Objectives

The overall objective of the proposed project is to deepen our understanding of key drivers that affect the behaviour of tourists during and after their visit, the likelihood that they become ambassadors for Antarctic conservation (and environmental protection more generally), and the role that guides play in this process.

To achieve this overall objective, we will:

1. assess the developments of Antarctic tourist activities, and the perceived interest, attitudes and behaviours of the tourists;
2. examine the values, motivations, and qualifications of Antarctic guides and develop a typology of guiding styles
3. examine individual factors around the values, motivations and behaviours of guides and relate this to the development of guiding styles;
4. examine factors and strategies that are influencing pro-environmental tourist behaviour;
5. examine the changes in values, beliefs and behaviours after visiting Antarctica;
6. develop tools for management response and capacity building.