MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

King George Island attracted 1,000 tourists

Tourist activity in King George Island, particularly in the Chilean sector, increased 30% over the previous season according to Commander Dennis Harvey Parada, head of the Chilean Antarctic base President Frei.

A grand total of one thousand tourists visited the island from December 2004 to February 2005 with prospects of further expansion next year since the landing strip in President Frei base now has a parking area of 10,000 square meters.

"This means the air strip remains operational even when a Hercules C-130 is parked, which until last February was not possible", indicated Commander Harvey Parada.

The announcements were made last Sunday during the 36th anniversary celebrations of President Eduardo Frei base.

The Chilean compound includes a meteorological station, an air tactical Antarctic Exploration Group and the village Las Estrellas which has a permanent population of several families plus infrastructure: school for children, hospital with resident doctors, Catholic chapel, gymnasium, supermarket, library, Registry, bazaar, hostel and even a track for skiing.

The Antarctic Exploration group which is a vital component of Chile's Antarctic operations is made up of DHC-6 Twin Otters and BO-105 helicopters, and basically is responsible for logistic support and helping with scientific research.

Commander Harvey Parada also announced that President Frei base will be supplied by the end of 2005 with a sewage treatment plant in line with the growing number of tourists.