Introduction
`...for countless ages the wind-swept snow has drifted over these deserts, with never a footprint to break its white surface…’
Captain Robert Falcon Scott
It is incredible to think that a place where so many extreme expeditions have taken place is now becoming a tourist area. In Antarctica, tourism is a growing industry as the attraction of setting foot where no human has set foot before or following in the footsteps of the great explorers and being in the world’s last wilderness, makes it a very attractive location to a certain type of tourist.
Antarctica
Commercial tourism in Antarctica began in 1957 but only became a serious activity in 1969. In that year Lars-Eric Linblad took his purpose built Antarctic tour ship - Linblad Explorer - to the Antarctic for the first time. Since then the industry has grown considerably both in numbers and diversity. While most tourists to the continent still visit on ship-bourne cruises, some now take overflights from South America or Australia, or take part in activities such as diving and marathons to the South Pole.
Tourism in Antarctica is currently self-regulated by the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO). This organisation applies strict guidelines to its member tour operators and ships and includes such guidelines to limit the size of the ships that can cruise Antarctic waters and also how many people can be landed at sites around the continent. So far IAATO appears to be successful in its aims - though there are always those who would prefer to see no tourism at all in Antarctica.
Here we examine some of the factors which motivate people to go to the Antarctic, the way Antarctic tourism is currently managed, and look at some of the concerns about tourism in the region as the number of visitors has more than trebled in the last decade and tourists now substantially out number scientists and support staff on the continent.
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Tourism in Antarctica Navigation
Quick Facts
Introduction <<
Antarctic Holidays
Adventure Tourism
IAATO Guidelines
Long Terms Conservation of Antarctica
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