Perceptions of Polar Bear Tourists: A Qualitative Analysis

A number of themes and concepts emerged from 18 interviews conducted with polar bear tourists visiting the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, near Churchill, Manitoba. This article focuses on themes relating to environmental dimensions of polar bear tourism. These include environmental concerns, rationalization of wildlife tourism, and perceptions of environmental impacts. By focusing on the human dimensions of wildlife tourism in protected areas, this study provided an opportunity to acquire an understanding of perceived management roles in these protected areas, as well as perceived impacts of the polar bear viewing industry.