A dynamic, interactive and constructive workshop on how to tackle implementing the forthcoming International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s Polar Code has just concluded and fittingly, the workshop took place at London’s home of exploration, the Royal Geographical Society, Kensington.
The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) announced its tourism figures for the 2013-2014 season, on the first day of its 25th Annual Meeting in Providence, Rhode Island. The total number was 37.405, up 9% with a growing prevalence of Chinese visitors.
The total number of visitors to Antarctica during the 2010/11 season, and traveling with IAATO member-operators, was 33,824. This includes those traveling on traditional expedition ships, yachts, larger cruise-only vessels as well visitors participating in land programs. The overall seasonal results reflect a decrease of 8.3% last year’s total of 36,875 passengers.
The Antarctic tourism season is just getting underway and travellers the world over are preparing to make the journey to the bottom of the planet where they'll be treated to one of the most remote and untouched destinations on Earth.
Hobart, Tasmania has won the right to host a prestigious Antarctic tourism conference, again proving its unique status as Australia’s “Antarctic Capital”.