Margaret Johnston

Leisure and Volunteer Motivation at a Special Sporting Event

Abstract Volunteering as a form of leisure has been of interest to researchers for some time. This study examines volunteer motivation at a special sporting event in order to identify the links between special event motivations and volunteering as a leisure experience within the context of the work/leisure continuum developed by Cuskelly and Harrington (1997). A questionnaire was administered to volunteers to assess motivation using the Special Event Volunteer Motivation Scale (SEVMS). Analysis revealed four motivational factors: Solidary, Purposive, Commitment, and External Traditions, of which the least important for this group of volunteers was External Traditions. The results suggest that for many of these special event volunteers, volunteer motivation is multifaceted and for some can be viewed as a serious leisure experience, one which is motivated by the desire to contribute to society and to develop the self.

Motivation and satisfaction of event volunteers for a major youth organization.

Abstract Volunteers are a vital component of most special events, yet little research has addressed the specific characteristics and experiences of individuals who elect to spend their volunteering time at events focused on specific sporting, cultural, or recreational activities. This study examined motivation and satisfaction of volunteers at the Canadian Jamboree held by Scouts Canada in Thunder Bay in July 1997. Through instruments developed specifically for special events, volunteers were surveyed in order to identify important motivations and determinants of satisfaction with operations. The data suggested that special event volunteer motivation extends beyond the traditional volunteer motivations to include unique dimensions linked to the special event. Results also revealed high levels of satisfaction that are related to organizational attributes. The data reiterate the importance of examining special event volunteers as a distinct group.

The World Wide Fund for Nature Arctic Tourism Project

This article investigates the involvement of an environmental non - governmental organisation (ENGO) in a sustainable tourism initiative. The article examines the collaborative relationship between this ENGO, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and other stakeholders in this Project, which involves integrating conservation with Arctic tourism. The collaboration has included tour operators, polar scientists, tourism academics and researchers, local and national government representatives, Arctic community representatives and members of NGOs, in addition to WWF representatives. The goal of the Project was to integrate conservation ideals into tourism in Arctic locations to enable communities, tourists and operators to work towards a more sustainable form of tourism. This article discusses the aims of the Project, presents an analysis of the processes involved, particularly those of negotiation and implementation, and provides an evaluation of the outcomes in relation to the original aims.

Local-level responses to sea ice change and cruise tourism in Arctic Canada's Northwest Passage

Abstract This article examines the interactions between sea ice change and patterns of cruise ship tourism through the Northwest Passage of Arctic Canada and how local communities are responding to this change. During the period 2006–2010, the Passage has emerged as the most popular expedition cruise area in the Canadian Arctic with an increase in planned cruises by 70%. This dramatic increase in cruise traffic has been, in part, facilitated by improved access as a result of decreases in sea ice. Since 1968, total sea ice area in northern route of the Northwest Passage has decreased by 11% per decade and total sea ice area in the southern of the Northwest Passage has decreased by 16% per decade. Integrating research from both social and geophysical science, this article presents an analysis of changing cruise tourism patterns through the Northwest Passage and analyses resident responses from Passage communities including Ulukhaktok, Gjoa Haven, and Pond Inlet. Discussion is focused on issues associated with infrastructure, security, protection of the marine environment, human safety, and search and rescue. This research is important to help prepare communities, policy makers, as well as the cruise sector itself, to be responsive to change in these remote locations.

Identifying and evaluating adaptation strategies for cruise tourism in Arctic Canada

ABSTRACT The cruise tourism industry in Arctic Canada has recently grown rapidly with stable numbers now emerging. While there are many socio-economic opportunities associated with growth, climate change, and environmental, technical and cultural risks also present significant management challenges. To enhance understanding of these opportunities and risks, this study adopted a policy Delphi approach to identify and evaluate potential adaptation strategies to aid decision-makers and policy-makers managing cruise tourism development and its associated impacts. Over 500 ideas were identified. These were distilled down to 65 potential adaptation options, which were evaluated for priority and feasibility by key stakeholders including local residents, tourism operators, and policy-makers. The majority of recommendations were evaluated as of high priority and most options were perceived to be somewhat affordable and implementable. Key needs included disaster management plans, updated technology and ship navigation systems, improved marine resource mapping, and the development of a code of conduct for cruise tourists to guide visitor behaviour and promote a sustainable approach. The research represents the first empirical study to identify and evaluate adaptation strategies for cruise tourism development in Arctic Canada and outlines current priorities, opportunities, and challenges associated with managing socio-economic change in Arctic Canada in sustainable ways.

