MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Hobart to host Antarctic tourism, IAATO conference in 2011

Hobart is considered Australia’s “Antarctic Capital”

Hobart, Tasmania has won the right to host a prestigious Antarctic tourism conference, again proving its unique status as Australia’s “Antarctic Capital”.

The Tasmanian Premier and Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, David Bartlett, announced the capital Hobart will host the 2011 conference of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO).

A representative from the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts attended an IAATO conference in Italy last week, to present Tasmania’s case for hosting next year’s conference.

“I am very pleased this bid was successful,” Mr Bartlett said.
“Groups like Antarctic Tasmania, the Science and Research office and Business Events Tasmania have worked hard to secure this event for Tasmanians.

“This is further recognition of Hobart’s special links to Antarctica, and follows our recent success in securing the 2012 Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting for Hobart.

“The IAATO conference will attract about 100 people to Tasmania for one week,
bringing all their skills, ideas, and spending power to our economy.

“This conference in May next year will kick-off a year-long program of local events, to celebrate the centenary of Antarctic expeditions.

“The program will climax with the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in Hobart in mid-2012.

“The conference is also an opportunity to show-off Hobart’s benefits as a base for Antarctic tourism, to operators from around the world” Mr Bartlett said.

IAATO was established in 1991 by private tour operators to promote and practice safe and environmentally responsible travel to Antarctica.