Tourism is an important source of revenue to the Falkland Islands.
While the Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC) will continue its support for developing businesses in the tourism sector, the strategic development of the tourism industry in the Falklands and the marketing of the Islands' tourism product is the prime responsibility of the Falkland Islands Tourist Board (FITB). FITB is constitutionally a 'Company Limited by Guarantee', similar to the Falkland Islands Chamber of Commerce.
Tourism is an industry which is now predominantly private sector owned and controlled, a fact recognised by the election of five of FITB's eight directors directly by members. Central to the tourism strategy is sustainable development, preserving and protecting the Islands' character, building on the Islands' natural strengths - the abundant wildlife, flora, clean air, open skies, space and remote location - as well as their friendly people and virtually crime-free environment.
The clear light and range of subjects makes the Islands an appealing destination for photographers, while anglers will find challenging sea trout and Falklands 'mullet' fishing set in amongst the peaceful and majestic scenery.
The Islands' main tourist lodges are located at Port Howard, Darwin, Pebble Island, Carcass Island and Sea Lion Island. Self-catering accommodation can be found at a selection of holiday cottages on island farms, and several locations in East and West Falkland. In Stanley, there are two principal hotels (The Malvina House and Upland Goose) as well as guest houses and bed & breakfast accommodation.
The number of tourists visiting the Islands has grown considerably in the past decade, due mainly to the increase in popularity of cruise ship tourism in the region. During the 2006/2007 season there were 51,000 cruise ship visitors from 87 different countries; the top three visiting nations were the USA, UK and Canada. In 2007/08 the Falkland Islands Tourist Board predicts in excess of 80,000 visitors, a 57% increase on the previous season. Land based tourism continues to experience modest growth, with approximately 1,000 tourists entering the Islands by air each year.
There are over 30 European tour operators featuring tailor-made packages and escorted tours to the Falkland Islands, some travelling to the Islands by Ministry of Defence (MoD) Charter flight from the UK, but many now choose the weekly commercial service from South America, which has seen a steady increase in traffic.
There is a weekly LAN flight to the Falkland Islands from Santiago in Chile. Please visit International Tours and Travel, the LAN Chile agents in the Falklands, www.falklandstravel.com.
The MoD Charter flight flies to the Falklands six times per month from RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire. Bookings can be made via the Travel Coordinator, Falkland Islands Government Office, London. T: 020 7222 2542 or email travel@falklands.gov.fk.
For further information, please visit: www.visitorfalklands.com