From hunting and fishing to cultural tourism and ecotourism: examining the transitioning tourism industry in Nunavik

Arctic tourism has seen major shifts in the last decade as global events and local developments have affected this industry. This article presents findings of a case study examining tourism changes in Nunavik (northern range of Quebec, Canada). Key informant interviews conducted with tourism operators and managers from Kuujjuaq, Nunavik, and Montreal, Quebec, provide an understanding of the changes being experienced by the industry and help to characterize factors that contribute to resilience. Recent events in Nunavik affecting tourism include the controlled caribou sports hunt in 2010–11 and the transformation of Cruise North Expeditions in 2010 from a regionally owned Inuit enterprise to a joint venture between Cruise North and Adventure Canada. These situations provide a picture of a tourism industry in transition, reacting and adapting to change. Tourism diversification strategies include the Aqpik Jam Festival, sled-dog races and the development of specialized cultural tours like Inuit Odyssey, a cooperative venture between regional and provincial operations that was selected by National Geographic Traveler as a lifetime tour. This article provides an historical overview, contemporary description and future projection of this industry in Northern Quebec in the context of resilience.

Risks and opportunities associated with change in the cruise tourism sector: community perspectives from Arctic Canada

Environmental, sociocultural, political and economic changes are ever present in the Arctic and these have immediate and wide-ranging consequences for the people who live there. In Arctic Canada, cruise ship tourism has emerged as an important sector that simultaneously contributes to, and is influenced by, wider forces of change. Growth in cruise traffic has in part been facilitated by improved access as a result of decreases in sea ice. This paper reports on research using a systems framework to understand how residents in three coastal Inuit communities located along the Northwest Passage view these changes and how they are adapting to developments in the cruise sector. Interviews were conducted in Ulukhaktok (n = 22), Gjoa Haven (n = 52) and Pond Inlet (n = 47). Each of the three communities has experienced different levels of exposure to the cruise sector, and each demonstrates a variety of risks and opportunities. Future actions and strategies they have, or plan, to adopt are explored. This research is important to help prepare communities, policy-makers, as well as the cruise sector itself, to be responsive to change in these remote locations.

Evaluating the effectiveness of visitor-regulation strategies for polar tourism

The regulation of tourism in polar areas is increasingly of concern to scientists, policy makers, tourists, and tourist operators who wish to control negative impacts and promote positive ones. Given the growing emphasis on finding and using appropriate ways to control visitors to the polar regions, it is important to examine issues related to the effectiveness of individual measures of regulation and the broader strategies that are in effect in these places. This paper examines the effectiveness of visitor-regulation strategies by outlining a two-step approach to evaluation. The initial step should involve determining the nature and attributes of the measures that make up the strategy. Commonalities, differences, constraints, and complementarity in these measures must be assessed. Particular attributes outlined in the paper, such as scale of jurisdiction and degree of restrictiveness, can be examined to assess the compatibility and consistency of the measures, which have implications for overall strategy effectiveness. While it may be appropriate to evaluate individual measures further using a goal-achievement approach, the paper recommends evaluating strategies through a conceptual approach based on criteria related to the characteristics of an effective strategy. Four are described in the paper: comprehensiveness, enforceability, outcomes, and appropriateness.

Risk and a changing environment for Antarctic tourism

This research note explores the issues of perceptions of risk and a changing environment for Antarctic tourism. A pilot study was undertaken aboard an Antarctic cruise ship in February 2008 with the purpose of examining the views of passengers about risk and environmental change in light of the recent sinking of the Explorer and the growing awareness of climate change effects in polar regions.

Management challenges for the fastest growing marine shipping sector in Arctic Canada: pleasure crafts

Changing environmental conditions in the Canadian Arctic are associated with an increase in marine tourism. A substantial decline in the extent of ice coverage in the summer season has resulted in greater accessibility for all categories of ships, and the tourism sector has been quick to respond to new opportunities. This increase in vessel traffic has raised significant issues for management, and particular concerns about the pleasure craft (non-commercial tourism) sector. This paper reports on research aimed at identifying change in the pleasure craft sector in Canadian Arctic waters since 1990; exploring management concerns held by stakeholders regarding changes in the sector; and, providing recommendations for government stakeholders. The paper is based on material gathered through an examination of existing data sources and stakeholder interviews ( n = 22). Analysis was aimed at understanding the rapid development of the sector and potential management strategies, including research needs. Analysis reveals a dramatic increase in annual vessel numbers, particularly from 2010 onwards. Management concerns of interviewees relate to implications of this growth in four areas: visitor behaviour; services, facilities and infrastructure; control; and, planning and development. The paper concludes by describing recommendations in the areas of research needs, regulation, and strategic development.