Develop A Sustainable Tourism Industry In The Antarctic Tourism Essay

Develop A Sustainable Tourism Industry In The south-polar Tourism EssayThe purpose of this paper is to do search of the playism industry in south-polara continent according to the research head teacher of How to beat a sustainable touristry industry in the south-polar? It is a fundamental to pack cooperation from ein truth organization related to Antarctica tourism. Since the continent has been consider as fragile and being the more or less valuable spot to creation for exploration in m either another(prenominal) aspects such as surroundal issues. Moreover, the management in this region is quite interesting as t here(predicate) are no permanently resident livings, and septette countries making territory claims during the first half of 20th century. In conclusion, the perspectives from tour operators, tourists and the organizations that work closely to Antarctica are very central to improve and carry as the introduction heritage site.Antarctica is the most isolated conti nent that covers the bottom of the globe it is as well as commonly known as the south-central Pole. It is the coldest, windiest, highest and driest purport on Earth with no permanent inhabitants living at that place. Therefore, it is a ch al iodineenge to explore Antarctica beca intake of the coldest weather and beautiful scenery with ice covering all region, interesting local animals and plant survival in such champaign. Travel to Antarctica is whiz kind of adventure tourism and in the mean quantify, this discount also be education tourism as scientists from all over the world come to study the organism and ecosystem. Antarctica is quite expensive to become to but most of the visitors find that their experiences are exceed their expectations (Lonely Planet, 2010).This paper also points out about(predicate) the negative impacts from tourism on Antarctic, especially from kind activities toward its environment and means of defend it. Not only in the Antarctic but also all over the world gather in concern been expressed about the climate adjustment and global warming. Ozone depletion and melting glaciers are the serious environmental problems to this continent as well. We will see how tourism phylogenys in the Antarctic elapse and how to maintain sustainable tourism in this region. There are no restaurants, theaters or shopping malls, what attracts tourists to go thither. All of the information above nominate be found in this paper.Brief Information and Background about AntarcticaTimeline HistoryThe ancient Greeks who first came up with the idea of this continent named Arktos have known about Antarctica since 350 B.C., but they never actually went there. In the stratum 1773, James Cook circumnavigated Antarctica that means he was the first person to cross the Antarctic circle. He made a mark I make bold to declare that the world will derive no benefit from it (cool Antarctica, 2001). In 1820, the Antarctic continent was first seen by human eyes from three men whose separate voyages had been given credit that social class. During the years 1840 to 1914 there were many historic trips from the travelers eager to explore the continent and many trips failed and catastrophe happened such as a ship that sank and the crew perished because they couldnt stand with the extremely cold weather. The first airplane flight was made by Sir George Hubert Wilkins in the year 1928. December 1, 1959, the Antarctic Treaty was signed to establish the legal framework for the management of Antarctica. In 1991, twenty-four countries signed an agreement that barred exploration for crude or mineral deposit for 50 years (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 1999).Antarctica Geography, Wildlife and FloraAntarctica is centered on the geographical South Pole with 13.9 million square kilometers or or so twice the size of Australia. For millions of years snow and ice have built up, making the continent entirely covered by an ice sheet comprises about 98% of An tarcticas surface which is about 95% of the worlds fresh water reserves. The lowest temperatures stool drop down as -89.6C. Antarctica is ranked as the fifth largest of the s pull down continents. The continent lacks an indigenous human population, but is home to millions of penguins, seabirds, seals, whales and temporary home to thousand of scientists and their support staff.The hallmark wildlife of Antarctica is penguins with seven species, only the male hatch single egg for nine weeks on their feet. Penguins feed heavily on fish, squid and crustaceans, its immanent enemies are seals and killer whales. Watching flying seabirds is one of the popular activities for tourists art object wandering on the cruise. The albatross is the largest flying sea bird with 4 meters wingspan. Other fascinating marine animals are Antarctic seals, using sonar for feeding, generally on fish, squid and krill (a key species for Antarctic ecosystem). During the 19th and 20th centuries, seals were he avily hunted for their skins, fur and oil, driving them almost to extinction. Today, seals are protected by the design for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals, which allows a small quota for scientific examination. The biggest warm-blooded mammals on this continent are whales. They live their entire lives in the water and has a living between 20 and 40 years up to 80. Antarctica