigate to what extent do nature-based entrepreneurs contribute to regenerative tourism or move towards it. Design/methodology/approach – The study employed a qualitative approach, collecting data through semi-structured interviews. The participants were entrepreneurs engaged in various nature-based activities in the Kiruna area, including dog sledging, aurora watching, snowmobile tours, ice climbing, summer hiking, ice fishing, and guiding related to Sami history and culture with reindeer. Findings – The alignment with regenerative tourism principles is evident in areas such as community resilience, cultural revitalization, and systemic thinking about human-nature relationships. These findings highlight the role of nature-based entrepreneurs as important actors in bridging sustainability and regeneration, particularly within a Nordic context. Originality/value – This study contributes to expanding knowledge on regenerative tourism practices, particularly in the Arctic context, where balancing ecological preservation, Indigenous rights, and responsible growth is critical. The study also provides valuable insights for local destination management organizations by highlighting the perspectives, challenges, and contributions of nature-based entrepreneurs in Kiruna municipality. It shows the essential role of nature-based entrepreneurs as intermediaries who can translate regenerative practices into actions.