TOURISM IN THE ANTARCTIC BOOMING

Antarctica is not usually thought of as a tourist destination but over 15,000 people per year now visit the continent during the Antarctic summer (December-February). Tourism began in 1958 but only became a serious activity in 1969. In that year Lars-Eric Linblad took his purpose built Antarctic tour ship - Linblad Explorer - to the Antarctic for the first time. Since then the industry has grown considerably both in numbers and diversity.