The beginning was not easy, although new students were quickly selected thanks to specifically allocated funding from the Ministry of Education. Difficulties were encountered through divided opinions as some criticised the status of the subject: tourism was seen rather as an object of research than a discipline of its own. At the beginning, tourism was studied as a minor subject, but it reached a major subject status already in 1999.

Later, the subject has become established in the Faculty of Social Sciences and even become a profile area of the University. Strong expertise in the subject area is recognised in the faculty. Today, tourism research is the second largest major subject in the faculty.

Since 2009, tourism research has been included in the teaching, research and service activity of Multidimensional Tourism Institute (MTI). MTI brings together the know-how of three institutions at different educational levels. Operating under the auspices of the University of Lapland, Lapland University of Applied Sciences, and Lapland Tourism College, MTI leads the way in the development of tourism education, and contributes to research and development work both nationally and internationally.

Tourism research significantly contributes to the uniqueness of the University of Lapland. The University of Lapland is the only Finnish university where you can study tourism as a major subject. It is easy to perceive Lapland as home to high-quality teaching and research in tourism. After all, the significance of the tourism industry is considerable in the area already – and it will continue to grow.

Almost 200 bachelor’s degrees, over 200 master’s degrees, and about a dozen doctoral degrees have been granted in tourism research so far. Degree holders have become placed in varying positions in the tourism industry and other industries as well. Many of them work in demanding positions requiring expertise and development skills in the field of tourism in Lapland, elsewhere in Finland, and abroad. Degree holders have a wide-ranging understanding of tourism as a phenomenon and its complex connections and effects to the surrounding society. They are able to demonstrate an analytical point of view in the development of tourism and produce new information to benefit the whole industry.

The subject of tourism research celebrates its 20-year milestone throughout the academic year. The series of three jubilee seminars explores the impact and future of tourism research. The language of the seminars is Finnish.

More information on 20-year celebrations on Facebook