Sala Silvermine - From industry to experience : From industry to experience

AbstractThe purpose of this essay is to study the effects of when an industry develops from production to become an experience for visitors, this interest comes from previous theoretical studies of the concept experiencescapes. This has been done by a qualitative method which involves both interviews and a content analysis. What is the significance attraction for tourism in one place? How can product the creation of an industry contributes to a strong brand at one place? and How makes the transition from industrial to experience the symbolic value of a place?To get these questions answered we’ve used qualitative methods in the shape of interviews and content analysis. The interviews were in the form of deep interviews, shorter semi-structured interviews, one phone interview and one mail interview. The content analysis is based on websites, social media and papers in relation to Sala and Sala Silvergruva. The theoretical aspect regards these essays three themes: tourism, brand and symbolic value.Previous studies that have been made is within the area Bergslagen where most industrial communities meet the transition to the hospitality industry.Based on theory and empirical work we have come up with interesting analyzes and conclusions regarding the problems, but also opportunities for industrial sites to develop as strong experiences. It is clear that tourism is important in site development and that this is governed by brands and a strong symbolic value. To achieve stable development a place needs to work coherently with these three areas.Keywords: Tourism, Brand, Symbol, Culture, Mine, Industry, experience