Polar Tourism Flashcards
What effect has climate change had on the summer season in the Arctic?
Climate change has lengthened the summer season in the Arctic.
How many visitors does the North Cape visitor center receive annually?
The North Cape visitor center receives 1 million visitors per year.
Provide details about the tourism in Svalbard in 2015.
In 2015, over 50 cruise ships visited Svalbard, offering 20-day trips costing between £12,000 and £14,000. There are 200 landing sites, resulting in a 400% increase in ship tourism.
What incidents involving cruise ships occurred in 2007 and 2008?
In 2007, MS Explorer sank in the Bransfield Strait (South Shetland Isles), and in 2008, two ships ran aground.
What are some pressure points associated with polar tourism?
Pressure points include Denali National Park and Glacier Bay National Park.
What are some threats associated with polar tourism?
Threats include development of land (e.g., Patriot Hill), the spread of tourism, fly-sale activities, and the use of increasingly large ships. The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) is only voluntary.
How can polar tourism be limited?
Polar tourism can be limited by implementing measures such as limiting the number of tourists, establishing mandatory safety codes for ships, ratifying laws to prevent more than 500 ships, and limiting the number of passengers going ashore to 80-100 at one time with a registered guide for every 20 people.
