The
Falkland Islands proved a huge hit in 2012, with the latest visitor
arrivals released by theFalkland
Islands Tourist Board
(FITB) showing last year to be the best year for tourism since
records began.
Nearly 7,800 land-based tourists travelled to the Islands in 2012, an increase of 17% over 2011, with more than 4,000 visitors coming from the UK alone. Leisure tourists (excluding those visiting friends and relatives or travelling on business) grew by a massive 52% to 1,937 arrivals, the second best year on record only topped by 2007, the 25th anniversary of the Falkland Islands conflict.
The remote Overseas Territory is expecting tourism to remain strong following last year's boost in arrivals during the 30th anniversary of the conflict.
Looking ahead, cruise passenger arrivals are expected to increase by 7% to over 36,000 in the 2013/14 season. Total visitor arrivals in 2013, including cruise passengers, overnight visitors and domestic tourists, are expected to total 53,000 spending over £10 million.
Welcoming the news, Tony Mason, Managing Director of the FITB said: "I'm delighted with these latest figures which reaffirm the appeal of the Falkland Islands as a must visit destination. More people are realising what an exceptional holiday experience can be enjoyed here from unrivalled wildlife encounters to the fabulous food and hospitality, and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank our trade partners for their continued support."
Nearly 7,800 land-based tourists travelled to the Islands in 2012, an increase of 17% over 2011, with more than 4,000 visitors coming from the UK alone. Leisure tourists (excluding those visiting friends and relatives or travelling on business) grew by a massive 52% to 1,937 arrivals, the second best year on record only topped by 2007, the 25th anniversary of the Falkland Islands conflict.
The remote Overseas Territory is expecting tourism to remain strong following last year's boost in arrivals during the 30th anniversary of the conflict.
Looking ahead, cruise passenger arrivals are expected to increase by 7% to over 36,000 in the 2013/14 season. Total visitor arrivals in 2013, including cruise passengers, overnight visitors and domestic tourists, are expected to total 53,000 spending over £10 million.
Welcoming the news, Tony Mason, Managing Director of the FITB said: "I'm delighted with these latest figures which reaffirm the appeal of the Falkland Islands as a must visit destination. More people are realising what an exceptional holiday experience can be enjoyed here from unrivalled wildlife encounters to the fabulous food and hospitality, and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank our trade partners for their continued support."
