The role of small-scale business in sustainable arctic development : case Arcticmint Oy, Rovaniemi
Ali, Erum (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121536752
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121536752
Tiivistelmä
This thesis examined a small tourism company in Rovaniemi by the name of Arcticmint Oy, assessing the different aspects of how it is integrating sustainability into its environmental, sociocultural and economic activities. The aim was to explore how sustainability was reflected in the company’s daily operations. The knowledge base mainly focused on sustainable tourism in the Arctic, ethical business practices and the role of small enterprises in regional development.
A qualitative case study approach was used. Research material consisted of a semi-structured interview with the owner and a visitor survey (n=18). The interview data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis method, and the survey responses supported and complemented the findings.
The results showed that Arcticmint Oy integrated sustainability through everyday low-impact actions, local cooperation, authentic guest experiences and value-based decision-making. The company’s main strengths lie in community relationships, flexibility and exclusivity due to it being operated by a single owner. The findings also revealed challenges typical for small Arctic tourism businesses, including short seasons, limited resources, labour shortages and climate-related uncertainty. Overall, the study demonstrated that Arcticmint Oy strengthened its resilience and competitiveness by combining local knowledge, authenticity and continuous learning within its sustainability practices.
A qualitative case study approach was used. Research material consisted of a semi-structured interview with the owner and a visitor survey (n=18). The interview data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis method, and the survey responses supported and complemented the findings.
The results showed that Arcticmint Oy integrated sustainability through everyday low-impact actions, local cooperation, authentic guest experiences and value-based decision-making. The company’s main strengths lie in community relationships, flexibility and exclusivity due to it being operated by a single owner. The findings also revealed challenges typical for small Arctic tourism businesses, including short seasons, limited resources, labour shortages and climate-related uncertainty. Overall, the study demonstrated that Arcticmint Oy strengthened its resilience and competitiveness by combining local knowledge, authenticity and continuous learning within its sustainability practices.