Kjersti Karijord Smørvik

Kjersti Karijord Smørvik serves as an Associate Professor at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, specifically within the School of Business Administration at the Harstad campus. Her institutional affiliation places her within Norway's northernmost university, which specializes in Arctic research and education.

Dr. Smørvik's research interests center on tourism and experience management, with particular expertise in heritage tourism, religious tourism, and the psychological aspects of tourist experiences. Her work frequently explores how tourists co-create value through interactions with environments and other visitors, especially in culturally significant spaces like churches. She has developed substantial expertise in understanding escapism in tourism and its relationship to well-being, particularly in nature-based contexts.

Analysis of her publication record from 2013-2025 reveals a consistent focus on qualitative research in tourism contexts, with increasing attention to well-being outcomes and regenerative tourism approaches in her most recent work. Her research bridges academic theory with practical applications in destination management and experience design.

As an active researcher, Smørvik collaborates extensively with colleagues like May Kristin Vespestad and Thomas Gressnes, producing work that spans both academic journals and practical commentary in Norwegian media outlets like Nordlys. Her membership in the Arctic Innovative Experience Management (ArIEM) research group connects her work to UiT's broader Arctic research mission.

Her teaching and research demonstrate strong connections between tourism theory and educational practice, with several publications examining how co-creation principles can enhance learning experiences in higher education settings. This interdisciplinary approach positions her work at the intersection of tourism studies, consumer behavior, and educational innovation.