has been declared an international whale sanctuary with whaling activities closely monitored by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) (Antarctic Connection, 2010). Many hoi polloi may be conf utilise and bring forward that there are polar bears in Antarctica but it was wrong because polar bears only live in the northwestern Pole.Because of the hostile climate, not many plants can grow well since only approximately 2% of Antarctica is ice-free. There are only devil native plants that can grow a grass and a cushion forming pearlwort (laws, 1989). Mosses, liverworts and lichens are the greatest inte rest to tourist for photography (Bauer, 2001) as they add some seeming to the region rather than white from the ice sheet.There are some measures to protect Antarctic wildlife and nature such asDo not use aircraft, small boats to disturb wildlife, either sea or land and do not make any loud noise to frighten them.Do not feed, touch seals, penguins and birds or make anything to cause them to alter their look.Do not defame plants or receive non-native plants or animals into the Antarctic.Tourism in Antarctica and its developmentAntarctica can be referred to a fragile and unknown continent (Bauer, 2001). The Antarctic tourism industry began in the late 1950s when Chile and Argentina took more than ergocalciferol passengers to the South Shetland Islands. The world first expedition ship called Lindblad Explorer was designed in 1969 for carrying tourists to the Antarctic this was in the period of modern cruise industry. Since then, the fall of tourists has giving from a few hundred to more than 30,000 each year as shown in figure 1 below. Tourism continues to expand WTO (2000) forecast estimated that about 1.56 one million million tourists would arrive by the year 2020.Figure 1 The statistics of tourists to Antarctica by nationality in 2008-2009 (source IAATO)Large scale and uncontrolled tourism can have a devastating impact on the continents environment. Therefore, all of the shipping companies, travel agencies, yachts and air operations have become members of International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators or IAATO founded in 1991 to come on and practice safe and environmentally responsible action in the Antarctic (IAATO, n.d.).No visa is required for travelling to Antarctica, but travelers have to check with the tour operator in case they make stops at other countries. Travel insurance is highly recommended. Late October through early April is suitable time to travel because it is the ice recede period, days are long up to 24 hours of daylight in December and January. The gate counsel ports to Antarctic region imply Valparaiso, Chile Ushuaia, Argentina and Invercargill / Bluff New Zealand (Travel and Leisure, 2010).Antarctica is an almost completely inaccessible destination with no land connections or regular commercial flights. Therefore, the only way to experience Antarctica is by joining a program conducted by tour operators cruises, yachts, over flights without landings. With the absence of a local Antarctic population, one interesting question is Who will benefit from Antarctic tourism activities? In my opinion, the one who will get the benefit from Antarctic tourism is the tour operator in the marches of economics but in the meantime, the tourist will also gain their truly spectacular experience where it cannot be bought.As mentioned in the admittance, travelling to Antarctica can be categorized as adventure and education tourism because of its geography surrounding natural laboratories for scientific research, whi ch cannot be done anywhere else on Earth. The research involves government agencies, private industry, scientists and school-age childs from the university faculties. The most interesting research falls among the following subjects geology, glaciology, oceanography, astronomy, meteorology, atmospheric sciences, biology and medical science (Antarctic Connection, 2010). Therefore, most of the tourists going to Antarctica are scientists and student groups to discover case studies and learn from real experience.What make people want to visit Antarctica once in a lifetime and what are the activities for the tourist charm they are here will be described. People who love adventure, challenge and want to explore the extraordinary experience will plan their trip here. Gunn (1988) describes haul as on location places in regions that not only provide things for tourists to see and to do but also offer the magnetism for travel. The attractions is the most compelling component of supply side of tourismHere are the lists of tourist attractions in AntarcticaNatural Attractions tourist can watch a great natural view from the tall mountains, massive glaciers, ice shelves, huge floating icebergs, flora, seabird, seals and penguins.Scientific Research Stations the popular station for tourist are the Argentinean and Esperanza. Visits to scientific stations provide a chance to meet inhabitants who spent long periods of their time and have another opportunity to discuss and exchange their travel experience in this region.Historic Sites, Monuments and Huts where the explorers left behind, the most frequently visited huts is the one built by Scott and Shackleton on Ross Island. One concern problem is that too many visitors may damage the sites, therefore the 33 historic huts and sites are managed by