'When I say I live in Løkken, people ask if it's noisy' - A critical analysis of the life, death, and rejuvenation of a popular Danish holiday destination as viewed by local stakeholders and residents
Author
Kjøller, Ane Bang
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2022
Pages
65
Abstract
This thesis examines the trajectory of Løkken as a coastal destination, moving from early beach tourism through a period marked by a noisy nightlife reputation, into decline, and more recently a rejuvenation centered on outdoor activities. Framed by Butler’s Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC), it asks: How has Løkken evolved in recent years through the perspectives of local stakeholders and residents? The study draws on an online survey shared in the Facebook group Løkken hele året (126 responses) and five semi-structured interviews with Løkken.dk, the local DMO Løkken Turistbureau, Bolcheriet, Hotel Løkken Strand, and North Shore Surf. Findings indicate broad agreement that tightening nightclub licenses was too drastic and unhelpful for the town, alongside a clear preference for newer, nature- and outdoor-oriented visitors perceived as more respectful. Several informants argue that media portrayals exaggerated problems and may have harmed Løkken’s image more than the tourism itself. The current challenge is to consolidate rejuvenation by attracting these new segments and building year-round appeal.
Denne afhandling undersøger Løkkens forløb som kystdestination fra tidlige badedage over et ry for støjende natteliv til nedgang og nyere genopblomstring med fokus på udendørsaktiviteter. Med udgangspunkt i Butler’s Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) spørges der: Hvordan har Løkken som turistdestination udviklet sig i de senere år set gennem lokale interessenter og beboeres øjne? Empirien bygger på en online spørgeskemaundersøgelse delt i Facebook-gruppen Løkken hele året (126 svar) samt fem semistrukturerede interviews med Løkken.dk, Løkken Turistbureau, Bolcheriet, Hotel Løkken Strand og North Shore Surf. Fundene peger på bred enighed om, at indgrebet mod nattelivet via ændrede licenser var for drastisk og ikke konstruktivt, samtidig med en klar præference for nye, natur- og friluftsorienterede gæster, der opleves som mere respektfulde. Flere informanter fremhæver, at mediedækningen overdrev problemerne og muligvis skadede byens omdømme mere end turisterne selv. Den aktuelle udfordring er at fastholde den positive udvikling ved at tiltrække de nye segmenter og gøre Løkken attraktiv hele året.
[This apstract has been generated with the help of AI directly from the project full text]