This study examined regional and local tourism stakeholder perceptions of a sustainable tourism

development strategy (STDS) in Protected Area Network (PAN) Park locations. An STDS overview
from a crosscultural comparative analysis of a verified park (Sweden) versus a candidate site
(Romania) is given. Indepth interviews addressed stakeholder cooperation in sustainable tourism
planning, perception of tourism in the region, development proposals, and their involvement in
sustainable tourism planning. Findings were organized under three interlinkages of a sustainability
framework: institutional referring to contribution to sustainable development; care involving
management and product innovations; and democracyjustice involving community rejuvenation via
opportunities for smallscale businesses having a voice in decision making. Regional authorities (in
both countries) have other obligations than sustainable tourism development to fulfill while lack of
infrastructure and access to parks is a barrier to overcome. Support from local and regional authorities
is limited with no STDS apparent. Locally, stakeholders are skeptical with little belief in the benefits of
a smallscale tourism business. Unemployment, old mentality, and lack of experienced professionals
are problems in Romania compared to Sweden implying differences in democracy and care. STDS
enhances images of sustainability while its role is to develop strategies for sustainable tourism in PAN
Park regions.