The Department for Trade and Industry (NHD) is leading an inter-departmental steering committee for the project "Knowledge acquisition - growth in the North".

The objective of "Knowledge acquisition - growth in the North” is to obtain knowledge about the effects and consequences of an increased emphasis on economic growth in industries such as tourism and fisheries-related activities in Nordland, Troms and Finnmark. It is desirable to consider the creation of a broad perspective, taking into account the economic, social and environmental impacts and effects. The basis for the geographical limitation is the updated management plan for the Barents Sea - Lofoten, and the knowledge collected will be used as the basis for the next update of the management plan.

The knowledge acquisition covers a wide range of industries and issues, and shall highlight the potential for value creation in the industries individually and collectively. The sectors in which separate analyses shall be performed are:

— Fisheries, aquaculture and new marine industries,

— Tourism,

— Renewable energy,

— Mineral industry,

— Other industry and business.

This study covers a sector analysis of tourism. The objective of the sector analysis of tourism is to map the sector, and evaluate the potential for value creation in the medium term (2030) and long term (2050 and 2100). Through the report background material shall be prepared showing the status of the sector, and a description of its future prospects, including key industry-specific trends.

Detailed description follows in Appendix 1 to the contract.