| Popis: |
Our thesis investigates how local tourism stakeholders frame and actively produce rural places in times of renewable energy transitions. Rural places serve as a stage for both the transition to renewable energy and rural tourism. Wind turbines, in particular, are a source of debate due to their visual impact and noise. Local tourism stakeholders are concerned that the development of renewable energy infrastructure, especially wind turbines, may have a negative impact on their tourism activities and, consequently, their revenue. In our qualitative study, we conducted 18 semi-structured interviews with 21 local tourism stakeholders. The Swedish rural island of Öland served as a case study area for our research. Furthermore, we gathered data by visiting and observing some of the participants’ businesses. Our findings were analyzed through the lens of relational place-making and place framing. Through reconstructing the narratives of local tourism stakeholders, we identified a strong connection to their rural place. Moreover, there was a generally positive attitude towards renewable energy infrastructure development among local tourism stakeholders. They prioritize the environmental benefits of renewable energy infrastructure over aesthetic considerations and thus, do not fear a tourism revenue drop. Furthermore, our findings revealed that the local tourism stakeholders are not primarily focused on renewable energy infrastructure development, but rather on the general sustainable tourism development of the island. The future visions of local tourism stakeholders involve creative ideas about wind turbines in tourist attractions. Taken together, our evidence shows that rural tourism and renewable energy transitions can interact in rural places. |
