Antarctica in the Mind of Visitors: Representations of a Remote Destination

Abstract

In recent years, Antarctica has been identified as an important remote destination for tourism, with a diverse offer based on its natural and historical resources, which motivates tourist flows to this continent of the extremes. The mental construct of Antarctica as a tourist destination is specially shaped in the place of origin of visitors by different factors related to the past experience, by word of mouth and external communication as well. This contribution examines visitors' representations of Antarctica as a remote destination. To do so, a structured questionnaire was used during two Austral summer seasons, considering different stages as regards the Antarctic experience (images prior to departure, on-site experience and level of satisfaction achieved). Taking into account the number of visitors who go to the Antarctic Peninsula each summer season, it is interesting to consider their profile as well as the representations they have about Antarctica and the type of experience accomplished since the space gains a special meaning and therefore, different tensions take place, which give value to resources and generate attractiveness.