Tourism in Antarctica A Multidisciplinary View of New Activities Carried Out on the White Continent

Abstract

Tourism in Antarctica has rapidly increased in recent decades. In terms of technical practice and visitor guidance, the management of the tour operators is determining whether tourism has a negative or positive impact on the environment. This book aims to offer new elements for the debate, how co-existence of tourism and envi- ronmental protection could best be guaranteed by shedding light on the latest trends and the modus operandi of all parts involved. While some chapters deal with the development of polar tourism in numbers, forms and activities, others will focus on the apparent expansion of new activities carried out in Antarctica and the focus amongst Treaty Parties on the perceived challenges posed by such adventure tourism. The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, member organization, which aims to advocate and promote the practice of safe and envi- ronmentally responsible travel to the Antarctic, is also part of this study. In this context, special attention will be paid to its strategies dealing with adventure tourism—including both deep field and those additional or new activities taking place from traditional ship or yacht-based platforms. The analysis includes the aspects of risk management and environmental considerations as well as the views on the cultural perspectives on the Southern Continent.