Introduction
Original article “Tourist Trap” by Amelia Hill, The Observer (Sunday April 29, 2007).
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2007/apr/29/travelnews.climatechange
The arctic is one of the largest unspoiled regions in the world. Nevertheless it is facing a new threat: Champagne tourism. Thousands of visitors want to see the ice flows and wild life. Ten years ago there were 35,000 visitors a year to Spitsbergen. In 2006 there were more than 70,000 visitors. The key reason for the sharp rise in visitor numbers is climate change. The Arctic is trying to protect the area in the best way by among others educating the Guides and together with The Climate Change College, they are making people aware of the situation of the environment.
Essay by Melissa Gunawan
Master in Tourism Destination Management student 2008/2009
Scientists predict that the Arctic could warm by as much as three degrees in the next 80 years. Although this does not sound like much, it is enough to cause enormous changes. The potential loss of sea ice is a case that worries the most. This would have a great impact on the residents, plants and animals, it changes the environment completely.
The Arctic tourism industry is increasing very rapidly and is much aware of the problems it is creating, but due to the lack of knowledge they have not found a solution yet to manage this situation. The region wants to protect the environment in the best way and also stimulate the tourism industry. Rune Bergstrom, head of the region’s environmental sector, states that the guides in the area are educated to a very high standard, so they can educate tourists about climate change. The purpose is that the visitors will spread the message. However, in reality this does not always happen. Some visitors have not been informed about climate change and the local environment during their trip.
Another problem that occurs due to the climate change is the safety. Climate change has made the weather extreme and unpredictable, even the experienced visitors and guides can get into dangerous situations. This shows that it is of great importance that visitors are made aware of the impacts and consequences.
However, looking at the current situation, I have my doubts if the Arctic can protect the environment and stimulate the tourism industry at the same time. No matter how good you inform the visitors about the situation, Champagne tourism is a popular trend and people with money who want to experience this ultimate experience will go to this area anyway, regardless of the local consequences. The article includes the experience of Abdullah Majin and sixteen Malaysian friends who took a package holiday to the North Pole. The highlight of their trip was a freefall parachute jump. Majin said he was aware of the problems of climate change, but he does not feel guilty about his trip because this was an extreme experience and states that he was even prepared to pay double the cost of his trip, which was over GBP.1200,- and if he would have not booked this trip, others would have!
New Scientist Environment published a report about climate change. According to the average of five climate models run by scientists, the Arctic will lose 50% to 60% of its ice distribution by 2100. One of the five models predicts that by 2070, the Arctic will be so warm it will no longer have any ice in the summer. This tremendous outcome should make visitors aware of what is happening in this environment and the Arctic will have to consider reducing the amount of visitors in order to save the environment and preserve it for the future.
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