Polar Tourism: A Tool for Regional Development

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,! 7 IC7G0-fcfdfb! CYAN MAGENTA JAUNE NOIR 2535-Couvert ISBN 978-2-7605-2535-1 Épine 15,5 mm 294 p. / 120 M he creation of the Nunavik is a major step forward, both for the Province of Québec and its Inuit population. Not only does it underline the recognition of the Inuit people and their identity but it also stresses the importance of discussing some fundamental issues regarding the emancipation of the Inuit, their empowerment, the development and management of the northern resources of Québec, and the protection and conser­ vation of the fragile Nordic ecosystems. Rich in culture and scenery, Nunavik has identi­ fied tourism as one of the main and best suited avenue for economic development. But before Nunavik can truly enjoy the benefits of a well established tourism “industry”, many challenges need to be met. The development of tourism in a new destination is not only challenging but it requires human efforts, political and economic will over a large amount of time without much guaranties as to what will work or not. It is in this context that in August 2008, the members of the newly created Inter­ national Polar Tourism Research Network (IPTRN), including researchers from around the world, came to Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik – the northernmost part of Québec, to discuss how tourism can play a role in regional development. The collection of arti­cles presented here is the result of the coming together of these polar tourism researchers. Such a book does not claim to address all issues facing the polar destinations. It is nevertheless a base for reflection. Like Nunavik, many of the new emerging regions of the circumpolar world are experimenting with new powers and responsibilities. For scientists, this is an excel­ lent time to assist with the experiences that have been well documented from other Northern, Arctic and polar regions. For the tourism industry, including officials, this book is meant to offer a range of perspectives on how challenges can be met and how solutions can be implemented for the benefit of all local interests. ALAIN A. GRENIER is a professor of nature-based tourism and sustainable develop­ ment and head of the Masters degree programme in tourism development at the Department of Urban Studies and Tourism, Université du Québec à Montréal (ESG-UQAM). He is one of the founders of the International Polar Tourism Research Network (IPTRN) and current editor of the academic journal of tourism, Téoros. DIETER K. MÜLLER is a professor of cultural geography at the University of Umeå (Sweden). He is also a board member of International Geographical Union’s­ Commission on Tourism, Leisure and Global Change and of the International Polar­ Tourism Research Network (IPTRN). Moreover he is a member of the Nordic Society for Tourism and Hospitality Research (NORTHORS). With contributions from Bas Amelung • Nathan Bennett • Annie d’Amours Debra J. Enzenbacher • David A. Fennell •Hans Gelter Alain A. Grenier • Bryan S.R. Grimwood • Randy Kapashesit Machiel Lamers • Raynald Harvey Lemelin Dieter K. Müller • Arvid Viken • Greg Williams Series Edited by BRUNO SARRASIN Polar Tourism AToolforRegionalDevelopment Edited by ALAIN A. GRENIER and DIETER K. MÜLLER Presses de l’Université du Québec Edited by ALAIN A. GRENIER and DIETER K. MÜLLER Polar Tourism – A Tool for Regional Development T October 13, 2011 9:36 AM Développement économique, Innovation et Exportation PUQ.CA TOURISM S e r i e s TheTourism Series offers a new way to look at tourism through the lens of the humani� ties and so������������������������������������������������������������������������������ cial sciences. Designed for researchers and students as well as tourism manag� ers and professionals, it features a broad panorama of foundational texts and empirical studies on the development of tourism in Québec and around the world. The publications in this series draw on rigorous research, theory, and concrete examples to provide researchers and decision-makers with a scientific perpective on key issues in tourism, thereby supplying both governments and tourism businesses with the tools they need to plan and act. Bruno Sarrasin Scientific Comittee Oliver Dehoorne, Université des Antilles et de la Guyane (Martinique) Christiane Gagnon, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi Serge Gagnon, Université du Québec en Outaouais Alain A. Grenier, Université du Québec à Montréal Mimoun Hillali, Institut supérieur international du tourisme (Morocco) Katia Iankova, Memorial University of Newfoundland Louis Jolin, Université du Québec à Montréal Marie Lequin, Universit...