A fragile and remote land of deep shores and icy, bone-chilling waters, AntarcticaThe snow fields, glaciers and icebergs here also support an astonishing abundance of wildlife. A vast frozen wilderness at the southernmost tip of Earth, this continent was once accessible only to hardened researchers and explorers. Today, it rules the minds of intrepid travelers who have turned this remote and inaccessible land into one of the most iconic destinations in the world.

But why?

reach the last forest

Antarctica is the world’s last great wilderness; It is officially a nature reserve, with very little human activity. For travelers seeking something beyond the ordinary, Antarctica offers an experience unlike any other – a chance to step into a world where nature remains untouched. As experiential travel Taking over the reins, travelers (with deep pockets and a thirst for adventure) are on the lookout for a piece of this white wonder. According to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), the number of travelers visiting the continent is expected to increase from 44,000 in 2017 to 122,000 in 2024.

And many Indians are also included in this list. Tour operators in the country have included last mile excursions in their luxury list. These include Ibex Expeditions run by Anita and Mandeep Singh Soin. “The surge in interest is driven by scenes and insights shared on social media, as well as extensive coverage through Discovery, National Geographic and print articles, highlighting Antarctica as a unique destination – both wild and adventurous , yet accessible in relative comfort. We often focus on trips to the peninsular tip, although there are also adventurous travelers who book longer trips to include destinations such as the Falklands and other remote islands, Sometimes more than ten days,” shares Mandeep. His company Zodiac organizes experiences like boat rides, hiking, paddle boarding and light climbing on snow peaks.

Accessibility has probably played the biggest role in putting the seventh continent on the map. But part of the allure is its limited accessibility, making it one of the most exclusive travel destinations on the planet. This, in turn, has fueled the rise of luxury expedition cruises. These state-of-the-art ships offer the comfort and amenities of high-end hotels, whereas a few decades ago, former ‘ice-cutter’ ships would carry adventure enthusiasts (happy with just a bunk bed and basic food) on short trips to the area.

Unique travels and wild adventures

The biggest attraction of an Antarctic expedition is the opportunity to see unique wildlife in their natural habitats. Travelers often get the chance to see huge colonies of penguins up close, see orcas and humpback whales frolicking, and see seals swimming on ice.

And these experiences can be enjoyed from the incredible campsites on this continent. One of the best is White Desert Antarctica, a luxury lodge located at the edge of the world. Established in 2005 by polar world-record holder Patrick Woodhead and his then-wife Robyn, this resort is as exclusive as it is exclusive. Plus, they’re the only luxury operator here that flies guests directly from Cape Town to Antarctica (in just 5.5 hours), landing on their unique blue-ice runway.

“In a corner of the world that is characterized by pristine landscapes, dramatic mountain ranges and unique wildlife encounters, we saw exploration as an opportunity to find your own version of bravery or to be truly connected to yourself and the environment in a place of beauty and awe.” Our two main camps are Eco and Whiteaway, which host up to 12 people and enjoy delicious accommodation overlooking the glacier. Enjoy saunas together, enjoy cocktails made from 10,000-year-old ice, go fat biking and cross off bucket list adventures like visiting the South Pole, ice climbing, hiking on ice floes and hanging out with 28,000 emperor penguins. Coming face to face,” shares Mindy Roberts, CMO, White Desert Antarctica.

Roberts also talks about changing demographics of travelers to Antarctica. “We are seeing more couples in their 30s and 40s traveling, as well as more specific-use purchases for milestone birthdays or family groups. With only 12 guests per camp this is the most incredible opportunity to connect over a week in a completely unique way.

Climate change has added a new sense of urgency to travel to Antarctica. As one of the regions most affected by global warming, the continent’s melting ice sheets and changing ecosystem are raising alarm bells for travelers. It also begs the question:

Should you go to Antarctica at all?

The answer is not black and white. While IAATO’s strict regulations ensure that tourism here is conducted responsibly with minimal environmental impact, the onus also lies on stakeholders to ensure the conservation of this delicate ecosystem. According to IAATO, environmentally responsible tourism can and should be the driving force behind the conservation of Antarctica, as supported by the Antarctic Treaty.

For Mandeep, this means a renewed focus on responsible tourism. “We carefully select small ships with limited passenger capacity; For example, our upcoming voyage on February 26 will carry only 138 passengers. Food waste is carefully managed, and the ships are equipped with modern, fuel-efficient engines that reduce pollution. We are working on our ongoing initiative to raise awareness of the Antarctic Treaty, particularly in light of the upcoming debate over whether mining will be allowed until 2041/2049. We are also committed to pursuing carbon neutrality, including through partnerships with airlines and other sustainability measures.

In the White Desert, low-volume and low-impact tourism is ensured through limited passenger intake, limited to 300 visitors per year. “We have been carbon neutral since 2007, we remove all waste from the continent, have invested heavily in solar energy to run our camps and operations and were the first Antarctic operator to use sustainable aviation fuel in our operations. We have also set science-based targets in line with the Paris Agreement and the UK target of “net zero by 2050”. This year, we launched the White Desert Foundation, whose establishment projects and administrative costs are all borne by the business. The Foundation aims to advance this by investing in cutting-edge science and projects related to climate change,” shares Mindy Roberts.

Also read: Chasing the Northern Lights: The Arctic is the new frontier for Indian travelers

Ultimately, a cutoff point will have to be created for the number of travelers visiting Antarctica. Despite strict regulations, the influx of tourists increases the risk of oil spills, pollution and the accidental introduction of non-native species that could threaten its delicate balance. Additionally, their long journey across this land produced huge levels of carbon emissions. As climate change is already affecting the continent’s ice sheets and glaciers, limiting tourism is essential to ensure that this last great wilderness remains wild.

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