Wildlife remains the biggest attraction for visitors to the Falkland Islands

Monday, August 8th 2011 - 20:14 UTC

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Rockhopper is the most loved penguin out of the five penguin species on the Islands

Wildlife remains the biggest draw for visitors considering a trip to the Falkland Islands according to new results revealed by a poll conducted by the Falkland Islands Tourist Board.

The survey results crowned the Rockhopper as the most loved penguin out of the five penguin species on the islands with almost half of voters choosing the birds to be their favourite followed by the majestic King penguins.

It’s no surprise then that the travellers most likely to be drawn to the Falkland Islands are birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, making up 63%, followed by photographers with 24%.

Paul Trowell, general manager for the Falkland Islands Tourist Board says that wildlife clearly is high on people’s travel agenda and visitors to the Falklands are guaranteed a one-on-one experience with wildlife, and at times be surrounded by more penguins than people!

Mr Trowell says that it’s really encouraging that respondents used phrases like ‘natural paradise’ and ‘wildlife haven’ to describe the Islands.

When quizzed on their favourite travel spots in the Falklands –- respondents nominated Pebble, Saunders and Sea Lion Islands as their favourite Outer Islands.

The results followed a social media initiative by the Falkland Islands Tourist Board inviting its Facebook fans to share their views and perceptions on the destination. Questions were posted over a two week period received a total of 1,467 votes from around the globe and generated 22,377 page impressions. (FIRS).-

Categories: Environment, Tourism, Falkland Islands.

Tags: Falkland Islands, Paul Trowell, Rockhopper penguins.

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briton
Peace and tranquillity,
Aug 08th, 2011 - 09:00 pm 0
xbarilox
@ 1 No, that's Néstor Kirchner, the penguin.
Aug 08th, 2011 - 11:22 pm 0
Argie
I wonder if wildlife will not be tampered with if there's an oilspill. Not even the most stringent regulations can control this in the event of a strong tidewave, or rockwave of the kind that are not unusual in the area, or perhaps a fierce storm or gale. Oil exploration is good for the economy should it prove commercially viable, but it brings ecological risks that were not dreamt of years ago, especially in protected areas, such as the Falkland/Malvinas arcipelago. Keep a sharp eye on them, you residents, and hope for the best. Cheers!
Aug 09th, 2011 - 01:23 pm 0

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