Introduction
This report is part of the Sustainable Arctic Cruise Communities project (Research Council of Norway, NORRUSS, Grant No. 301540), which explores the complexities and challenges of Arctic cruise tourism from a practice-based perspective. While cruise tourism brings economic benefits to small coastal communities, it also poses social and environmental stresses (see: Hoarau-Heemstra et al., 2023). Our project advocates staying close to community practices and rejecting reductionist viewpoints that oversimplify cruise tourism's impact. Inspired by Donna Haraway's concept of "staying with the trouble," we emphasize actively engaging with the complex realities of cruise tourism. This report focuses on insights gained from the destination of Alta within the Arctic cruise tourism context.
Our project adopts an inclusive, practice-based approach that acknowledges the multi-faceted nature of cruise tourism and involves diverse stakeholders, including non-human actors (Ren et al., 2021). It emphasizes continuous, adaptable, and open-ended research to comprehend and address the challenges and opportunities of cruise tourism. By engaging with stakeholders and local communities, we gain valuable insights for managing cruise tourism in the Arctic. The case of Alta illustrates how a practice-based approach provides a deeper understanding of the specific dynamics and challenges within a cruise community.
Previous research on Arctic cruise tourism has focused on three central themes: impacts and stakeholder attitudes, climate change and sustainability, and governance and management (Ren et al., 2021). Common impacts include environmental pollution, wildlife disturbance, cultural intrusions, and resource competition. Resident attitudes towards cruise tourism vary based on community development stages. Building upon this research, insights from Alta inform our understanding of these themes and offer context-specific perspectives.
Implementing practice-based approaches presents challenges. Researchers face difficulties accessing remote Arctic cruise tourism destinations, limiting in-depth observation and participation in community practices. The COVID-19 pandemic has further constrained researchers, relying on digital and desktop research methods. To overcome these obstacles and foster insights, a potential solution is to "zoom out" and establish open dialogues and communication across multiple case studies, either through physical visits or electronic channels.
A practice-based approach to cruise tourism management offers an alternative to traditional psychological and rational-actor perspectives on policy design. By analyzing the combination of materials, skills, and meanings within practices, policymakers can identify opportunities to modify policies for more sustainable outcomes. This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of practice bundles within and between networks, highlighting competition, interference, and interdependence. Considering these dynamics, policymakers can foster flexibility and openness to ongoing adaptations of practices over time, leading to more effective and sustainable cruise tourism management in the Arctic.
In conclusion, adopting a practice-based approach allows for a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges of Arctic cruise tourism. By staying close to community practices, researchers navigate the tensions and troubles within cruise communities. Insights from Alta demonstrate the value of zooming in on specific destinations to uncover context-specific dynamics and challenges. This approach encourages policymakers to recognize the interconnectedness of practice bundles and supports flexible and open management strategies. Through ongoing research and dialogue, we can work towards a more sustainable and thoughtful future for Arctic cruise communities, with Alta serving as an important case study.