Conclusion
The research findings shed light on the tourism destination Alta, the practices associated with cruise tourism, and how local tourism stakeholders are adapting their practices to manage their coexistence with the cruise tourism industry. Cruise tourism wields significant influence, yet its local presence is minimal. Alta, as a destination, has witnessed a rise in the number of cruise ships it receives and offers services and experiences to its guests. However, there is seldom direct interaction with the ultimate customers: the cruise agents who pay the incoming tour operator for bookings. The opaque structure of the supply chain poses a challenge for the local community in governing their destination.
Nonetheless, our study of cruise tourism actors in Alta demonstrates a willingness to embrace cruise tourism and welcome cruise guests to their community. However, the local community seeks to retain control over the conditions and ensure sustainable development of the destination. One aspect of this involves managing the growth of cruise tourism to prevent an overwhelming influx of tourists seeking nature and culture-based experiences during a limited period of the year. Another important consideration is the pricing of Alta's experiences. Many stakeholders express concerns about the cruise industry exerting pressure on the prices paid to service providers (due to the involvement of numerous intermediaries), which jeopardizes the quality of experiences offered.
The destination has initiated a dialogue regarding the type of tourism, the distribution of tourism throughout the year, and the meaning of sustainability for Alta. This collaborative effort aims to strengthen the destination's ability to find solutions that accommodate the interests of various tourism stakeholders.