The Climate Risks of Antarctica's TikTok Tourism Rise
A record 130,000 people visited Antarctica last season, according to the latest data from the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, prompting warnings from environmentalists about the growing climate impact.
The group said much of the growth has come from tourism and researchers have predicted that the visitor counts will keep rising.
Expedition cruises, helicopter tours, kayaking, snorkeling, and polar plunges are now widely available, with packages averaging around $12,000 per person.
The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition has warned that action must be taken to prevent irreversible damage and bring Antarctica's tourism under control. 'If you're not regulating one of the fastest-growing human activities, you're not truly protecting Antarctica,' said Claire Christian, Executive Director of the coalition.
Climate Impact of a Trip to Antarctica
A typical trip to Antarctica generates about 5.44 tonnes of CO₂ per person, or roughly 0.49 tonnes per day, according to one emissions analysis.
About half of all visitors to Antarctica begin their journey in the United States, adding significant emissions from long-haul flights to cruise departure points in Cape Town, South Africa, or Ushuaia, Argentina.
Combined, these factors make Antarctic tourism one of the highest carbon-impact travel choices available. A single trip can exceed the annual carbon footprint of the average individual.
The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators reports there are now over 70 tourism vessels that operate to Antarctica, together making nearly 600 voyages each season.
Tourists tend to visit during the short Antarctic summer, which scientists say amplifies their environmental impact.
Researchers have found that snow in the most heavily visited regions contains higher concentrations of black carbon from ship exhaust, which absorbs heat and accelerates ice melt.
On parts of the Antarctic Peninsula, this could contribute to surface snow melting by up to 23 millimeters each summer.
What's Driving The Growth in Antarctic Tourism?
Researchers have pointed to TikTok and social media as driving interest in travel to the continent.
TikTok influencers have posted eye-catching videos of towering icebergs, close-up wildlife encounters, and dramatic polar plunges. Hashtags like #AntarcticaTrip and #PolarPlunge have attracted millions of views.
A recent study showed that one post reached 67.7 million views, highlighting the growing digital fascination with the continent.
Swan Hellenic, a cruise company operating trips to Antarctica, has also spoken about social media's impact. The company said that it experienced a 25% growth in guest numbers in the most recent season.
'This level of achievement makes it clear that all the glowing guest reports to travel agents, on social media and more widely are really gaining traction,' the company said in a press release.
The company told Skift it is aware of the carbon impacts of its growth.
The SH Vega can carry over 150 guests to Antarctica. It is a diesel electric hybrid vessel.
'Swan Hellenic recognises the environmental impact of travelling to Antarctica and has taken active steps to reduce its footprint,' a spokesperson said.
Its current vessel, the SH Vega, is a 370-foot-long hybrid diesel-electric cruise ship that can carry over 120 crew and around 150 guests over nine decks.
The company did not confirm the ship's specific carbon emissions, but said this technology has meant the vessel is more efficient, burning 20-40% less fuel than older ships.
It added that it is preparing its fleet for battery-powered, low-emission operations.
'Swan Hellenic is committed to preserving the beauty of the world it explores and has comprehensive, concrete ecological commitments,' the spokesperson said.
Can Antarctica Tourism Be Sustainable?
Antarctica has no permanent residents or national government. Tourism is managed under the Antarctic Treaty System and regulated by IAATO.
'Since its inception, IAATO has taken a proactive role in managing tourism activities in the Antarctic environment,' the organization told Skift. 'Members vote annually on policies covering safety, emissions, and environmental standards. Operators submit seasonal fuel data, which is independently analyzed to track emissions and refine reduction targets.'
The emissions data is not available publicly. IAATO said in a previous statement the data will be used 'internally as the basis to monitor and refine emission reduction targets.'
IAATO added that it is a 'significant challenge for polar operators' to find non fossil-fuel alternatives that are safe for cold conditions and that are available remotely.
People taking photos of icebergs in Antarctica. SOurce: IAATO
It said however that Antarctic tourism, if managed responsibly, can have a lasting positive impact. 'Many visitors leave transformed,' IAATO said. 'They become lifelong ambassadors for the Antarctic.'
Growing Calls For Regulation
Academic researchers have proposed some ideas to offset the environmental impact. They noted that discussions around visitor caps and pricing mechanisms have started but no formal policies have been implemented.
'We cannot be sure that price-based mechanisms will alter tourist numbers or behaviors,' the study authors said. 'However, they could raise revenue to improve monitoring and strengthen management.'
The researchers also called for stricter rules and certifications for tour operators. The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition has said that it expects Antarctic tourism to be a key discussion point at upcoming international conferences, and is advocating for more regulations.
IAATO said its members have unanimously pledged to reduce emissions and achieve net zero by 2050.
'Tourism growth is a trend identified worldwide,' an IAATO spokesperson told Skift. 'Our goal is to leave Antarctica as majestic for future generations as it is today, demonstrating that environmentally responsible tourism is possible in remote and fragile wilderness areas.'
Skift's in-depth reporting on climate issues is made possible through the financial support of Intrepid Travel. This backing allows Skift to bring you high-quality journalism on one of the most important topics facing our planet today. Intrepid is not involved in any decisions made by Skift's editorial team.
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