Antarctica is a novel example of ecotourism as it is has been heavily regulated from early on due to the Antarctic treaty, an international agreement that ensures only peaceful activities take place there. That, and it being one of the most isolated and inhospitable places on Earth… However even Antarctica is at threat due to an increase in visitors. Accidents like oil spills and crashes for example, are inevitably going to happen and being such a pristine environment, these can have a much bigger impact on the sensitive wildlife. Furthermore, up to 8 non-native species are known to have been introduced to the Antarctic region by humans, and although none of them have yet become invasive, the probability will only increase with more human activity [8]. Larger ships have not been allowed to Antarctica since tourism was limited after numbers grew to nearly 50000 in 2007, although the numbers have now crept back up. The more popular it becomes as a tourist destination, the bigger and more frequent the accidents become, as well as increasing pressure for more permanent infrastructure to cater for these trips [9].

In conclusion, there is an undeniable inherent benefit to visiting different countries but the ecotourism industry is shrouded in financial gain and being green is often not the highest priority. A lot of the time, all it takes is too many people and nature can suffer. If this concerns you (which it certainly should), then do your homework when planning to travel and be conscious of your actions. Read “how to go green on holiday” guides and look at travel companies renowned for being green.