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COVID-19 economic slowdown set to hit nature-based tourism in Antarctica

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Sophie Ballagh and Ewan Blyth paddle their kayaks in open waters of Antarctica ahead of them is an iceberg.
Sophie Ballagh and Ewan Blyth paddle their kayaks on their 2015 expedition along the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula.(Photo: Tony Beck)

With more than 40 cruise ships and purpose built polar vessels likely to be idle this coming southern summer, the COVID-19 economic slowdown is set to hit nature-based tourism in Antarctica.

Visitor numbers have been increasing exponentially, with more than 74,000 visitors last summer, but there are question marks about future growth and impacts.

Guest:

Dr. Peter Carey, Global Fellow at the Polar Institute of the Wilson Centre

Producer: Gregg Borschmann

Broadcast 
Antarctica, Climate Change, Tourism and Leisure Industry
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