Project summary

This feasibility study deals with the thematic area ‘green reconstruction of the tourism industry after the pandemic’ and will be a major contribution with relevant research and development that will have great transfer value to the rest of the tourism industry in Western Norway and Norway in general. Kongevegen over Filefjell (hereinafter referred to as KOF) is a cooperative enterprise with 44 businesses. The organisation was established in 2016 and has since grown from 2 municipalities to 4 municipalities and from 15 to 44 businesses. 85% of the businesses are located in Lærdal and the general manager is hired from his business in Lærdal. KOF and its organisations face challenges in offering year-round services and year-round operations. This feasibility study can therefore help to solve the challenge of developing new knowledge about technology and tourism and how technology can respond to year-round operations. Furthermore, how technology can provide new products and new markets, which in turn facilitate year-round operation and in a sustainable way. The overarching question is therefore: how can technology even out seasonal variations at destinations such as Kongevegen over Filefjell to help improve profitability and year-round operations? Examples of technology include VR and AI. Vestlandsforsking's key role is to carry out research based on data collected from the project owner (KOF).