According to CNN, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) began tracking the number of tourists visiting the white continent in the early 1990s. At that time, there were about 7,000 people visiting the destination each year. This is a number that has exploded over the past half decade.
Two decades ago, traveling to Antarctica meant traveling on small ships, many of them icebreakers from Russia, Canada, and other polar nations. The experience was far from luxurious. Robin West, vice president and general manager of the cruise line Seabourn Pursuit, made his first trip to the region in 2002. He said many ships then had bunk beds and shared bathrooms. “You had to sign up every night to eat spaghetti or lasagna,” he said. Few ships even had windows to look out.
The number of tourists visiting Antarctica is increasing rapidly, and getting there is said to be easier than ever.
In recent years, many cruise lines have invested billions of dollars in luxury expedition ships, according to CNN. Seabourn Pursuit and its sister ship, Venture, both have luxury spas, nine restaurants, eight lounges and bars for about 250 passengers. Each of the 132 cabins has large glass doors and balconies, allowing guests to stand outside and watch majestic icebergs pass by.
For an additional fee, passengers can book a seat on one of the ship’s submarines or explore the waters of Antarctica by kayak. They also need not worry about the cold temperatures, as they will be provided with special cold-weather gear to ensure they stay warm and dry while roaming among the penguins and seals.
The development of tourism in Antarctica has prompted many travel agencies to improve the quality of tours here.
Recently, a new form of Antarctic tourism has emerged. Lines such as Celebrity, Norwegian and Princess now offer “cruise-only” trips, allowing passengers to see Antarctica without ever setting foot on the pristine and fragile tundra.
These trips typically involve larger ships and are often more affordable. In 2017, about 7,000 passengers traveled to Antarctica on “cruise-only” itineraries, according to IAATO. This past season, that number surpassed 43,000, an increase of more than 500%.
The rapid increase in tourism has raised concerns among some experts about the environmental impact on Antarctica. A 2022 study published in the journal Nature found that Antarctica’s snow is melting faster due to tourism to the continent.
Black soot from cruise ship exhaust falls on the ice and absorbs sunlight, causing the snow to melt more quickly. Ecologists also say human presence is increasing carbon dioxide levels in a region not accustomed to the gas.
Concerns about the impact tourism could have on the environment and animals living in Antarctica
Cruise ship operators say they are well aware of their environmental impact. Passengers receive detailed instructions not to bring outside food or contaminants when landing in Antarctica. They are reminded not to lie down in the snow, and to keep their distance from animals to prevent bacteria and viruses from humans infecting wildlife.
For that reason, according to CNN, countries that want to exploit tourism or conduct research in Antarctica must sign an Antarctic Treaty. The treaty stipulates that no organization or individual can build permanent structures in the area to serve tourists. In other words, no accommodation facilities can be present in Antarctica. IAATO has started to monitor the fuel consumption of cruise ships in the southernmost part of the Earth. Some operators are now trying to use electric propulsion to reduce black smoke and CO2 emissions.
