ABSTRACT
Over the last two decades tourism has grown rapidly in Antarctica. Tourist numbers have increased from a few thousand in 1990 to more than 45,000 in 2008, and recently declined again to less than 37,000 due to the global economic recession (IAATO 2010). Antarctic tourist activities are highly concentrated; spatially mainly in the Antarctic Peninsula region (see Figure 3.1) and seasonally between November and March. In addition, the product portfolio has diversified in various transport modes (e.g. aircraft, yachts, large cruise liners) and activities (e.g. kayaking, scuba diving, mountain climbing, marathon running).