the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust and restrict for the maximum number of visitors inside the huts and to ensure that the number is not exceeded (Bauer, 2001).Whaling Station Whaling has become unacceptable for conservationists and these mammals are nearly extinct, but stations such as Whalers Bay and Stromness are included in many cruise itineraries.Travelling to Antarctica is risk-taking as a result, a professional tour operator that prepares all the necessary equipment and contingency plan is recommended. Before planning to go to Antarctica, the tourist should prepare and know their capabilities. Health check-up is essential, and thick clothes are very central to keep the body warm. Bear in mind that an casualty can happen at any time. Respect the regulations strictly such as do not walk onto glaciers, where you can fall into hidden crevasses.environmental Impacts from Antarctica TourismMany principal causes from the tourism can impact the ecosystem of Antarctica for example pollution through sewage, fuels, oil, waste and noise from the transportation and human both tourists and scientists. Moreover, introduction of non-native soils, plants and animals, or even travel on foot and disturbance of local bird or seal breeding colonies also cause an impact. This is a very serious problem to the earth as it may destroy nature and accumulate into a big issue. Hence, it is one of the tour operators responsibilities to explain, train and advise the tourists how they have to behave during the trip. The information must(prenominal) contain clear, useful information of do and dont in Antarctica with the reason at the end so that the tourist will actualise what will affect the environment if they break the rules.Climate change involves human interventions such as the emissions of greenhouse gases the experience from National Antarctic Programs over the two decades demonstrates that reducing greenhouse gas emissions from human activities in Antarctica can yield huge benefits to global environment. Also all economic activities such as fisheries should be managed in a preventive way. According to the research, during the years 2004-2005 approximately 50,000 tourists traveled to Antarctica, therefore the average of each person emission of CO2 was 4 heaps during their stay, which usually lasted several months (Antarctic and Southern nautical Coalition, 2009).Glacier melt and ozone depletion are major problems to Antarctica as it affect the living creature. The main cause is from global warming that despatch the melting of glaciers. Those effects include excessive flooding, rise in sea level and habitat loss (Buzzle, 2010). Chlorofluorocarbon or CFCs found in aerosol can sprays, air conditioning systems and refrigerators is a major cause of the destruction of the ozone layer over Antarctica. There is an isolated region in the atmosphere which had a rotary motion called polar vortex and researchers believe that the gases will float about 20-50 km above the ground towards Antarctica, thus, creating a big hole above (thinkquest, 2010).Moreover, ridiculous visitors management can cause ecology damage such as stepp ing on the moss can affect its in arrears growing, disturbing wildlife can affect their behavior and their breeding, rubbish and waste from the ships and cruises can distort the balance of ecology. Even an accident such as oil spill and chemical leak can have a big impact, as it will take a long time to disappear from the sea surface (Gee, 2003).Future forecast for Antarctica in the year 2100 are 33% reduction of sea ice, all main krill will experience food limitations, and the number of mike whale will be depleted by 5-30%. A possible adaptation is to protect the area and maintain stable sea ice, control human activities to minimize impact and to implement set aside biosecurity measures.Antarctica plays an important role in the Earths climate system as the research is crucial for understanding global warming, in conclusion it need to be monitored closely for every activity occurring in Antarctica.Regulation of Antarctic Tourism under the Antarctic Treaty SystemAntarctica is diff erent from any other place in the world it is a continent that is not owned by any country, organization or individual. The unique political situation makes the management of tourism activities here unlike any other tourist destinations. Seven countries making territory claims in Antarctica Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom. The treaty was signed on December 1, 1959 with a total of 44 countries signing the treaty 7 claim territory in Antarctica, 12 are Original Signatories and 27 are Consultative Parties (Australian Antarctic Division, 2000). The Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties (ATCPs) hold annual meetings to discuss issues and make recommendations to each partys government for the management of Antarctic affairs. The Treaty describes measures for rules setting to each area for proper use of the environment (Australian Antarctic Division, 2000).The main objectives of Treaty state that Antarctica is to be used for peaceful purposes and prohibit for military activities or any weapons, there are freedom for scientific research and scientific information sharing, radioactive and nuclear materials are banned (skwirk, 2010). It is upright to have at least one organization to control and be responsible for the remote land like Antarctica