Review article
Expedition cruise visits to protected areas in the Canadian Arctic: Issues of sustainability and change for an emerging market
Pat T. Maher
; Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management Program, University of Northern British Columbia, Canada
Abstract
Many academics claim that expedition cruises to the Polar Regions are an emerging market. However, such cruises have frequently visited the Antarctic since the early 1990’s and even earlier in the Arctic, such as the first expedition in 1984 to the territory of Nunavut in the Canadian Arctic. This paper will examine some of the issues and implications that cruise tourism has for protected areas (particularly national parks) that are accessible to expedition cruises throughout the Canadian Arctic. Protected areas contribute to creating a sustainable industry through both their conservation of the landscape, but also in acting as a key attraction and thus economic driver for nearby communities. However, protected areas also rely on a sustainable tourism industry. This paper will utilize empirical data from two studies (2007 and 2009) that examined cruise visitors to Auyuittuq, Sirmilik and Quttinirpaaq National Parks in Nunavut and Torngat Mountains National Park in Nunatsiavut (Northern Labrador), and visitor management of such. In addition, first hand personal experience and knowledge from professional colleagues will be used to underpin survey results. Socio-economic changes, such as the downturn in the global economy effecting demand, occurring in line with environmental changes, such as climate change have significant effects on the Arctic landscape and wildlife. Thus, many levels of government management for these protected areas need to make changes in order to adapt. Cruise tourism in this region is globally connected to other regions and examination of this will also occur.
Keywords
expedition cruise ships; protected areas; Canadian Arctic; sustainability; change
Hrčak ID:
80773
URI
Publication date:
29.4.2011.
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