The Mistra Arctic Futures project From Resource Hinterland to Global Pleasure Periphery? Assessing the Role of Tourism for Sustainable Development in Arctic Communities has recently contributed to the book Polar Tourism: A Tool for Regional Development. It is edited by Alain A. Grenier (UQAM) & Dieter K. Müller (Umeå University) and published by Presses de l’Université du Québec.
Rich in culture and scenery, Nunavik has identified tourism as one of the main and best suited avenues for economic development. But as in many other parts of the Arctic, 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 it will work or not.
It is in this context that in August 2008, the members of the newly created International Polar Tourism Research Network (IPTRN) came to Kangiqsujjuak, Nunavik, to discuss how tourism can play a role in regional development. Such a book does not claim to address all issues facing the polar destinations. It is nevertheless a base for reflection. Many of the new emerging regions of the circumpolar world, like Nunavik, are experimenting with new powers and responsibilities.
For scientists, this is an excellent time to assist with the experiences that have been well documented from other Northern, Arctic and polar regions. For tourism researchers, 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 local interests.
Polar Tourism: A Tool for Regional Development contains 9 chapters authored by researchers from North America and Europe. Among those is Dieter K. Müller, researcher within the MISTRA Arctic Futures program, who also co-edited this volume within the program’s project From Resource Hinterland to Global Pleasure Periphery? Assessing the Role of Tourism for Sustainable Development in Arctic Communities.