Sailing into stormy waters? Understanding the community impacts of cruise tourism growth in Akaroa, New Zealand

Abstract

This chapter reports on a study of community attitudes towards cruise tourism in the small harbour town of Akaroa, New Zealand. It presents the findings of a community survey, and reveals areas of concern, consensus and disagreement regarding the impacts of cruise tourism growth in the destination area. The findings of this chapter suggest that although cruise tourism can create a range of new challenges for destination communities, there is also a range of tangible and clearly recognizable benefits associated with this emergent market segment.