TOURIST PROFILE IN POLAR REGIONS ON THE EXAMPLE OF VISITORS TO THE HENRYK ARCTOWSKI POLISH ANTARCTIC STATION

Abstract

Purpose. Presentation of the current situation to the extent of touristic arrivals to Antarctica, in view of measuring the scale and structure of incoming tourism recorded at the Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station (King George Island, South Shetland Islands). Method. The number of persons arriving to the Arctowski Station was measured and subjects interviewed according to a standardised questionnaire. Findings. Research has indicated that there is constant interest in visiting Antarctica. These travellers are mainly people from Europe and North America, in particular seniors, with higher education, professionally active or retired, affluent and usually travelling individually. Research and conclusions limitations. Carrying out measurements regarding the scale and structure of incoming tourism is connected with various limitations, including the way in which such measurements are conducted, the access and quality of source materials or the human factor, i.e. interviewers. Practical implications. This article refers to the latest data concerning the number of persons arriving to the Arctowski Station and the structure of the tourist traffic, whichconstitute basic information for, among others, the tour operators. Originality. The problem involving the scale and structure of tourism, especially in polar regions, is still current and extremely significant due to the importance of the global ecosystem. Research on the structure of incoming tourism to Antarctica, according to the measurements at the Station, has been recently conducted and presented for the first time. Type of paper. In the article, the results of the authors research, similar to those relevant from literature, are presented.