Tourism plays today an important part in the economy of the Barents region and the promotion of tourism across national borders also strengthens human contacts. It has been estimated that the direct economic impacts of tourism are between 1.5% and 3% in the Barents region countries, while their indirect impact could be up to 10% of GDP (Glomsrød & Aslaksen, 2009).
The weather and light conditions changing from the midnight Sun in the summer to the period of darkness in the winter with the difference in temperature from +30 C to -40 C offers lots of possibilities and experiences for the people arriving here. The rich and diverse cultural life also offers memorable experiences for the tourists.
The Joint Working Group on Tourism was established to develop tourism business in the Barents Euro-Arctic Region and to promote ecologically, socially and culturally sustainable tourism.
Finland
Norway
Russia
Sweden