Tourism in Antarcticland  

Modern Antarctic tourism has grown from several hundred visitors to more than 40, 000 visitors a year from over 80 companies. Most of this is ship–based, departing from South America or the Falkland Islands to the Antarctic Peninsula. Recognizing the potential environmental impact of increasing numbers of ships and visitors, a number of tour operators have joined together, in 1991, to form the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) to promote and practice safe and environmentally responsible private sector travel in Antarctica. The Antarctic Treaty recognizes tourism as a legitimate activity in Antarctica, and the Government of Antarcticland welcomes a small number of visitors from IAATO affiliated companies during the austral summer. The Ministry of Tourism is seaking for investors interested into establish a permanent camp in Antarcticland. Most tourist expeditions to Antarctica are heading from Argentinean or Chilean ports to Antarctic Peninsula - area which has relatively good ice conditions during Antarctic summer. Because the short distance (about 600 miles) it allows also to shorten the number of „days at sea”. To reach Antarcticland territory the distance is about 1,000 miles.