How did tourism in Antarctica begin?
started to grow in the 1990s, and now thousands of tourists visit Antarctica each year. Chile and Argentina initiated tourism to Antarctic coastal regions at the end of the 1950s, transporting several hundred passengers who paid for their fare to the South Shetland Islands. Lars Eric Lindblad led the first trip with tourists to Antarctica in 1966. In the 1990s, the expedition cruise industry began to thrive, and currently, Antarctica receives thousands of visitors annually. Following the construction of the initial expedition vessel, MS Explorer, in 1969 by Lindblad, I came into existence. This paved way for regular tourist expeditions to Antarctica annually since 1970.
Is tourism to the Antarctic regulated?
The Antarctic Treaty and its accompanying Protocol on Environmental Protection oversee all human undertakings in Antarctica.
tourism industry in Antarctica. IAATO is responsible for setting guidelines and codes of conduct for tour operators, ensuring that all activities in the region are conducted sustainably and minimize any negative impact on the environment. This organization plays a crucial role in managing tourism in Antarctica and protecting its delicate ecosystem. The management of the tourism industry in Antarctica primarily falls under the jurisdiction of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). The organization was established in 1991 by seven private tour operators who participated in Antarctic tourism. It currently consists of over 100 member companies who seek to promote and endorse the growth of the tourism sector in Antarctica while adhering to guidelines and regulations recommended by IAATO. The association establishes protocols and ethical standards for tour operators to ensure sustainable practices are utilized that have minimal negative ramifications on its environment. Ultimately, IAATO's critical role successfully manages Antarctic tourism while maintaining its fragile ecosystem appropriately. The act of engaging in safe and eco-friendly travel to Antarctica by businesses in the private sector.
What is the number of tourist vessels functioning in Antarctica?
IAATO has recorded 65 ships as registered for voyaging to Antarctica in the year 2016/2017.
These range in size and capacity:
- There are 33 traditional expedition ships available that can carry between 13 to 200 passengers and have the capability to make landings.
- Four mid-sized vessels are capable of transporting between 201-500 passengers and making landings.
- The abbreviation CR refers to cruise ships that transport over 500 passengers and solely operate for cruising purposes without making any stops on land.
- YA includes 22 vessels, which are either sailing or motor yachts with a capacity of 12 or less passengers.
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Over the years, tourism in Antarctica has witnessed a significant growth since its inception in the 1950s. While visitor numbers were just limited to a few hundred initially, the figures have now reached 38478 by 2015-2016. This trend is expected to continue due to global tourism developments, though it is closely linked with economic conditions worldwide. More than three-quarters of tourists visiting Antarctica experience the beauty of this remarkable region. Ships frequently dock at the Peninsula, with a majority departing from South American ports. However, a small percentage (around 6%) fly to the South Shetland Islands and quickly board ships for further exploration. Additionally, approximately 1% of visitors make their way into the Antarctic interior via plane each year.
Visit the IAATO website to access up-to-date information on tourism figures and patterns.
Which region of Antarctica is frequented by tourists?
Antarctic regions that are free from ice in the coastal areas during the period of five months from November to March. The majority of ships sail towards the Antarctic Peninsula, but a few plans include trips to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. There exist only a limited quantity of tourist ships that embark on expeditions to these regions. Private expeditions venture to various regions in Antarctica, such as the Weddell Sea, Ross Sea, and East Antarctica, along with several sub-Antarctic islands like the Snares Islands and Macquarie Island. These expeditions also explore inland sites such as Mt Vinson which is the tallest mountain in Antarctica, and the geographic South Pole.
What tourist activities are involved?
of activities involve land-based experiences such as hiking, camping and visiting historical huts, as well as water-based experiences such as small boat cruising, kayaking, mountaineering and scuba-diving. The itinerary also includes visits to operational scientific stations and wildlife sites. Most activities take place on ships or yachts, with only a small number being based on land. Field camps that are set up temporarily on land.
How are landings managed?
Most shore visits from ship or yacht tourism are brief, lasting around 1-3 hours, and not too intense, accommodating a maximum of 100 passengers besides expedition staff. The number of landings per day can range from one to three, depending on the location and season. In order to transport visitors to and from the shore, either inflatable boats or helicopters are used. For each 10-20 tourists, there is one Field Staff member who supervises the shore visit. These staff members typically possess prior experience with Antarctica, as IAATO mandates that 75% of the field team have previous Antarctic experience. Additionally, they hold various occupations within the team. Scientists who specialize in the study of birds, scientists who study marine life, and scientists with a more general focus on biology may all be included within this category.
Scientists specializing in the fields of geology, glaciology, history, and natural sciences.
Tourists are required to follow the Antarctic Treaty Environmental Protocol and the Guidance For Visitors to the Antarctic (Recommendation XVII-1).
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1. Protect Antarctic wildlife
- Avoid disturbing animals living in the sea or on land.
- them. It is important to respect the natural behavior and habitat of animals. Therefore, avoid feeding or making physical contact with them as it can harm both you and the animals. Similarly, when taking photographs, be mindful of your approach and distance so as not to disturb their natural environment. Ultimately, appreciating and observing animals from a safe distance is the best way to ensure their well-being while also allowing you to enjoy their beauty.
- Do not damage plants
- Keep noise to the minimum
- Do not introduce species that are not native to Antarctica.
2. Respect protected areas
- It is important to have knowledge regarding the whereabouts of areas that are safeguarded.
- Please abide by the limitations imposed on these locations.
- It is prohibited to harm, ruin or take away items of historical significance from landmarks or historic locations.
3. Respect scientific research
- It is necessary to obtain authorization before going to scientific stations in Antarctica.
- It is important not to disrupt or intervene in scientific equipment, study locations or field camps.
4. Be safe
- Be aware of your own abilities and prioritize safety while taking action.
- Keep a safe distance from all wildlife
- Do not stray from the group
- It is not recommended to step onto glaciers or large snowy areas unless you have received appropriate training.
5. Keep Antarctica pristine
- Do not litter
- It is prohibited to damage or leave marks on rocks and buildings through vandalism or graffiti.
- It is advisable not to take away historical objects such as rocks, bones, fossils, and items found inside buildings as personal mementos.
IAATO members are expected to follow specific codes of conduct when interacting with wildlife groups, which restrict the distance at which they can approach and their behaviour around the animals. Site Guidelines for Visitors have also been created by the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties, which are focused on the most popular locations in Antarctica.
Is it possible for tourists to go to the BAS stations located in Antarctica and South Georgia?
During the Antarctic summer, BAS is open to receiving a limited amount of visits from IAATO affiliated companies at their stations. These companies can bring small groups who will receive a guided tour of the facilities. The purpose of the visit is to give these groups an understanding of the cutting-edge scientific research taking place at BAS and to learn about the logistics involved in supporting such work.
The highest amount of times that one can go to BAS stations:
- Rothera: up to two tour ships per year
- Signy allows a maximum of four yearly visits from tour ships.
- The decision to grant Halley visits is made by considering each case individually.
- Bird Island, located in South Georgia, is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest which prohibits visitors from entering the area.
- Before one can visit the fisheries research station located at King Edward Point on South Georgia, they must obtain permission from the government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI).
