The 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, that was held in Kochi, Kerala last month, highlighted the ongoing debate on Antarctic tourism. Antarctic tourism offers educational and economic benefits but also raises significant environmental concerns. Gaps in the regulatory framework The current governance framework for Antarctic tourism is fragmented and lacks clear regulations. Proposals such as banning permanent tourism facilities have …
Antarctic tourism: Should we just say no? The International Association of Antarctic Tourism Operators now lists 95 vessels in its directory, including 21 yachts, which carry wealthy tourists drawn by the lure of a "last frontier" destination, a place – as one operator put it – "so pristine and remote you can hear snowflakes hitting the water". Erik Moen/Norse Atlantic …
