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The cruise tourism industry in the Canadian Arctic: analysis of activities and perceptions of cruise ship operators

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 July 2013

Frédéric Lasserre  and
Pierre-Louis Têtu
Frédéric Lasserre
Affiliation:
Geography Department, Laval University, Abitibi Price Building, 2405 Terrasse, Québec QC, G1V 0A6, Canada ([email protected])
Pierre-Louis Têtu
Affiliation:
Geography Department, Laval University, Abitibi Price Building, 2405 Terrasse, Québec QC, G1V 0A6, Canada ([email protected])
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Abstract

With the melting of sea ice in the Arctic, the potential for higher shipping access has markedly changed. Shipping activity in the Arctic is increasing, including tourism and exploration activities, underlining the need for reliable communication and monitoring. This article examines the interactions between climate and sea ice change, the patterns of cruise ship tourism through Arctic Canada and the interest of operators to increase their activities in the cruise tourism market in the region. Since 1995, the melting of the summer pack ice in the offers the possibilities of increased shipping in this region while encouraging speculation regarding the potential of the northwest passage (NWP) and the Canadian Arctic to become a major cruise maritime highway. Integrating research from both human and transport geography, this article presents an analysis of vessel movements. It also analyses perceptions of charters and cruise ship operators and of their interests in the cruise tourism market. Discussion is focused on issues associated with the lack of available vessels and maritime infrastructure, regulations in the Canadian arctic waters, security and search and rescue. This research could prove useful for communities, and policy makers, as well as the cruise sector itself, with regard to response to change in these remote locations.

Type
Research Article
Information
Polar Record , Volume 51 , Issue 1 , January 2015 , pp. 24 - 38
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

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