Antarctic Gateway Ports: Opening Tourism to Macquarie Island and the East Antarctic from Hobart

Abstract

This article discusses the significance of Antarctic gateway ports, and identifies the key issues and challenges in developing East Antarctic tourism, especially through the port of Hobart. Recent opportunities have emerged through increased ship-borne and pending air-borne capacity from Hobart, and a network of government and private agencies have made Hobart the locus of these services. This presents an opportunity to investigate the needs and expectations of tourists through the gateways with a view to developing products and services to meet those needs and expectations. Findings from a preliminary survey of East Antarctic tourists in the 2005–2006 season are presented and a model for developing tourism to the East Antarctic from Hobart is proposed.

Towards a tipping point? Exploring the capacity to self-regulate Antarctic tourism using agent-based modelling

“…However, serious accidents can lead to far-reaching consequences, such as environmental degradation, human casualties (Liggett et al, 2011), and, consequently, a less favourable public opinion of IAATO and the existing ATS regime (Enzenbacher, 2007). Accidents have also hindered tourism growth (Liggett et al, 2011;Muir et al, 2007) and activity levels.…”

“…Operators need to carefully plan their emergency strategies because of Antarctica's physical remoteness and harsh and unpredictable environmental conditions (Enzenbacher, 1995;Muir et al, 2007). Experienced operators are better prepared for these conditions (Enzenbacher, 2007).…”

“…Antarctica's key selling point is its wildlands that are perceived by tourists as "pristine" and "untouched" (Haase, Lamers, & Amelung, 2009). Shipborne tourism is the most common means for tourists to travel to and from, and explore, Antarctic wildlands (Liggett, McIntosh, Thompson, Storey, & Gilbert, 2010;Muir, Jabour, & Carlsen, 2007).…”

Tourism and Transport Relationships: The Suppliers' Perspective in Gateway Destinations in New Zealand

“…Although their recommendations suggest partnership involvement between businesses and other services used by passengers in the ferry ports this is not followed up in their study. Five key issues and challenges were identified by Muir, Jabour and Carlsen (2007) in their discussion of developing East Antarctic tourism from Hobart in Australia: access and distance; tour operator interest and infrastructure availability; governance and policy; gateway facilities and localized activities; and safety. Of these, facilities and activities within Hobart itself appeared to be less significant than questions of access and distance, a function of the geographical context.…”

“…In contrast to passenger surveys which can provide answers to standardized questions regarding profiles and travel patterns (Graham & Russell, 2001;Lohmann & Pearce, 2010), semi-structured interviews with key providers were seen as a more effective way of identifying the issues important to them as it allowed the researchers to explore these in greater depth and follow up specific matters (Baird, 1999;Muir, et al, 2007). This flexibility was particularly important given the exploratory nature of the research.…”