MercoPress

IAATO Search and Rescue workshop in Punta Arenas underlines importance of good communications

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:19:00 GMT

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Chilean Marine Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) provided on Thursday details on a joint Search and Rescue Workshop conducted last month in Punta Arenas, Chile.

IATTO expects Antarctic tourism to grow 3% next 2013/14 season

Wed, 08 May 2013 21:52:00 GMT

A new five-year Strategic Plan, an expanded Membership and committee structure, and a new yacht dockside observer program were among the items adopted at the 24th Annual Meeting of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), held April 22-24 in Punta Arenas, Chile.

Malvinas’ radicals protest and pledge to end Lan Chile air link with the Falklands

Sat, 04 May 2013 09:54:00 GMT

The Argentine radical group ‘Resistencia Malvinas’ protested on Thursday midday before the Lan Chile offices in downtown Buenos Aires to demand the end of the weekly air link between Punta Arenas and the Falkland Islands. The group led by Toni Lopez and with drums banging displayed banners, distributed pamphlets and burnt Union Jacks.

Falklands’ delegation to IAATO round in Chile satisfied with contacts and praise for organizers

Fri, 03 May 2013 03:16:00 GMT

The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators, IAATO, with over a hundred member organizations held in April its latest annual meeting in Punta Arenas, Chile with a numerous delegation from the Falkland Islands attending given the growing economic significance of the cruise industry and Antarctica tours.

Chilean navy tugboat checking Antarctica area where Chinese factory ship went down

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 22:59:00 GMT

A tugboat from the Chilean Navy equipped for environmental emergencies is trying to determine the position where the remains of the Chinese factory ship Kai Xin went down in Antarctica last week after catching fire and left adrift by the 97 member crew rescued by a Norwegian vessel and a reefer.

Chile considers IAATO meeting a great success; many operators looking to work from Magallanes

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:09:00 GMT

The Chilean government efforts to develop Puerto Williams in the extreme south of the country as an austral tourism centre and gateway to Antarctica received an ‘excellent’ feedback from the recent IAATO annual meeting held in Punta Arenas.

Argentine and Chilean ports publish book to promote cruise visits to Patagonia

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 07:22:00 GMT

Five Argentine and Chilean Patagonia ports have teamed up to promote their tourism attractions and potential for the cruise industry by launching a hardcover limited edition book (1.000), in English and Spanish, with digital support under the heading of “Patagonia, cruises destination”.

Antarctica received an estimated 35.000 visitors this 2012/13 season, says IAATO

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 07:18:00 GMT

An estimated 35.000 visitors enjoyed the pristine landscape of Antarctica during this last 2012/13 season, which represents a 32% increase over the previous period, according to IAATO, (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) and is responsible for 90% or these tours.

Antarctica and Punta Arenas historic links underlined in Chilean tourist guide

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 06:44:00 GMT

A complete Antarctica tourist guide, in English and Spanish was launched by the Chilean Antarctic Institute to promote the polar identity and heritage of over fifty sites in the Punta Arenas area, extreme south of Chile and the Magellan strait.

Antarctica tour operators hold four-day annual meeting in Punta Arenas

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 08:54:00 GMT

Punta Arenas in the extreme south of Chile will be hosting until next Thursday the four-day annual meeting of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, IAATO which has a confirmed attendance of over a hundred representatives from the industry.