Exploring the contextual conditions for entrepreneurship in overcoming seasonality within travel destinations: A case study of Åre & Isaberg mountain resorts

Sammanfattning: The vast majority of contemporary literature and research disregards the impact of entrepreneurship within a tourist destination for overcoming seasonality. Therefore, our research focuses on, “exploring the contextual conditions for entrepreneurship in overcoming seasonality within travel destinations.” We have used a comparative research design, which we have applied to our two selected cases, Isaberg and Åre Mountain Resorts. Through the use of snowball sampling, we selected our sample size and used the qualitative research methods to collect the data. In order to do this effectively, we traveled to both Åre and Isaberg (Hestra) Sweden to conduct numerous in-depth interviews as well as to gain a better understanding of the resort’s culture. The data was then analyzed through the content analyzing method by coding the interviews to define themes and draw connections between various topics. The research conducted has illustrated that a resort’s development is highly dependent on whether an ecosystem conducive to entrepreneurship is present. Furthermore, ski resorts, with limited budgets, are able to overcome seasonality by collaborating with local entrepreneurs who contribute to the investments and development of year-round tourist activities. Our research also indicates that this is highly dependent on the coordination amongst local stakeholders and leadership associated with the seasonal resort.