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Decrease in Antarctic tourism to continue
last update: Jun 21, 2011 09:14 PM
From a "Wanderlust" article: During the 2010-2011 season, Antarctica has seen a significant drop in travellers to the continent, a trend which is expected to continue in 2011-2012.
The announcement came from the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO). In August, a ban on the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil (HFO), imposed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), will most likely dramatic decrease 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.
Sales and Marketing Director for Exodus Travels, Ben Roseveare, says “In the Antarctic the reality is that overall 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.”
IAATO's main priority is to sustain safe and environmentally responsible travel, regardless of the number of visitors, or upward or downward trends.
Wanderlust, 19th June 2011