otherwise there would not have been the land left until the present time.U.S diplomats proposed expanding the 50 years old of Antarctic Treaty System to include the restrictions on tourism. The Obama administration pushing the limits on the size of cruise ships sailing and the number of passengers bring to ashore to protect Antarcticas environment under international law restriction on tourism. The purpose is to minimize the accidental of marine oil spills to ensure that the tourism is responsible in safety and environmentally (fox news, 2010)Figure 2.1 Antarctica Territorial Claims (Source Australia Antarctic Division)Figure 2.2 Antarctica Seven Countries Territorial ClaimsFigure 2.1 shows the big picture of the Antarctica and the Southern Ocean Territorial Claims by seven countries where figure 2.2 shows the small picture of those seven countries claims for clearly illustrate.Not many places in the Earth where there has never been war, the environment is flawlessly and fully protected which is the place where scientific research has full authority such like Antarctica. Because of no original inhabitant in this region, there should be some government sector to operate and monitor on it. The objectives of the Treaty is to ensure that the area is zone free for nuclear test and used the area for peaceful mission only, to promote international scientific and to set aside disputes over territorial sovereignty.Is Tourism in Antarctica Sustainable? And how to develop a sustainable tourism industry in the AntarcticOver the past few decades, tourism industry is one of the worlds fastest growing industries. So far, Antarctica is one of a few areas in the world that re mained untouchable whereas the number of tourists has been steadily increasing according to the statistics from the beginning of Antarctic tourism in 1960s until now. The major environmental impact in Antarctic is from tourism therefore sustainable tourism has been introduced and integrated into this area.Sustainable Tourism is an effective balance among economic, environmental and socio- heathen aspects of tourism development to ensure that there is less impact to the place visited and to guarantee long- termination benefits for all community involved (UNWTO, 2004), including continue keeping the natural resources for our near generation to be seen as well as we have seen it today.Sustainability becomes the most frequently addressed in tourism during 1990s in order to maintain, preserve or rebuild resources for tourism development that have the least negative impacts on the natural environments, additionally, this is more environmentally friendly kind of tourism (Bauer, 2001).The term sustainable development is now replacing the old word conservation. One kind of tourism that is the expression of sustainable tourism development is called ecotourism (Ritchie Goeldner, 1994), implying that tourism development and resource protection can be compatible. During the progress of tourism, ecotourism offers opportunity for financial support for resource protection (Ziffer, 1989). Does tourism in Antarctica fall into ecotourism category? Since it offers travel experience with educational and outdoor adventure. Ecotourism can defined as travelling to remote or natural areas to enhance understanding with appreciation of environment and ethnical heritage while avoiding deterioration to remain the same condition for others experiences (Figgis, 1993). Therefore, tourism in Antarctica could be one kind of ecotourism.The sustainable development goal in Antarctica including the role of tourism that focused on destination rather than human development. It is believed that tou rists who visit Antarctica could be spokesperson and become more active in protect the continent because they have seen the real scenario in front and would have the feeling to preserve this valuable territory. One of the article survey and interview with the tour personal organizer and tourist about the overview of the Antarctica tourism in the future, many of the interviewees believe that more regulation is really needed for effectively management and also the enforce repressing policies should be issue. The way to improve the role of Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) for the regulation of Antarctic tourism is to establish a commission with the representatives from main tourism countries that reported to ATS (Lamers, 2009). Accreditation system set up has been suggested for tourism operators to guarantee safe and for industry standards (Australia, 2004).The issue of specific restriction and prohibition of the number of tourists or ships visit Antarctica has been raised, but that wou ld be difficult because of political will and difficulties of enforcing as countries might not want to limit their economical opportunities in such area. Although the general principles of Antarctic tourism are accepted on environmental quality and human safety, in terms of future scale and the control of tourism development tranquilize in argument. Some opinion seeing tourism as a harmless activity, which can create ambassador of Antarctica against the devastating actions that might happen in the future. Second perspective sees tourism as a potential source of income for local stakeholder such as National Antarctic Program or NAPs. deuce-ace perspective sees that tourism is allowable as long as there is no negative impact to the