Tourism in the Antarctic


Book Description

Ecotourism and adventure tours offer unique tourism opportunities in the Antarctic! Are you prepared to make the most of them?Tourism in the Antarctic analyzes tourism activities in the most remote tourist destination in the world! It establishes visitor profiles; discusses the impacts of tourism on the region; and explores barriers, opportunities, and future directions in Antarctic tourism. The emergence of ecotourism has turned Antarctica into an increasingly popular tourist destination for intrepid travelers. During the 1999/2000 season, approximately 15,000 passengers visited Antarctica by ship. Tourism in the Antarctic discusses the new and exciting opportunities for tourism business operators in the region, as well as the ramifications of increased numbers of visitors to this unique environment.In these pages, you will find discussions of issues related to Antarctic tourism including: regulation of the tourism industry under the Antarctic Treaty System, and self-regulation provided by business operators trends and predictions for numbers of visitors to the region tourist attractions that are natural, man-made, spiritual, or scientific in nature wildlife of Antarctica: seals and whales, flying sea birds, penguins, etc. international law as it relates to the region ship-based tourism opportunities from yachts and small expedition-type vessels to very large cruise ships and icebreakers air- and land-based tourism opportunities in the region from private expeditions to overflights an overview of current tourism operations in other remote areas: the Arctic region, the Galapagos Islands, Alaska, New Zealand's Sub-Antarctic Islands, and more The author's observations and experiences during cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula, the sub-Antarctic islands and the Ross Sea, as well as during overflights of Antarctica, are the basis of this unique volume. Generously embellished with charts and tables that make it easy to track activities, opinions, trends, and environmental statistics, this book is an essential reference for anyone teaching, studying, or planning to operate a tourism business in this part of the world.




Tourism in Antarctica


Book Description

This book discusses the expansion of new activities carried out in Antarctica and the focus among treaty parties on the perceived challenges posed by adventure tourism in the region. Shedding light on the latest trends and the modus operandi of all parties involved, it draws attention to new elements in the debate on how tourism and environmental protection can best be reconciled, with tourism in Antarctica rapidly increasing in recent decades. As far as technical practice and visitor guidance are concerned, the challenge facing tour operators lies in determining whether tourism has a negative or positive impact on the environment. The individual chapters address the development of polar tourism in terms of numbers, types and activities. The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, which advocates and promotes the practice of safe and environmentally responsible travel to the Antarctic, is also part of this study. In this context, special attention is paid to its strategies relating to adventure tourism – including both deep-field activities and those additional or new activities launched from traditional ship or yacht-based platforms. The analysis includes aspects of risk management and environmental considerations, as well as views on the cultural perspectives of Antarctica.




Polar Tourism


Book Description

Tourism throughout the world raises environmental issues that are often concerned with conflicting rights and responsibilities: the inherent right of mankind to travel, the no-less inherent right of indigenous people to guard their environmental heritage, and the responsibility of governments - local, national or (in the unique case of Antarctica) international - to protect environments over which they exercise stewardship. Additionally, the presence of international commercial enterprises, especially marine and other mass transport modes, represent unique governance challenges.This book deals mainly with environmental issues and the management implications arising from polar tourism, one of the fastest-growing sectors of world tourism. However, many of the issues discussed here arise no less urgently in temperate and tropical wilderness areas, and indeed in any region where sensitive environments are subjected to mass tourism. The principles and guidelines discussed here are of interest and practical use in tourism studies generally.




Tourism in the Antarctic


Book Description

Ecotourism and adventure tours offer unique tourism opportunities in the Antarctic! Are you prepared to make the most of them? Tourism in the Antarctic analyzes tourism activities in the most remote tourist destination in the world! It establishes visitor profiles; discusses the impacts of tourism on the region; and explores barriers, opportunities, and future directions in Antarctic tourism. The emergence of ecotourism has turned Antarctica into an increasingly popular tourist destination for intrepid travelers. During the 1999/2000 season, approximately 15,000 passengers visited Antarctica by ship. Tourism in the Antarctic discusses the new and exciting opportunities for tourism business operators in the region, as well as the ramifications of increased numbers of visitors to this unique environment. In these pages, you will find discussions of issues related to Antarctic tourism including: regulation of the tourism industry under the Antarctic Treaty System, and self-regulation provided by business operators trends and predictions for numbers of visitors to the region tourist attractions that are natural, man-made, spiritual, or scientific in nature wildlife of Antarctica: seals and whales, flying sea birds, penguins, etc. international law as it relates to the region ship-based tourism opportunities from yachts and small expedition-type vessels to very large cruise ships and icebreakers air- and land-based tourism opportunities in the region from private expeditions to overflights an overview of current tourism operations in other remote areas: the Arctic region, the Galapagos Islands, Alaska, New Zealand's Sub-Antarctic Islands, and more The author's observations and experiences during cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula, the sub-Antarctic islands and the Ross Sea, as well as during overflights of Antarctica, are the basis of this unique volume. Generously embellished with charts and tables that make it easy to track activities, opinions, trends, and environmental statistics, this book is an essential reference for anyone teaching, studying, or planning to operate a tourism business in this part of the world.




