Stefanie Lehmann

Greenland, a Sensitive Cruise Destination: a Case Study on Impacts and Effects of Increasing Cruise Traffic Stefanie Lehmann

The cruise industry has experienced constant growth over the last decades. With reduced barriers to entry, remote destinations have become common cruise destinations. So have the Antarctica and the Arctic region. The Polar Regions are particularly vulnerable to human and technical disturbance due to their sensitive ecosystems and susceptible cultural heritage. This work puts emphasis on the issue of sustainable cruise tourism in the Arctic region, especially Greenland, in order to become a long-life cruise and tourism destination. The work aims at displaying positive as well as negative impacts on Greenland's economy, society and culture, and on the environment and what consequences on the mentioned issues may arise with increasing cruise traffic. The nation's current cruise and tourism industry is illuminated within a case study of two cruise destinations in South Greenland. Along with research work on sustainability and destination management insight into the country's present cruise industry and their impacts is offered which might raise awareness for increased consciousness on the sustainability need.