This book discusses the expansion of new activities carried out in Antarctica and the focus
among treaty parties on the perceived challenges posed by adventure tourism in the region.
Shedding light on the latest trends and the modus operandi of all parties involved it draws
attention to new elements in the debate on how tourism and environmental protection can best be
reconciled with tourism in Antarctica rapidly increasing in recent decades. As far as
technical practice and visitor guidance are concerned the challenge facing tour operators lies
in determining whether tourism has a negative or positive impact on the environment. The
individual chapters address the development of polar tourism in terms of numbers types and
activities. The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators which advocates and
promotes the practice of safe and environmentally responsible travel to the Antarctic is also
part of this study. In this context special attention is paid to its strategies relating to
adventure tourism - including both deep-field activities and those additional or new activities
launched from traditional ship or yacht-based platforms. The analysis includes aspects of risk
management and environmental considerations as well as views on the cultural perspectives of
Antarctica.