environment (Lamers, 2009). The last perspective is a good conclusion due to the fact that travel with harmless to the nature is one kind of sustainable travelling therefore the clearly tourism policy towards Antarctica should be made suddenly.Planning wi th the declaration is quite a good review in order to maintain the last resources of the world. Adaptation to the situation is also necessary, we must change our life before we are force to do so (Thomas, 2009).How can sustainable tourism in Antarctica be achieved? It is not an accountability of any company, organization or country but it need cooperation from everyone who involve in such businesses or places such as the tour operator, tourist, government or even the local who live near the tourist attraction. Antarctica is the ultimate destination for anyone interested in natural history but it also challenges those people who visit to think broadly about our responsibilities to all life on Earth. Thats the view of Dr.Robert Lambert, a lecturer on Tourism and the Environment at The University of Nottingham, who has just returned from the Antarctic as an observer for the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) (Science Daily, 2008). Hence, any trash should no t be leave in the area to maintain natural and undestroyed, the tourist should run into that they are short-term visit, full responsible and ethical to surrounding environment is essential.ConclusionIn order to practice sustainable tourism in Antarctica, it should be clearly understood the concept that to be sustainable is to travel with conscious and deeply understand the value of nature, be concerned and realize the consequences that might happen in the future are not only in a positive way but also in negative ways. The concept of sustainable tourism is wider scope on economics, environmental and socio-cultural whereas ecotourism is focus on environmental and ecological issues. In addition, sustainable tourism is emphasize on indigenous people, in this case it mean the local fauna that live in Antarctica. The preservationist anxious that in the future Antarctica will be in the crisis of global warming which is the result from human activities that may cause the fauna become exti nct. In addition, the ozone depletion that makes the world get higher temperature and make the glacier melt is one of the possibilities for the disappearance of Antarctica Continent in the next decade. A big flooding could happen as Antarctica has about 95% of the worlds fresh water reserves, therefore it is possibility effect to the near find countries and also to the world.An active contribution to the community is one kind of sustainable tourism as some tourists might volunteer to help create or preserve the natural resources. The tourist who visit to the rare place of the world like Antarctica must be arrogant and feel cherish that give a power to do something to help promote or preserve the precious place before it is too late to protect. They may give a contribution to the foundation, or write a story on the internet to share their experience and their feeling visiting the wonderland like Antarctica. This is another way to express their invention of how important to preserve and make it sustainable. Since the current world is relying on the cyber and internet, the information putting should be trustworthy to avoid misunderstanding.To answer the research question How to develop a sustainable tourism industry in the Antarctic? will not be easy if there is a lack of cooperation from many sides or parties that have to relate and share in Antarctic tourism. Henceforth, the organization that have influence in Antarctica such as the seven countries that making territory claims or Antarctic Treaty Consultative Party (ATCP), International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) should have an explicitly guideline to the concerning parties. Updated regulation and prohibition is crucial due to the world has change and the old rules may not comply with the new facing problems. As the Antarctic tourism regulated by ATCP has been considered weak and too slow in implementation process and decision-making (Bastmeijer Roura, 2004), also many regulations are n ot legally compulsory (Bastmeijer, 2003) therefore transparently operation is very important in the self-regulatory regime.World Tourism Organisation (WTO) launched the principle of sustainable tourism and defined as development that meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future. It is envisaged as leading to management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and life support systems (WTO, 1993).The success of a sustainable tourism development in the Antarctic should be unite with the sustainable use, resource conservation, economic development and diversification, learning about the natural and cultural environment (Wylie, 1994). Good sources of information and knowledge are very important in development since the tourists may not know deeply about Antarctica as scientist, for that reason the tourists must have useful information about the place visit and know how to behave during the trip. Such information is very vital to avoid the risk of effecting an environment and ecosystem. Travelling with unharmed nature is the best solution to develop sustainable tourism since we can be appreciate the nature and at the same time can keep the same resources last long.