By
Elizabeth Robinson |
New research from the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has found that around 80% of tourists who visited Antarctica in 2017-2018 did so on ships that offered onshore excursions.
According to the IAATO, total visitor numbers to Antarctica grew 17% from 44,367 in 2016-2017 to 51,707 in 2017-2018, continuing the upward trend that first started in 2011-2012.
Last year, 41,996 of these visitors travelled to the region on a ship and enjoyed an excursion, a 16% increase from the previous season. Around 3,400 of these tourists took an air-cruise trip, flying to the South Shetland Islands on the Antarctic Peninsula, where they embarked on their ships for onward travel. In addition, 9,131 travellers visited Antarctica on one of four cruise-only vessels that did not make landings, an increase of 22% since 2016-2017.
“Antarctica receives relatively few visitors compared to other destinations,” said Terry Shaller, chair of the IAATO Executive Committee. “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, Americans accounted for 33% of the total number of visitors, the same proportion as the previous year, while Chinese tourists made up 16% of the total visitors. Australians, Germans and Britons accounted for 11%, 7% and 7% respectively.
“Visiting Antarctica is a privilege that comes with a responsibility to leave it pristine,” said Damon Stanwell-Smith, executive director of IAATO. “The growth reported by IAATO mirrors a global upward trend in visiting remote places. Increasing evidence shows that these travellers 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.”