Tourism in Antarctica on rise

By Dilara Zengin

ANTARCTICA (AA) - The number of tourists visiting Antarctica is on the rise in recent years, according to data of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO).

The number of tourists visiting Antarctica rose 28 percent over the past five years, IAATO said.

The total number of visitors in Antarctica in the 2013-14 season was 37,405, while the number increased to 51,707 in the 2017-2018 season, it added.

The prices of Antarctica tours range from $5,500 to $96,100.

Nearly 98 percent of the visitors reached the freezing continent by sea from South America.

The continent attracted most visitors from the U.S. with 33 percent, which was followed by Chinese with 16 percent and Australians with 11 percent.

IAATO Operations and Communications Assistant Amanda Lynnes told Anadolu Agency that interest towards Antarctica is increasing day by day and it will continue in the following years.

Lynnes said the visits to the region should be carried out responsibly to avoid any harm to nature.

She said ships carrying more than 500 passengers are not allowed to visit the continent.

* Writing by Fatih Hafiz Mehmet