Authenticity in the Arctic: The Importance of Community Engagement in Polar Expedition Travel

The Arctic’s vast, icy landscapes and distinctive wildlife have long captivated adventurous travelers. But beneath its stark and expansive beauty lies a rich tapestry of culture, tradition, and history maintained by the resilient Indigenous communities, such as the Inuit, who have called this region home for centuries.  

For travelers, exploring the polar regions is much more than just an opportunity to witness spectacular natural wonders. It is a chance to engage meaningfully with the people who steward these fragile ecosystems – and to embrace transformative experiences hand-in-hand with the local communities. 

Why Community Engagement Is So Important 

Community engagement creates authentic, purposeful experiences that contribute to sustainable growth and mutual advantages. When travelers engage with the local communities in the Arctic regions, they gain insights into the rich cultural heritage there, while the communities benefit from economic development opportunities. 

From sharing traditional knowledge and storytelling, to participating in local customs and cuisine, these interactions help to preserve and celebrate Arctic cultures. This exchange of experiences can create substantial connections between visitors and communities, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for each other. 

A Growing Consciousness Among Travelers 

Travelers today are increasingly recognizing their role as benefactors of the places they visit. This awareness has evolved from simply wanting to minimize environmental impact, to seeking ways to actively contribute to the long-term well-being of Arctic communities and ecosystems. 

“Many travelers want their journeys to create positive impacts that extend beyond their visit,” says the head of sustainability at one of the most revered polar expedition cruise lines. “They’re looking for experiences that support local economies, preserve and share cultural heritage, and contribute to conservation efforts. This shift reflects a broader understanding that tourism can, and must, incorporate environmental preservation and community benefits within travelers’ experiences.” 

Understanding the Everyday Scope of Impact 

Education is a critical step in facilitating travel-related interactions that create meaningful connections with local communities. Travelers need to truly understand the impact of tourism on local, and in this case polar, communities. 

Carole Gobeil, polar travel specialist, Trevello Travel Group, explains: “Community is not about only engagement, but commitment and respect. As it relates to expedition operators, due to the circumstances of their voyages in the polar regions, whereas their itineraries are 100% dependent on the weather and natural environment, it’s a challenge for the expedition companies to plan. But what needs to be understood is that the locals get prepared for that one-day visit, too. Gathering the elders, teachers, and entertainers, sometimes also taking time off work to engage and welcome visitors.”  

Furthermore, she relays that “some communities only have 150 to 300 habitants. How do they receive a ship with more than this? It’s not easy. They usually do not have docking facilities, and everything involves logistics with Zodiac landings. When we are on an expedition ship with less than 200 people, we experience much more human contact with them and get to have some one-on-one conversations with a few.” 

Gobeil cautions travelers to remember that, yes, the locals have their own traditions to share, but they also live an everyday lifestyle like many of us. When fostering mutually beneficial relationships, it is essential to understand and respect this. 

She also encourages that “learning about the customs behind their hunting and fishing is important. It’s their way of life, and has been forever. You are not killing a seal when you purchase seal skin mitts, you are putting money in the local economy. The main part of the seal is for food, and the skin for clothing. They thank every animal they hunt for helping them survive the harsh lifestyle of the north.” 

Furthermore, Gobeil recommends travelers should never bargain when purchasing local artwork. Every piece is unique and hand-crafted, a gift from the soul of the Indigenous people to its visitors. These are just a few ways that travelers may choose to behave, in order to support the local communities explored on their journeys. 

Examples of Responsible Tourism Activities 

Expedition cruise lines have painstakingly developed innovative programs that create lasting impressions between their guests and the local regions they visit.  

Julia Wright, co-founder and managing partner, Epic Polar, focuses on small expedition-style cruises because she believes smaller ships provide a more in-depth and intimate experience. This creates the opportunity for a more educational journey.  

“Their passionate expedition team emphasizes the importance of sustainable travel,” says Wright. “Through lectures and guidance, they help travelers understand the need to protect wildlife, limit our environmental footprint, and ensure travel has a positive impact on these fragile regions. 

