Antarctic tourism might seem to the casual observer like a fringe industry, only appealing to those with the most developed sense of adventure-- or lacking in self-preservation instinct. In truth, tours to the most remote region of the world are becoming more popular and more mainstream, as global cruise companies and adventure retailers, like Norway’s Hurtigruten, add Antarctica to their itineraries. 

After a brief pause over the COVID pandemic, Antarctic tours are back on the rise, and tour companies are reporting increased rates of first-time clientele. However, many environmental activists and conservation groups are expressing concern with this trend, and warn that the increase in tour vessels presents a huge risk to the fragile Antarctic environment. Read on for a closer look at the trends and challenges in the latest frontier of adventure tourism.

Cruising Into the Mainstream

Tourism to the white continent has been steadily growing in popularity for some time, and it is easy to see why: The thrill of an extreme adventure in those untouched icy climes that most people only ever dream of seeing; The chance to get up close on personal with the majestic, intrepid creatures that swim the abundant seas and march the jagged shores of the continent.

The 2019-2020 summer season saw this travel trend come to a head when a staggering 74,000 tourists flocked to the Antarctic across more than 400 expeditions. However, the COVID-19 pandemic stopped the growth of Antarctic tourism dead in its tracks. Many international cruise companies, including the Norwegian operator Hurtigruten, cancelled 2020/2021 tours altogether amidst worldwide border shutdowns and health concerns. 

Now, with border controls relaxing and vaccination programmes rolling out around the western world, the global demand for a South-pole sojourn is returning with a vengeance. Damian Perry, Hurtigruten’s Asia-Pacific Managing Director, suggests this is in part thanks to the refreshed optimism of would-be travellers immobilised by COVID, as well as the growing appeal of remote travel. 

He reports that Hurtigruten’s late 2020 bookings for the following summer season exceed the record numbers of last year’s season. Perry also sees this recent influx of demand and the returning confidence of travellers as a healthy sign for the embattled tourism industry as well as the rebuilding Australian economy, citing Australia’s reliance on domestic employment from global tourism.

Growing Popularity Means Growing Risk

The ever-growing popularity of Antarctic tourism is not without its controversy, and opinions on the issue seem to be polarised between industry stakeholders and conservationists. 

Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam claims that the industry’s major operators all currently abide by strong environmental regulations and that remote tourism is key in spreading public awareness of environmental challenges.

In contrast, environmental activists point to the recent history of maritime accidents and ongoing pollution that inevitably comes along with tourism. One event with particularly devastating consequence was the sinking of the MS Explorer in 2007. Despite being a comparatively small vessel, with only 100 passengers and 50 crew, the MS Explorer’s sinking spilled 55,000 gallons of petroleum compounds into the sea, the traces of which still remained over a year after the event.

Arguably more cause for concern are the sanctioned activities undertaken by tour operators that pose a threat to the fragile environments on and around the continent.  The New York Times reported that current pollution regulations allow raw sewage to be discharged into seas just 12 nautical miles from the Antarctic’s ice shelves. 

Currently, no regulations at all apply to the routine dumping of ‘grey water’ which is often saturated with cleaning chemicals like laundry detergents and can contain dangerous levels of pathogens. The Times calls out, in particular, the new arrival of the Princess Cruise Lines (of Carnival Corporation) which has recently been fined for severe environmental crimes in some of its operating locations.

While adventure tourism may play an important role in growing the public’s conscience for the world’s most fragile and remote regions, it also contains a severe risk factor that if improperly managed, could spell the ruination of countless unique and important ecosystems. If international bodies fail to impose careful regulations on tourism in this region based on sustainability, preservation and environmental stewardship, this vital region and all its inhabitants may not survive the dual pressures of climate change and environmental degradation.

Dreaming of a post-COVID holiday somewhere a little warmer? See some of the highlights the Amalfi Coast has to offer.

Author Bio:

Jacob Hall

Jacob is a writer who loves travel, beach days, and speaking foreign languages. Jacob has his own blog, Democratista, where he talks about society, history, and political economy.

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