Tourism and Animal Welfare in Lapland
Laaksonen, Tiia (2023)
2023
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023112331321
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023112331321
Tiivistelmä
This thesis focuses on the relationship between tourism and animal welfare, with a specific lens on Lapland. The objective is to unravel the dynamics between tourism and the ethical treatment of animals, aiming for a nuanced understanding, especially given the evolving societal attitudes toward animals' sentience.
The research method employs a survey strategically disseminated through social media channels like Instagram and Facebook, tapping into the contemporary pulse of public opinion. This study is not just about presenting findings but involves a robust exploration of the evolutionary journey of animal welfare practices in Finland, interwoven with an examination of the existing legislation.
One notable finding is the growing significance of Lapland in Finnish tourism, especially with the surge in international visitors. The economic implications are substantial, yet ethical concerns persist. This problem highlights the delicate balance between economic interests and ethical responsibilities, a recurring theme in animal-based tourism.
An intriguing aspect of the study is the stark contrast between academic literature and public opinions regarding animal welfare in Lapland's tourism. Despite theoretical assertions of good treatment, public sentiment, as revealed through the survey, remains significantly concerned about animal welfare. This paradoxical gap prompts reflections on the multifaceted influences shaping public perceptions—media narratives, individual experiences, and information sources contributing to this dissonance.
The survey responses convey a consistent emphasis on the paramount importance of animal welfare. Participants articulate a reliance on news and media for shaping their perspectives, underlining a perceived need for public education. Concerns extend beyond immediate welfare issues to encompass broader impacts, such as the potential negative consequences of mass tourism on animals and the challenges businesses face, notably exacerbated by external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic.
While shedding light on current perceptions, this research also opens avenues for future exploration. Proposals for further research include investigating the role of cultural backgrounds in shaping ethical perceptions, the impact of emerging technologies like virtual and augmented reality, and the nexus between climate change and animal-based tourism destinations.
The research method employs a survey strategically disseminated through social media channels like Instagram and Facebook, tapping into the contemporary pulse of public opinion. This study is not just about presenting findings but involves a robust exploration of the evolutionary journey of animal welfare practices in Finland, interwoven with an examination of the existing legislation.
One notable finding is the growing significance of Lapland in Finnish tourism, especially with the surge in international visitors. The economic implications are substantial, yet ethical concerns persist. This problem highlights the delicate balance between economic interests and ethical responsibilities, a recurring theme in animal-based tourism.
An intriguing aspect of the study is the stark contrast between academic literature and public opinions regarding animal welfare in Lapland's tourism. Despite theoretical assertions of good treatment, public sentiment, as revealed through the survey, remains significantly concerned about animal welfare. This paradoxical gap prompts reflections on the multifaceted influences shaping public perceptions—media narratives, individual experiences, and information sources contributing to this dissonance.
The survey responses convey a consistent emphasis on the paramount importance of animal welfare. Participants articulate a reliance on news and media for shaping their perspectives, underlining a perceived need for public education. Concerns extend beyond immediate welfare issues to encompass broader impacts, such as the potential negative consequences of mass tourism on animals and the challenges businesses face, notably exacerbated by external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic.
While shedding light on current perceptions, this research also opens avenues for future exploration. Proposals for further research include investigating the role of cultural backgrounds in shaping ethical perceptions, the impact of emerging technologies like virtual and augmented reality, and the nexus between climate change and animal-based tourism destinations.