THE INFLUENCE OF THE ACCOMMODATION SECTOR ON TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND ITS SUSTAINA- BILITY Case Study: Strand Camping, Larsmo

CENTRIA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES Kokkola-Pietarsaari Unit Date May 2013 Author Surya Poudel Degree programme Degree programme in Tourism Name of thesis THE INFLUENCE OF THE ACCOMMODATION SECTOR ON TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND ITS SUSTAINABILITY Case Study: Strand Camping, Larsmo Supervisor Sara Åhman Pages 49+1 Working life instructor Anders Högberg This thesis was commissioned by Strand Camping, an accommodation facility including some other establishments like café and restaurant located in Larsmo. The working life instructor of the thesis was Anders Högberg, CEO of Strand Camping. The subject of the thesis was to study and analyze the accommodation services provided by Strand Camping. The aim of the thesis was to find out how small accommodation businesses, in this case, Strand Camping, are important for the whole tourism development of the specific region and their impact on the environment with their activities provided. Theoretical framework consists of a short introduction to the accommodation services, emphasizing on camping and caravan, its contribution to the tourism development and environmental issues. The research method used in this thesis was qualitative research method, which was, interview and participant observation. Literature and internet were used, as a thesis material, to gather information on thesis subject. Research showed that supplementary accommodations, for example, camping and caravan, are a vital component in fulfilling the need of affordable accommodation for budget-conscious travelers. Activities tourists involve in, for instance, accommodation, are subjected to a tourism development of the area with their purchase. Different activities of accommodation, directly or indirectly influence the surrounding environment. Awareness and commitment within guests and hosts about the negative and positive effect on environment by their activities are found to be very efficient in the conservation of the environment.