From hunting and fishing to cultural tourism and ecotourism: examining the transitioning tourism industry in Nunavik

Abstract

Arctic tourism has seen major shifts in the last decade as global events and local developments have affected this industry. This article presents findings of a case study examining tourism changes in Nunavik (northern range of Quebec, Canada). Key informant interviews conducted with tourism operators and managers from Kuujjuaq, Nunavik, and Montreal, Quebec, provide an understanding of the changes being experienced by the industry and help to characterize factors that contribute to resilience. Recent events in Nunavik affecting tourism include the controlled caribou sports hunt in 2010–11 and the transformation of Cruise North Expeditions in 2010 from a regionally owned Inuit enterprise to a joint venture between Cruise North and Adventure Canada. These situations provide a picture of a tourism industry in transition, reacting and adapting to change. Tourism diversification strategies include the Aqpik Jam Festival, sled-dog races and the development of specialized cultural tours like Inuit Odyssey, a cooperative venture between regional and provincial operations that was selected by National Geographic Traveler as a lifetime tour. This article provides an historical overview, contemporary description and future projection of this industry in Northern Quebec in the context of resilience.