Cold comfort: Tourism in Antarctica is on the rise
The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, or IAATO, reported that 51,707 travelers visited the peninsula in the 2017-18 Antarctic season, an increase of 17 percent.
The growth reflects an upward trend since the 2011-12 season. The vast majority of visitors — 41,996 — traveled by sea to Antarctica on vessels offering excursions ashore, a 16 percent increase compared to the previous year. Of these, 3,408 flew to the South Shetland Islands and immediately boarded a vessel for onward travel.
This sector, known as air/cruise, increased 6 percent compared to the previous season. In addition, 9,131 visitors experienced Antarctica on one of four cruise-only vessels that do not make landings, an increase of 22 percent since 2016-17.
And 580 visitors flew to field camps in Antarctica’s interior with IAATO land operators. All visitor activities follow strict codes of conduct developed by IAATO and through the Antarctic Treaty System.
“Antarctica receives relatively few visitors compared to other destinations,” said Terry Shaller, vice presidentdevelopment at Ponant Cultural Cruises & Expeditions and chair of the IAATO Executive Committee.
“The number of tourists who set foot on the continent this past year (42,576) is less than half the number of spectators at the Super Bowl. We are, however, mindful that the unique qualities of Antarctica require stringent safeguards. Our proven success in responsible visitor management is the result of forward planning based on deep understanding of the industry. This helps us fine-tune our strategies to protect the precious places we visit while enabling people to have an enriching wilderness experience.”
Overall American visitors remained the most numerous, accounting for 33 percent of the total number, the same proportion as the previous year. Chinese visitors were the second most numerous, accounting for 16 percent of all visitors and increasing by 4 percentage points compared to 2016-17. Australian, German and British visitors were the next most enthusiastic visitor nationalities, accounting for 11 percent, 7 percent and 7 percent respectively.
IAATO released the statistics at the start of its annual meeting in Newport, R.I. IAATO has been monitoring, analyzing and reporting trends since 1991 as part of its commitment to “leave only footprints” through the effective self-management of its activities.
“Visiting Antarctica is a privilege that comes with a responsibility to leave it pristine,” said IAATO Executive Director Damon StanwellSmith.
“The growth reported by IAATO mirrors a global upward trend in visiting remote places. Increasing evidence shows that these travelers want to tread lightly on the places they visit. IAATO operators are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to operate responsibly and deliver strong conservation messages to their guests who we hope will return home as ambassadors for its preservation.”
IAATO will present the figures at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina, May 13-18 to facilitate discussions on effectively managing human activity in Antarctica.
Ninety-eight percent of all visitors experience the Antarctic Peninsula region by sea after departing from South America. The Antarctic season lasts for approximately 5 months from November to March.