Antarctica has surprisingly become one of the favorite luxury tourism destinations in recent years due to the influence of social media. However, experts warn about the harm to the ecosystem: snow is rapidly melting, and invasive species are moving into the region!

The world’s coldest continent, Antarctica, has emerged as a surprising luxury holiday destination. According to the Spanish newspaper El País, the increasing tourism potential of the continent and its effects on nature have been examined.

Behind this change is the huge influence of social media, particularly TikTok. Penguins’ natural habitats have become the focus of tourists thanks to social media videos. Tourists brought in by luxury ships not only observe the glaciers and wildlife but also dance to DJ performances, swim in penguin costumes, and enjoy themselves by putting glacier pieces in their drinks. LUXURY TOURS, ENTERTAINMENT, AND ECOLOGICAL THREATS 

According to El País, one of the luxury cruise ships that arrive in Antarctica, the Roald Amundsen ship, carries 500 passengers who pay $22,000 each. However, this is not the only ship reaching the continent. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of tourists visiting the region. According to data from the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), around 7,000 people visited the continent in the early 1990s, but this number reached 44,000 in 2017 and is expected to reach 125,000 by 2024. This significant increase is damaging the region’s ecosystem. Scientists point out the risk of tourists bringing in invasive species. Also, a scientific study published in 2022 found that the presence of visitors is causing the Antarctic ice to melt faster. Ecologists note unusually high levels of carbon dioxide in the continent. TAXATION ON TOURISM IN ANTARCTICA 

Countries that are parties to the Antarctic Treaty have taken action to regulate tourism strictly. At a summit to be held in June, the proposal to impose a tax on visitors will be discussed. Biologist Antonio Quesada, head of the Spanish Polar Committee, stated that tourists are surprised when they see scientists and military personnel, highlighting that viewing the continent as a tourist entertainment center threatens scientific studies and the ecosystem. Meanwhile, climate change is rapidly transforming the nature of Antarctica. According to a study published in the journal Nature Geoscience, the plant coverage in the continent has increased tenfold in the last 40 years. From just 1 square kilometer in 1986, the plant coverage has spread to 12 square kilometers as of 2021.

Antarctica is now attracting not only scientists but also tourists. However, experts emphasize the need for urgent measures to preserve the nature of the continent. It remains to be seen whether stricter regulations will be imposed on tourism in the coming years.