Adventure Tourism


Book Description

This textbook presents a comprehensive overview of the environmental impacts of various types of adventure tourism and how these can be best managed. This volume follows on from the authors previous textbook – ‘Outdoor Recreation: Environmental Impacts and Management’ and continues the aim of developing a deeper understanding of how tourist numbers impact the environment and to provide practical solutions to these problems. Combining their own first-hand experience and research with extensive literature review the authors' present several popular adventure tourism destinations from across the globe, including the Arctic, the Himalayas, Africa, Australia and Scotland as case studies. Chapters cover the particular challenges faced by each region: including impacts on animals and birds; the spread of invasive plant species and diseases; trail impacts on vegetation; impacts on geological, historical and archaeological sites and pollution and waste issues. A discussion and evaluation of the possible management actions for minimising these impacts and how outdoor recreation tourists can be regulated concludes each chapter. This practical and engaging textbook will be invaluable to students and scholars of adventure tourism and outdoor recreation as well as practitioners and managers working in the field.




Science and Stewardship in the Antarctic


Book Description

With the negotiation of the International Protocol on Environmental Protection in 1991, those nations conducting scientific research programs in Antarctica face new challenges for stewardship of the southern continent and protection of its environment. Science and Stewardship in the Antarctic examines how the implementation of the 1991 agreement in the United States can be done in such a way to ensure the compatibility of scientific and environmental protection goals in this global laboratory. The book also addresses the potential for the new requirements both to benefit and harm research activities in Antarctica.




Polar Tourism


Book Description

The creation of the Nunavik is a major step forward, both for the Province of Quebec and its Inuit population. Not only does it underline the recognition of the Inuit people and their identity but it also stresses the importance of discussing some fundamental issues regarding the emancipation of the Inuit, their empowerment, the development and management of the northern resources of Quebec, and the protection and conservation of the fragile Nordic ecosystems. Rich in culture and scenery, Nunavik has identified tourism as one of the main and best suited avenue for economic development. But before Nunavik can truly enjoy the benefits of a well established tourism “industry”, many challenges need to be met. The development of tourism in a new destination is not only challenging but it requires human efforts, political and economic will over a large amount of time without much guaranties as to what will work or not.It is in this context that in August 2008, the members of the newly created International Polar Tourism Research Network (IPTRN) came to Kangiqsujjuak, Nunavik, to discuss how tourism can play a role in regional development. The collection of articles presented here is the result of the coming together of a group of polar tourism researchers from around the world, who met in Nunavik - the northernmost part of Quebec, to discuss polar tourism as a tool for regional development. Such a book does not claim to address all issues facing the polar destinations. It is nevertheless a base for reflection. Many of the new emerging regions of the circumpolar world, like the Nunavik, are experimenting with new powers and responsibilities.For scientists, this is an excellent time to assist with the experiences that have been well documented from other Northern, Arctic and polar regions. For tourism, this book is meant to offer a range of perspectives on how challenges can be met and how solutions can be implemented for the benefit of all local interests.




Tourism in the Polar Regions


Book Description

Dynamic natural events and human activities in the Polar Regions are having a significant combined impact on these fragile environments, as well as on communities in populated regions of the Arctic. This publication describes the key features of the Polar Region environment and assesses the multiple roles and impacts of tourism activities in both the Arctic and Antarctica. It proposes an agenda for sustainable tourism development, and outlines principles, guidelines and selected good practices to conserve these unique wilderness areas through the regulation and management of tourism.




The Emerging Politics of Antarctica


Book Description

This book examines the post-Cold War challenges facing Antarctic governance. It seeks to understand the interests of new players in Antarctic affairs such as China, India, Korea and Malaysia, and how other key players such as Russia and the USA or claimant states such as New Zealand or France are coping in the new global order. Antarctica is the world's fifth largest continent and its territories are claimed by seven different states. Since 1961 Antarctica has been managed under the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS), a regime which, according to its critics, by the terms of its membership effectively excludes most of the nations of the world. This book examines the post-Cold War challenges facing Antarctic governance, and is organized thematically into three sections: Part 1considers the role of Antarctic politics in the current post-Cold War, post-colonial era and the impact this new political environment is having on the ATS. Part 2looks at the competing foreign policy objectives of a representative range of countries with Antarctic activities. Part 3examines issues that have the potential to destabilise the order of the Antarctic Treaty System, such as unrestricted tourism and new advances in science and technology. The Emerging Politics of Antarcticawill be of interest to students and scholars of international politics, polar studies and foreign policy studies.




Introduction to Antarctica


Book Description

Antarctica is the southernmost continent on Earth, and it is the fifth largest. It is located at the South Pole in the southern hemisphere, and it consists of a glacier-covered landmass surrounded by the Southern Ocean. Antarctica is the coldest, driest, and windiest place on Earth, with a harsh and extreme environment that makes it difficult for human habitation. However, despite the harsh conditions, Antarctica is home to unique wildlife and natural resources that are of incredible scientific interest. The continent is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System, which promotes scientific cooperation, environmental protection, and peaceful relations among the countries that have claimed territories in Antarctica. The Treaty also prohibits military activity, nuclear testing, and mineral exploitation, which helps to preserve Antarctica as a pristine and valuable scientific laboratory. Each year, researchers from around the world travel to Antarctica to study its geology, climate, and biodiversity, as well as to conduct experiments in astronomy, astrophysics, and microbiology. Antarctica is also a popular tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors who come to experience its stunning scenery, unique wildlife, and extreme environment.