Basic Information

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  Article Analysis
  
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  Basic Information
  
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  Title: Environmental Concern and Responsibility among Nature Tourists in Oulanka PAN Park, Finland
  
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  Authors: RIIKKA PUHAKKA
  
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  Source Citation: DOI: 10.1080/15022250.2011.532589
  
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  Type of paper: Research Article
  
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  Analysis Information
  
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  Purpose: This paper examines the role of nature tourists in developing sustainable tourism: what expectations do tourists have on nature and sustainability in national parks, how do they consider environmental aspects when travelling, and how do they respond to ecolabels and certifications?
  
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  Name of the theory used:
  
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  Research Questions (used hypothesis): How do they consider environmental aspects when travelling? How do they respond to ecolabels and certifications, such as PAN Parks?
  

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  Method of Investigation: Qualitative
  
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  Data Analysis technique used: coding, qualitative methods
  

Conclusions from the article (two conclusions)
In this study, four types of tourists were identified on the basis of nature tourists’ environmental concern and responsibility.
Visitors who preferred less-visible man-made structures, fewer people on the beach, more wildlife and vegetation, were also more pro-environmentalist. Similarly, individuals who prefer appreciative outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping, have been found to have more likely a conservationist attitude than those who prefer consumptive activities, such as fishing, hunting or mechanised/motorised activities.
The results of this study in Finland parallel the results of the previous surveys although comparisons between studies in different cultural and physical settings are complex as human conceptions and meanings of nature and environment are culturally constructed.

(1) Tourism in national parks (e.g. What is the importance of goals in parks – conservation vs. recreation? How parks can be developed?)

(2) Sustainability of tourism in national parks and tourism companies (e.g. Are you familiar with the concept of sustainable tourism, and do you consider it important? Do you know any ecolabels/certifications related to tourism, and have you used ecolabelled products/services?)
(3) Nature in national parks (e.g. Do you think Oulanka NP is wilderness? What kind of nature should be protected in parks?)
(4) Personal relationship with nature (e.g. What is the meaning of nature in your everyday life? How often do you visit natural areas?).