Antarctic Tourism – Where to Now?

Abstract

This paper examines the fixture of tourism in the Antarctic. It raises some fundamental policy issues and aims to challenge some preconceptions of tourism' s role and impact on the continent. The test it puts to governments is to 'lay their cards On the table' - to articulate clearly their policies on the future direction of Antarctic tourism. Parties to the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) and the governments Of the gateway states will continue in the foreseeable Short to medium tenn future to dictate the form and pace of Antarctic tourism. With this comes an obligation to fulfil their self appointed environmental stewardship role and not pursue tourist opportunities simply as a back door approach to strengthening their sovereignty claims, pursuing economic benefits or political agendas. This paper examines the fixture of tourism in the Antarctic. It raises some fundamental policy issues and aims to challenge some preconceptions of tourism' s role and impact on the continent. The test it puts to governments is to 'lay their cards On the table' - to articulate clearly their policies on the future direction of Antarctic tourism. Parties to the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) and the governments Of the gateway states will continue in the foreseeable Short to medium tenn future to dictate the form and pace of Antarctic tourism. With this comes an obligation to fulfil their self appointed environmental stewardship role and not pursue tourist opportunities simply as a back door approach to strengthening their sovereignty claims, pursuing economic benefits or political agendas.