Antarctic itineraries are seeing extraordinary growth as travellers begin to realise prices are no longer beyond their grasp, according to adventure travel firm Chimu Adventures.
The operator has seen sales of its product in the region rise soar by 60% in the last year.
Marketing manager Meg Hall told Travel Today that the strong dollar and improved air access has put the destination within easier reach of travellers keen to tick it off their bucket list.
“You can visit the Antarctic now for $4490 with flights on top,” she said. “That’s not much different to a holiday in Europe or Asia.”
Sales were also benefitting from a reduction in the number of large ships that can sail in the area’s waters due to environmental factors.
Meanwhile, its Latin American product was also seeing the benefits of improved air links, with Peru remaining the top destination.
Solid growth of 50% across the board is also down to concerted marketing efforts by the “young and fresh” brand, Hall added.
“We’ve been making a bit more noise,” she said.
In addition, Chimu’s standing as an expert in the destinations that it serves along the added security of local representation in Latin America made it a trusted choice for consumers and agents alike.
“Latin America and Antarctica is all we talk about every day,” she said. “Trust in the travel industry is so important.”
While only 30% of its business currently goes through the trade, Hall said the brand was actively working to grow sales through this channel particularly with agents that were keen to grow their knowledge base of specialist product.
The firm is exploring expansion into destinations beyond its traditional Latin America and Antarctica offerings, but Hall stressed that while it will use the same business model, it will not be under the Chimu brand.
