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Tourism in Antarctica has grown substantially over recent decades and has diversified into different activities and modes of transport. This paper presents a first attempt to explore the implications of this diversification trend for Antarctic tourist experiences, wildlife and onsite management. Evidence from a passenger survey, participatory observations and expert interviews using video elicitation has been collected during, and in the context of, a diving expedition cruise. The data suggests that significant differences can be detected in the way divers and non-divers experience aspects of the trip, most notably regarding guides. The results also indicate that diverse activities generate a broader variance in attitudes and behaviours, which may have repercussions for wildlife, site use and onsite management. Given the diversification trend it is timely and necessary to revisit and consistently enforce site guidelines and visitor guidelines with an eye on multi-activity trips. In addition, further studies on the implications of this trend are needed by means of case studies, surveys looking at a wider range of tourist trips, and monitoring programmes assessing wildlife behaviour and impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In Article 3 of the 1991 Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties committed themselves to 'the protection of the Antarctic environment and the intrinsic value of Antarctica, including its wilderness and aesthetic values.' The phraseology of the Protocol requires clarification. 'Wilderness and aesthetic values' links two disparate concepts, best handled by separation. Annex V, Article 3, of the Protocol covers many topics, and their assessment must be by a composite of frameworks specifically designed for the different purposes set out in the Annex. A working definition of wilderness in the Antarctic is suggested: 'Any part of the Antarctic in which neither permanent habitation nor any other permanent evidence of present or past human presence is visible.' Using this, a very high proportion of the continent will be recognised as having wilderness status. The phrase 'aesthetic values' should be seen as part of a wider process -- Landscape Character Assessment -- that is at present unknown to most in the Antarctic community. It is based on the principle of objective description and classification of landscape character. This basic characterisation can then be put to different uses, one of which may be to make more subjective judgements or evaluations that lead to area designations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]