Hjalti Jóhannesson
University of Akureyri, University of Akureyri Research Centre, Department Member
This paper explores the relationship between Icelandic regional policy and tourism development. It is inspired by the efforts of the Icelandic government to introduce industry clusters in tourism development over the last few years. With... more
This paper explores the relationship between Icelandic regional policy and tourism development. It is inspired by the efforts of the Icelandic government to introduce industry
clusters in tourism development over the last few years. With tourism gaining increasing
recognition as a central pillar of the national economy and clustering being seen as central
means to success, the paper presents a critical evaluation of the cluster concept. The
introduction of industry clusters in Icelandic regional policy is illustrated through a short
case study from North Iceland, where industry clusters have been promoted in general
regional development and tourism for the longest and gone through two successive stages.
This case underpins the central argument of the paper that industry clusters as promoted
by the Icelandic government do not reflect an engagement with regional socio-spatial
specificities and the nature of the tourism product. These specificities need to be recognised and worked with in order to establish the necessary foundations for any successful
cluster initiative. Thus the paper concludes with questioning the efficiency of top-down
governance approach in enhancing tourism
clusters in tourism development over the last few years. With tourism gaining increasing
recognition as a central pillar of the national economy and clustering being seen as central
means to success, the paper presents a critical evaluation of the cluster concept. The
introduction of industry clusters in Icelandic regional policy is illustrated through a short
case study from North Iceland, where industry clusters have been promoted in general
regional development and tourism for the longest and gone through two successive stages.
This case underpins the central argument of the paper that industry clusters as promoted
by the Icelandic government do not reflect an engagement with regional socio-spatial
specificities and the nature of the tourism product. These specificities need to be recognised and worked with in order to establish the necessary foundations for any successful
cluster initiative. Thus the paper concludes with questioning the efficiency of top-down
governance approach in enhancing tourism
