Spending time in nature is becoming increasingly popular in Sweden, as in many other countries, following the pandemic. In the Swedish context, the issue of funding investments and regular maintenance of recreational trails in nature is a challenge given the Allemansrätten (public access to private land), which hinders the closing of land and charging of entrance fees. Still, high-quality trails are demanded to serve as a driver for attracting visitors to destinations.
This report looks into aspects that are relevant for a discussion on return on investment (ROI) for investments in trails, and especially hiking trails. The first section offers an outlook to a few international cases that discuss access and funding types for hiking trails. Another section uses a mini-case to evaluate a few larger trail networks in relation to guidelines for the Swedish national framework for hiking trails.
This report highlights that people’s use of trails bring a number of benefits to society, mainly economic, environmental, and public health benefits. The economic benefits originate from spending by the visitors and direct investments during construction of trails, while environmental benefits come from reduced CO2 emissions and the public health benefits derive from reductions in health care spendings. Finally, quality of life and happiness values arise from the increased relationship between individuals and nature and social aspects.
The report notes that a proper evaluation of ROI for trails can be conducted, with consideration of the many loopholes. The benefit side incorporates such needs as considering visitors’ potential multiple purpose of trips and how to properly value and include the non-monetary effects coming from improved health, interaction with nature, and socializing with other people. Finally, the report discusses the benefits of trail use in relation to the fulfillment of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs). We find that investments would contribute to decent work for all and sustainable economic growth, as well as a reduction in inequalities.
A key point to emerge from this report is that, to properly use ROI for trail investments in practice, there is a need to further analyze the economic impact of hiking trail users in Sweden.
Borlänge: Dalarna University, 2022. , p. 45