Continuing decrease in Antarctic tourism anticipated
19th June 2011
Antarctica has seen a significant drop in travellers to the continent during 2010-2011 season, a trend which is expected to continue in 2011-2012
The announcement comes this week, from the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), and as a ban on the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil (HFO) imposed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is set to begin this August, the IAATO anticipate a dramatic decrease in cruises to the area.
During the 2010-2011 Antarctic season the total number of travellers reported on IAATO member-operated vessels was 33,824, down 8.3% from last year when 36,875 people visited the frozen continent or its offshores.
The figures represent the number of people who travelled through the region on large cruise ships, yachts and small and medium sized expedition ships.
Sales and Marketing Director for Exodus Travels Ben Roseveare says the lack of growth in passenger numbers can be attributed to rising costs, exchange rates and fuel prices.
“In the Antarctic the reality is thatoverall numbers will drop further in the next two to three years. The restrictions on the type of fuel you can use in Antarctic waters mean that the larger cruise ships will probably stop travelling to this region altogether,” Roseveare explained.
“We actually hope that this will increase our own passenger numbers as the only (and best) way to experience this fabulous wilderness will be on a small ship expedition.”
IAATO's main priority is to sustain safe and environmentally responsible travel, regardless of the number of visitors, or upward or downward trends.
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