The development of the northern lights tourism network

Abstract

Drawing on actor-network theory (ANT), we traces the translations and ordering processes underlying the fast-growing northern lights tourism network in northern Norway. It also shows how the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, from March 2020, represented the most severe market shock. The results, following a multi-methods qualitative approach, unpack how this network emerged, accelerated and matured through diverse processes and practices, involving human and non-human actors. The study illustrates how elusive natural phenomena can become successful tourism attractions, but also that they may include vulnerabilities, when facing hostile actors. The study, describes how the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the northern lights tourism network, and how the Norwegian government, through authoritarian and assistive measures and regulations, contributed to and mitigated this interruption.