Navigating social sustainability in second-home destinations: a cross-case study

Second-home tourism is a complex phenomenon shaped by various socio-economic structures and local contexts. Legislating these destinations proves challenging, as most prioritise a growth-oriented approach over a socially sustainable one, affecting both residents and second-home owners. Despite its significance, second-home tourism remains largely overlooked in policy and planning. Hence, this study explores how the two communities of Øyer and Tinn in Norway are socially impacted by second-home tourism, and how public stakeholders address these impacts. Through cross-case analysis, the study examined the challenges local and regional authorities face in governing second homes and their effects on these communities. Empirical data includes in-depth interviews, action research participation in southeast Norway, and document analysis. The findings reveal that second-home tourism presents a growing strain on residents, presenting a disconnect between growth-oriented tourism approaches and community needs. Governance approaches significantly shape the trajectory of second-home destinations, often hindering socially sustainable development. The study highlights the need for stronger institutional capacity, contextual sensitivity, and resident inclusion to align second-home tourism with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).