WP2

Objectives

With this work package we aim to examine the values, motivations, and qualifications of Antarctic guides and develop a typology of guiding styles. For this we have formulated 2 objectives:

1. Examine the range of values, motivations, and qualifications of Antarctic guides, taking into consideration their cultural backgrounds, norms, experience and expertise.
2. Develop a typology of guiding styles.

Methodology

WP2.1: Range of values, motivations, and qualifications of Antarctic guides

In order to assess the range of values, motivations to protect the environment and qualifications of Antarctic expedition guides we will start with a literature review followed by in-depth interviews with different types of guides as developed in WP2.2. We will also examine guides' expectations of pro-environmental behaviours of tourists, as such expectations may affect the likelihood that guides pay attention to and promote sustainability during the visit. Pilot interviews with people having Antarctic experience will be conducted during the SEES.nl expedition in July 2022. Based on the knowledge gained from these interviews we will develop a questionnaire to be sent out to expedition guides. After the questionnaire results are analysed, a small number of follow-up in-depth interviews will be conducted to explore qualitatively some prominent emerging themes in more depth. The outcomes of this work will form a baseline for longitudinal study and long-term trend analysis.

WP 2.2: Development of a typology of guiding styles

We will develop a typology of guiding styles. The typology categories will be informative for assessing the status quo and help distinguish between types of different guides to explore the role guides have on tourist experiences and pro-environmental behaviours of tourists. We start with in-depth interviews asking for their environmental values, educational background and ways they interact with tourists during a trip. Based on this, we develop a questionnaire for guides. The results will be discussed in a workshop with relevant scientists and stakeholders.