Travel to Antarctica on the up

More and more travellers are shunning the balmy climes typical of beach holidays in favour of the chill winds of Antarctica, it has been revealed.

According to figures from the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, the number of visitors to region during the 2006/07 season hit 28,826.

This represents a quadrupling of visitor numbers since 1992-93 when there were a relatively meagre 6,704, the Telegraph reports.

The growth is even more marked when cruise-only visitors are included - bringing the total visitors to 37,552.

The growing appeal of the region to adventure holidaymakers can be attributed in part to the spectacular vistas and otherworldly landscapes that the trips offer.

Anthony Murray, who took a cruise to the region two years ago, said: "If you haven't been to that area before I would certainly recommend you go. It was absolutely wonderful.

"It was beautiful - there was every colour imaginable. You're never cold on the boat because it was so wonderfully heated."

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