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Abstract |
Norway, like the other Nordic countries, has long holiday-cabin traditions (see e.g. Müller, 2007). Until a few decades ago cabins were built scattered throughout large mountainous areas and were mostly without electricity, water supply, and car road connection. Since the 80s, urbanization, growing average income, increased mobility, flexible working hours, and digitalization have caused an increasing demand for second homes with a standard that roughly equals first homes. This has changed both the landscapes and the ways in which people are using their second homes. The increase in the number of second homes should also be seen in the context of the continuous depopulation of Norways mountain municipalities. The growing tourism industry is often viewed as the lifeline in these communities. This has contributed significantly to the boom in second home industry, especially in areas easily accessible from the metropolitan areas. While offering economic advantages for landowners and developers, local businesses, and municipalities, the second home industry encounters several sustainability challenges, which has resulted in resentments and conflicts among several kinds of stakeholders (Overvåg & Berg, 2011). |
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