A policy for antarctic tourism: conflict or cooperation?

Abstract

The Antarctic tourism industry is described and assessed. Tourist numbers are established. The regulatory framework for Antarctic tourism is explained and problems for policy makers are identified. Tourism policies of the British Antarctic Survey, United States Antarctic Program and other Treaty Parties are reviewed to reveal problems which arise when national science programs and tour operators attempt to coexist in Antarctica. Faraday Base (UK) is offered as a case study of tourism's effect on an Antarctic scientific research station. The nature of conflict and cooperation between National Antarctic Programs and tourist operations in Antarctica is explained and conclusions are drawn.