Identifying and evaluating adaptation strategies for cruise tourism in Arctic Canada

TLDR

The cruise tourism sector in Arctic Canada has expanded rapidly, yet climate change and environmental, technical, and cultural risks pose significant management challenges. This study used a policy Delphi approach to identify and evaluate adaptation strategies that would assist decision‑makers and policy‑makers in managing cruise tourism development and its impacts. More than 500 ideas were generated and narrowed to 65 adaptation options, which were assessed for priority and feasibility by local residents, tourism operators, and policy‑makers. Most recommendations were deemed high priority and reasonably affordable, with key needs including disaster‑management plans, updated navigation technology, better marine resource mapping, and a code of conduct for tourists, marking the first empirical assessment of sustainable adaptation strategies for Arctic Canadian cruise tourism.

Abstract

The cruise tourism industry in Arctic Canada has recently grown rapidly with stable numbers now emerging. While there are many socio-economic opportunities associated with growth, climate change, and environmental, technical and cultural risks also present significant management challenges. To enhance understanding of these opportunities and risks, this study adopted a policy Delphi approach to identify and evaluate potential adaptation strategies to aid decision-makers and policy-makers managing cruise tourism development and its associated impacts. Over 500 ideas were identified. These were distilled down to 65 potential adaptation options, which were evaluated for priority and feasibility by key stakeholders including local residents, tourism operators, and policy-makers. The majority of recommendations were evaluated as of high priority and most options were perceived to be somewhat affordable and implementable. Key needs included disaster management plans, updated technology and ship navigation systems, improved marine resource mapping, and the development of a code of conduct for cruise tourists to guide visitor behaviour and promote a sustainable approach. The research represents the first empirical study to identify and evaluate adaptation strategies for cruise tourism development in Arctic Canada and outlines current priorities, opportunities, and challenges associated with managing socio-economic change in Arctic Canada in sustainable ways.