“One program I’ve loved promoting is a Canadian and Greenland adventure. Hosted by Inuit chefs, it gives guests the chance to connect with the history and traditions of the Indigenous people in the regions they’re exploring. Supporting Indigenous communities is such an important part of this experience, and something I’ve always emphasized to my travelers: respect and support for the areas we’re fortunate enough to visit.” 

Another powerful example of responsible tourism activities are adventure-based initiatives that are co-developed with local guides. When travelers participate in activities such as guided hikes or cultural workshops, they experience the Arctic through the eyes of those who know it best. This approach provides employment opportunities for local guides, while giving visitors authentic and enriching experiences that deepen their understanding of Arctic life and traditions. 

Environmental stewardship programs also provide hands-on opportunities for travelers to contribute to conservation efforts. For example, on an expedition cruise in Svalbard, visitors can participate in beach cleanup initiatives that help to protect wildlife from harmful debris that washes ashore from fishing fleets and other maritime activities. These cleanup efforts, which have removed tons of refuse over the years, demonstrate how tourism can actively contribute to environmental preservation, while educating travelers about the challenges facing Arctic ecosystems. 

Many expedition voyages also feature onboard auctions and fundraising events that support local Arctic charities and community initiatives. These events give travelers the opportunity to directly contribute to projects that enhance community well-being, from youth programs to cultural preservation efforts. The combination of experiencing the local culture firsthand and having the chance to support community-driven projects creates a meaningful way for visitors to engage with and give back to the regions they explore. 

During the 2023-24 Antarctic season and the 2024 Arctic season, guests sailing on one of the top expedition cruise lines donated $248,000 during onboard auctions for the company’s polar partners. The cruise line also made in-kind donations totaling $340,000 to support research and polar conservation efforts. 

Educational Efforts Shared by Cruise Lines and Travel Advisors 

Pre-voyage education on polar expedition travel is key – and the responsibility is shared between travel advisors and the cruise lines. Travel advisors play a consequential role by emphasizing to their clients that Arctic expeditions offer more than viewing magnificent landscapes – they provide opportunities to discover the rich history and heritage of the Arctic people through cultural exchange.  

When discussing these journeys with clients, advisors can highlight how community visits offer unique perspectives on historical events and traditional ways of life that may challenge common narratives. This deeper understanding, combined with personal interactions, creates life-changing experiences while contributing to sustainable tourism development. 

Advisors should also help set appropriate expectations about community visits, explaining that flexibility is essential due to weather conditions and community schedules. Emphasize that responsible tourism in the Arctic means respecting local customs and understanding that each community visit is a privilege, not a right. 

In addition, Wright describes that “many travelers don’t realize that associations like IAATO and AECO have strict rules and regulations for polar travel. I take the time to educate my clients on these guidelines and explain how expedition operators enforce best practices. This helps them understand what’s involved and ensures their expectations align with the experience they’ll have. In the end, it’s all about creating an experience that’s not only incredible, but also responsible.” 

Matching clients with the right polar expedition cruise line is also crucial. The travel supplier assumes the educational efforts from here. Wright explains: “I value partnerships with operators who prioritize education as part of the experience. The polar regions are incredibly vulnerable, and it’s important that travelers are made aware of the issues these areas face. Climate change, wildlife preservation, and continued support of Indigenous communities are all key topics that make these trips not only memorable, but also impactful. 

“When travelers book with our polar partner, I know they’ll come back with more than just beautiful photos. They’ll leave as advocates for the polar regions — people who truly understand these places and want to help protect them.” 
 
FROM THE SPONSOR:   
Specializing exclusively in voyages to the Arctic and Antarctic, Quark Expeditions is globally recognized as the Leader in Polar Adventures. The award-winning operator has been creating innovative off-ship experiences for guests since 1991—the year they brought the first group of consumer travelers to the North Pole. With a diverse fleet of small polar vessels—one of which is equipped with helicopters—Quark Expeditions takes guests to remote destinations that larger cruise ships cannot reach. Led by passionate and seasoned expedition teams, including glaciologists, historians, wildlife specialists, and other polar experts, Quark Expeditions offers more off-ship adventures than anyone else.