Return of the stampeders: planning for sustainable on-shore cruise ship excursions to remote destinations

This study investigates the sustainability of an on-shore cruise ship excursion to the remote destination of Bennett, at the terminus of the Chilkoot Trail in northern British Columbia. A shore excursion assessment framework is developed using indicators selected from the literature on sustainable tourism. The framework is used to assess the social, environmental and economic impacts of the shore excursion to Bennett. The findings suggest that the shore excursion cannot be considered sustainable tourism because of substantial negative environmental and social impacts. The assessment provides evidence to support the adoption of a guided tour in Bennett, as well as increased stakeholder involvement in the planning and operation of the shore excursion. These recommendations may contribute to the sustainability of the shore excursion. The study demonstrates the usefulness of the assessment framework for generating site specific planning recommendations for sustainable on-shore cruise ship excursions.