Social Relationships within Ecotourism Cooperation : Case of the ARK56 Network

Abstract: The inclusion of ecotourism into biosphere reserves to enhance sustainable development has increased the importance of tourism stakeholders’ relationships. Therefore, this research aims to explore how the quality of social relationships among tourism stakeholders affects ecotourism cooperation in the Blekinge Archipelago biosphere reserve. This is accomplished by using social capital as a theoretical lens for conceptualizing relationships between ecotourism stakeholders. A qualitative case study of the ARK56 network has been conducted, incorporating 8 in-depth interviews with ecotourism operators in the Blekinge Archipelago biosphere reserve. The results indicated that the regional network ARK56 is essential for tourism operators since it provides a broad network of contacts and encourages cooperation among the members. It is argued that a good working relationship based on trust and reciprocity facilitates efficient cooperation within the ARK56 network and that a balance between bridging and bonding social capital was identified which contributes to successful cooperation.