The least-visited continent is getting more attention. Antarctica tourism was up 4.6% last year to 35,478 visitors, the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators said in a statement. Tourism to the frozen continent has been up every year since 2011, but it is still lower than the high point of 2007-8, when 46,275 visitors came. Of course, this does not mean that all travelers actually set foot on the icy surface of the South Pole. In fact, only 1% of Antarctic tourists venture inland. Most either stay on their cruise ships or set foot briefly on coastal areas. The most popular way to visit is by flying to South America, then boarding a small cruise ship, Detroit Free Press reported. Most Antarctic visitors, 36% come from the US, while Australia sends 11%, followed by China and the United Kingdom, the IAATO report said.
