Cruise ship tourism in Akaroa: a social carrying capacity perspective

Abstract

This project is being undertaken to assess the impact of cruise ship visits on Akaroa Township through a Tourism Carrying Capacity (TCC) Study, with particular reference to assessing the social carrying capacity of the visitors in Akaroa Township. The aim of this study is to undertake, assess and provide an overview of the broader perception of the SCC of cruise tourism in Akaroa. The objectives are; to explore information regarding cruise ship tourism in Akaroa, to conduct surveys of visitors on the perception of their experiences during the peak visitor period (December and January), to compare the experiences of the visitors on cruise and non-cruise days and on different trip types, to assess the impacts of cruise tourism on SCC, to provide recommendations for the long term management of cruise ship tourism in Akaroa.