Antarctic Tourism: Stats and Facts.

Figure 1

Tourist Numbers in Antarctic

Summer Season Total

1990-91 4,000

1995-96 9,367

2000-01 12,248

2006-06 15,500 – 22,000 (estimates)

(Source: IAATO (2002)

Figure 2

Means of travel 2000/01 Summer Season

11,997 travelled aboard commercially organised tour vessels

112 travelled aboard chartered yachts

139 participated in land based expeditions with air support

12,248 tourists in total

In addition 2,041passengers took over flights without landings

(6 flights all departing from Australia)

Figure 3

Approximate Costs

Cruises departing from Argentina or Chile US$3,500 –US$20,000 depending on luxury level

Cruises departing from Bluff (NZ) or Hobart US$9,500 – US$14,500 depending on luxury level

Overflights from Sydney or Melbourne A$900- A$4,200 depending on seating/views

Private overland expeditions into the interior US$10,000- US$20,000

Figure 4

Main areas visited by ship voyages

125 went to the Antarctic Peninsular

5 went to the Ross Sea Region

131 Antarctic ship voyages in total

Tourism trends – Stats and Facts

Analyse the Statistical information

·         Refer to Figure 1. Construct a line graph to show the increase in tourism numbers from the 1990-91 summer season to 2005-06 summer season.

·         Calculate the % increase in tourist numbers between 1990-91 and 2000-01 and between 2000-1 and 2005-06.

Extend the trend line on your graph for another 5 years and estimate the likely number of tourists for 2010-2011 summer season.

• Refer to Figure 2. What currently are the two most popular modes of travel used by tourists to view Antarctica? If adventure tourism increases in numbers, as it is predicted to do, which category do you think is most likely to undergo a significant increase in growth? Support your answer with a reason.

Refer to Figure 4. Construct a pie graph to show the main areas visited by tourists. Provide three reasons why the Antarctic Peninsular is the more popular destination.

• Refer to Figure 3. Suggest why Antarctica is such an expensive place to visit. Why do you think the lowest price trips departing from New Zealand are more expensive than the lowest price trips departing from South America?