Circumpolar Tourism - International - August 2008

Circumpolar Tourism - International - August 2008

About this report

Circumpolar tourism has all the elements that appeal to travellers who seek ‘authentic’ experiences – ie ecotourists, wildlife lovers and adventure travellers – growing niche markets sought by many destinations around the globe. Given their growing numbers, this would suggest that the northern tourism industry has it made, but it faces some daunting challenges – the effects of climate change, environmental degradation, tiny populations who live in scattered communities, huge distances, a lack of tourism infrastructure, a limited tourist season and, in some cases, inadequate road and air transport.

In spite of those challenges, the Arctic ranks among the last, great ‘undiscovered’ destinations of the world. Each circumpolar country has a distinct personality of its own. Culture and language differentiate the destinations from one another and in some parts of the circumpolar world, indigenous groups still speak their ancient native languages – an exotic touch for travellers from the sophisticated south. While they differ from one another in certain respects, circumpolar destinations do share common characteristics – vast, empty spaces and the soothing silence of a non-urbanised world – a balm for city souls, stressed out by modern life.

Travel & Tourism Analyst is a bimonthly newsletter providing an examination of the travel industry, sector by sector. Each issue includes five objective and detailed studies on sectors and issues of interest and importance, across the international tourism industry.

Transport - from air transport and car hire, to the cruise industry, rail and coach travel

Outbound Markets - detailed profiles of the world's leading tourism origin countries

Market Segments - key sectors of the travel and tourism industry, ie youth travel

Accommodation, Leisure and Theme Parks - the performance of the hotel industry, resorts, timeshare, as well as developments in the attractions market

Travel Distribution and Technology - the travel trade worldwide, including the impact of new technology on travel distribution and marketing

Financial Services - ranging from tourism investment to paying for travel

Occasional Studies - other significant issues, such as the role of tourism organisations and the impact of travel on the environment.

Contents

Introduction
Data Sources
Defining Circumpolar Tourism
Setting the Scene
Climate Change and Circumpolar Tourism
The changing landscape
The polar bear debate
The People
Figure 1: Inuit who speak Inuktitut, according to age group, expressed as a percentage, 2001*
Aboriginal Tourism in the Circumpolar World
Figure 2: Questions asked to Canadian travellers, by country, August 2007
The Destinations – Case Studies
Alaska
Figure 3: Mode of transport for visitor arrivals, during May-September summer season, 2005-07
Northern Canada
Figure 4: Population of the Yukon territory, NWT and Nunavut, 2006
Nunavut/NWT
The Yukon
Figure 5: Travellers entering the Yukon by land, through Canada customs points of entry, 2004-07
Scandinavia
Figure 6: Overview of Norway, Sweden and Finland showing land areas, population figures, population density and tourist arrivals, 2007
Norway
Svalbard
Sweden and Finland
Iceland
Figure 7: Aircraft movements and passengers (inbound and outbound) through Keflavik International Airport, 2003-07
Greenland
Figure 8: Number of overnight visitors to Greenland by destination, 2004-06
Northern Cruising
Figure 9: Increase in the number of cruisers worlwide, in millions, 2003-07
Figure 10: Number of bed days on offer by destination, 2004-08
Safeguarding the Environment
What Next?