ADVENTURE: Antarctica - Growing Destination
ARTICLES
AMAZING ANTARCTICA
The Antarctic is a remarkable continent - remote, hostile and uninhabited. Yet it is of key importance to our understanding of how the world works. For the early explorers Antarctica was the ultimate survival contest. For scientists it remains a place of intellectual challenge whilst for the modern tourist it is simply a wilderness of great beauty.
TOURISM IN THE ANTARCTIC BOOMING
Antarctica is not usually thought of as a tourist destination but over 15,000 people per year now visit the continent during the Antarctic summer (December-February). Tourism began in 1958 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.
TRENDS AND THE YACHTING EXPERIENCE
Research into the future trends and the impact of tourism in Antarctica is done by developing scenarios. The past and present situations of the development of tourism there are mapped out and combined with possible future developments, such as new air routes and the potential construction of infrastructure and facilities for tourists. And where better to map out the future of tourism in Antarctica than in Antarctica itself?
IS RISE IN TOURISM HELPING ANTARCTICA OR HURTING IT?
Adélie penguins have been breeding on Antarctica's Torgersen Island for thousands of years, but today the clacking and squawking of 20,000 birds hides a relatively new sound: camera shutters. A dozen tourists wander through the colony, having arrived by Zodiac rubber raft from their cruise ship.
THE NECESSITY OF REGULATIONS
There is no doubt Antarctica is an incredible tourist destination. It is a magnificent and largely uninhabited wilderness with majestic mountains, glaciers, icebergs and abundant wildlife. Its remoteness, inaccessibility and severe climate add an element of adventure to a visit to Antarctica. Visitor numbers have increased rapidly over the last few decades. During the 1998-99 summer season, over 10000 tourists visited Antarctica compared with less than 2000 19 years ago.