Antarctica’s unique landscape not enough for visitors

Antarctica is hotter than ever for Aussie travellers. See what we did there? Yep that’s probably the worst pun we’ve written to date.

But according to the latest figures released by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), it really is.

They recorded a 15 per cent increase in visitors travelling to Antarctica with IAATO members throughout the 2016-2017 Antarctic season. For 2017-2018, Antarctica visitation is projected to see a five per cent increase to reach a peak of 46,385.

The number of Australian visitors increased by five per cent compared to the previous year, ranking them third on the list of passenger nationalities, behind the US and China.

“While Antarctica stays the indisputable bucket list icon of expedition cruising, travellers are no longer just lured by the destination’s physical distinctiveness alone,” co-founder of Chimu Adventures, Greg Carter told Travel Weekly.

But it’s Antarctica – what else is there, right? Well, apparently, that’s wrong.

According to Polar Specialist Chimu Adventures, there are many reason for Antarctic tourism growth, the most obvious being increased air capacity and misconceptions regarding accessibility and affordability.

But there’s also a stack of unique experiences to be found on Antarctic waters, never seen before.

“While first and foremost, travellers still take a trip to Antarctica for its obvious draw cards such as its remoteness, exclusivity and spectacular wildlife, we are seeing that more and more travellers are opting for travel options that go beyond the ‘ordinary’ expedition cruise, looking for that additional spark of uniqueness, that wow factor that makes the trip extra unique,” Carter added.

“Sustainability is one of our core values here at Chimu and we believe that the world’s love for this incredible place, and people’s desire to see it, are some of the factors that have been keeping it so fiercely protected.”

Camping on ice

According to Carter, these are the top unique experiences for the 2017-18 Antarctic cruising season:

Cruise with a purpose

On the exclusive 11-day Frozen Frontier fundraising voyage, organised by Chimu in conjunction with their very own not-for-profit Make a Difference Project (MAD), guests travel alongside Peter FitzSimons, former Wallaby and best-selling non-fiction author of ‘Mawson and the Ice Men of the Heroic Age: Scott, Shackleton and Amundsen’.

Only a few weeks ago, Chimu took award-winning Aussie TV personality Sam Johnson from Love Your Sister on board, raising funds to assist Love Your Sister’s quest to kick cancer in the behind.

Ski Antarctica

On the 28-day sail and ski adventure Ski Antarctica, get onto the pristine white slopes, seek virgin terrain and climb unique peaks and go sea kayaking amongst ice and penguins.

Camp on ice

As part of the 18-day Shackleton’s Antarctica, adventurers will have a chance of camping on the ice, the ultimate off the beaten track adventure for many.

Visit East Antarctica

The 26-day In the Wake of Mawson expedition, retracing the footsteps of Sir Douglas Mawson, is a collaboration between Chimu and Mawson’s Hut Foundation, giving guests exclusive access to the very rare tourist ships departing Hobart, Australia for East Antarctica.

Dive Antarctic waters

It may not be your obvious diving destination, but gliding through the amazing icy blue waters of the Antarctic is sure to impress with fascinating underwater encounters with Antarctic marine life. The 19-day Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula includes a diving option.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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