Developing safety competence among Arctic tour guides in training: the case of the encounters

Abstract

Guiding tourists in the Arctic requires to possess the ability to utilize their knowledge and skills on safety concerns related to harsh climate, self-sufficiency, and wildlife encounters. Several tour guide training programs are offered across the Arctic with an aim to develop competent guides to facilitate tourists’ safety and experiences, yet there is limited research on guide training program. This empirical research, based on yearlong longitudinal study in Svalbard seek to explore safety competence development process among guides in training. Data gathering included participant observation in the classroom and during fieldwork. Research based on five encounters illustrates the learning process in a real-life context. Findings indicate that experiential learning approach could be used as an effective tool in facilitating students’ safety competence development. The research contributes to the knowledge on tour guides' safety training, giving findings into guides' education in extreme environments. Recommendations for further research on the guide’s safety training are discussed.