1. Outcomes of adventure: Processing the 'Antarctic experience' Pat Maher, Ph.D. Associate Professor -- Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management Program Visiting Scholar -- Norwegian School of Sport Sciences February 17 th, 2012 2012 Adventure Conference – Fort William, Scotland

2. Overview A paradox in thinking A paradox in thinking The who and the where The who and the where A framework A framework Experience Experience Methods Methods Results Results Conclusions Conclusions February 17 th, 2012 2012 Adventure Conference – Fort William, Scotland

3. February 17 th, 2012 2012 Adventure Conference – Fort William, Scotland Adventure is just bad planning Roald Amundsen

4. February 17 th, 2012 2012 Adventure Conference – Fort William, Scotland

5. A Framework Extraordinary Experience -- Adapted from: Beedie & Hudson (2003) Transition Experience Take urban frame in Bring Antarctic frame out Home On the Ice Home February 17 th, 2012 2012 Adventure Conference – Fort William, Scotland

7. Experience Recent conceptual developments: Recent conceptual developments: De-differentiation of everyday life and touristic experience De-differentiation of everyday life and touristic experience Pluralizing the conceptualization Pluralizing the conceptualization Focus toward the subjective negotiation of meanings Focus toward the subjective negotiation of meanings Move to relative and complementary interpretations Move to relative and complementary interpretations (From: Uriely, 2005) February 17 th, 2012 2012 Adventure Conference – Fort William, Scotland

8. The ‘Antarctic Experience’ Elements of the Commercial Tourism Experiences February 17 th, 2012 2012 Adventure Conference – Fort William, Scotland

9. Excitement profile of a successful polar cruise experience. (Source: Grenier, 2004, p. 269) February 17 th, 2012 2012 Adventure Conference – Fort William, Scotland

10. Methods Anticipation Mail out surveys or journalsMail out surveys or journals In-depth interviewsIn-depth interviewsOn-site JournalsJournals Informal interviewsInformal interviews Observation and familiarisationObservation and familiarisationRecollection In-depth interviewsIn-depth interviews ‘E-surveys’‘E-surveys’ February 17 th, 2012 2012 Adventure Conference – Fort William, Scotland

11. Results Belief that visitation is ‘a good thing’. Belief that visitation is ‘a good thing’. Critical awareness. Critical awareness. Mood ebbs and flows, but is generally positive or clarified if negative. Mood ebbs and flows, but is generally positive or clarified if negative. Scenery appears the most important motivator, education and a ‘life long dream’ frequently mentioned, status not important at all. Scenery appears the most important motivator, education and a ‘life long dream’ frequently mentioned, status not important at all. Scenery and wildlife create much stronger imagery than science and history. Scenery and wildlife create much stronger imagery than science and history. February 17 th, 2012 2012 Adventure Conference – Fort William, Scotland

12. My first impression of Antarctica - wonder, awe. So much beauty and so clear - a magic day. Unbelievable. Arriving in Antarctica, I am jumping up and down with excitement. …unforgettable…could spend the rest of my life trying to reproduce that feeling. The vastness was astonishing… I had an immediate feeling of elation and delight. I think of the Antarctic Explorers who braved the coldest, windiest place on earth for months at a time, without the relief of a warm room, or even dry clothes, at the end of the day. The trip has been the fulfilment of a long and dearly held dream…The reality was all I had hoped for and much much more. Overall though, I have felt pretty humble over the past few days as I realise just how lucky I am to be here and see this continent…Now that I am here, I want to see everything… On reflection, I can honestly say that my 17 days there have been perhaps the most enjoyable of my life…I think if the experience has changed me in any way it has given me a more ‘just do it’ attitude… …It was a fantastic trip, packed with memorable moments - the trip of a lifetime and probably a life-changing event for me. It has been a wonderful 4 weeks. Experiences that are not captured on film and will be hard to describe. Antarctica strikes me as not much different than anywhere we live. It’s up to you to get out and experience it. …it was wonderful to have participated - most of all to push the boundaries of our comfort zone. Yes it was scary on several occasions. As a learning experience this one must be rated ten out of ten.

13. Results, continued… Experience is always shared. Experience is always shared. Nearly all expectations are exceeded. Nearly all expectations are exceeded. Little intention to change behaviour due to trip. Little intention to change behaviour due to trip. Though most would still label themselves as ‘ambassadors’ for the continent.Though most would still label themselves as ‘ambassadors’ for the continent. And are quite critical of how important their experience has been, i.e. where the need for the public to discover the Antarctic hands-on, fits with science and preservation.And are quite critical of how important their experience has been, i.e. where the need for the public to discover the Antarctic hands-on, fits with science and preservation. February 17 th, 2012 2012 Adventure Conference – Fort William, Scotland

14. Conclusions Visitors have had a unique experience, which individually has made them think about life and/or the continent. Visitors have had a unique experience, which individually has made them think about life and/or the continent. Although educated and aware, visitors may not act. Although educated and aware, visitors may not act.But… How does understanding experience, longitudinally, effect how visitors (and future visitor experiences) should be managed or regulated?How does understanding experience, longitudinally, effect how visitors (and future visitor experiences) should be managed or regulated? Are the outcomes of these adventures worth the impacts?Are the outcomes of these adventures worth the impacts? February 17 th, 2012 2012 Adventure Conference – Fort William, Scotland

15. Thanks to: February 17 th, 2012 2012 Adventure Conference – Fort William, Scotland P. Maher: PhD Viva Lincoln University, New Zealand -- Feb 15 Environment, Society & Design Division Thanks to the participants, who gave their time and personal insight, and those who provide opportunities for people to visit the RSR and assisted with carrying out my research (Antarctica New Zealand, Heritage Expeditions, Gateway Antarctica at the University of Canterbury, Quark Expeditions).

16. Questions February 17 th, 2012 2012 Adventure Conference – Fort William, Scotland