| Summary: | Historically, growth in Antarctic activity levels has taken place in quantum leaps. Change themes and factors interact additionally and synergistically to drive activity levels to a point at which the inertia for the next quantum leap is irreversible. The location Of Antarctica and the Antarctic Treaty System presents significant costs of entry for economic activities on the continent. Tourism ventures appear to be the most attractive commercial proposition. The tipping point concept, adapted from business theory, can be used as an analogy to assess the themes and factors affecting tourism that are likely to contribute to the next quantum leap. Technological, economic, political and societal shifts were identified and examined. The potential for radical and dynamic change exists - a small and individually insignificant event may complete the critical mass required for the next tipping point to be reached. Abstract: Historically, growth in Antarctic activity levels has taken place in quantum leaps. Change themes and factors interact additionally and synergistically to drive activity levels to a point at which the inertia for the next quantum leap is irreversible. The location Of Antarctica and the Antarctic Treaty System presents significant costs of entry for economic activities on the continent. Tourism ventures appear to be the most attractive commercial proposition. The tipping point concept, adapted from business theory, can be used as an analogy to assess the themes and factors affecting tourism that are likely to contribute to the next quantum leap. Technological, economic, political and societal shifts were identified and examined. The potential for radical and dynamic change exists - a small and individually insignificant event may complete the critical mass required for the next tipping point to be reached.
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