Implication of circular economy in the tourism industry. Case study – Lahti, Finland
Dawadi, Bipin (2022)
2022
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202203223811
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202203223811
Tiivistelmä
The circular economy (CE) in tourism is a relatively unexplored area, and this study helped to contribute to the literature on circular tourism. The main aim of the thesis was to analyze and examine circular tourism in Lahti, Finland. Lahti was recently awarded as a European green capital in 2021 and has the vision to be completely circular by 2050. No similar single study was found in Lahti regarding circularity in tourism before this research. To fulfill the aim of the research work, it has answered three essential questions: 1) What is the current state of circular tourism in Lahti? 2) What are the challenges to achieving circularity in tourism in Lahti? 3) What are the new plans from the tourism sector in Lahti to become more circular?
The theoretical section of the thesis includes a description of tourism and sustainability, CE, and why CE should be implemented in tourism. Based on available literature and best practices of CE in tourism, a circularity framework was created, then compared with Lahti's tourism industry.
A qualitative case study method was used as a research strategy to find the research answer. A document analysis was performed, and seven semi-structured interviews with tourism professionals from different backgrounds were conducted.
The findings of this study show that, although no single business with substantial CE values was found, circular elements were present in tourism businesses in Lahti. A significant advantage for the Lahti tourism sector in becoming circular is its green energy and efficient recycling system. Educating customers and food waste from events were weak areas in circular tourism in Lahti.
Challenges related to cost, communication with customers, and infrastructure were identified. Plans to become more circular included creating a communication plan, improving infrastructure, participating in the eco-level certification, reducing waste, and continuing with current good practices. Based on the results of this thesis, new and further research recommendations are included in the conclusion section.
The theoretical section of the thesis includes a description of tourism and sustainability, CE, and why CE should be implemented in tourism. Based on available literature and best practices of CE in tourism, a circularity framework was created, then compared with Lahti's tourism industry.
A qualitative case study method was used as a research strategy to find the research answer. A document analysis was performed, and seven semi-structured interviews with tourism professionals from different backgrounds were conducted.
The findings of this study show that, although no single business with substantial CE values was found, circular elements were present in tourism businesses in Lahti. A significant advantage for the Lahti tourism sector in becoming circular is its green energy and efficient recycling system. Educating customers and food waste from events were weak areas in circular tourism in Lahti.
Challenges related to cost, communication with customers, and infrastructure were identified. Plans to become more circular included creating a communication plan, improving infrastructure, participating in the eco-level certification, reducing waste, and continuing with current good practices. Based on the results of this thesis, new and further research recommendations are included in the conclusion section.