Flourishing Falkland Islands Tourism

Added: 05/04/2006

Situated in the South Atlantic, some 300 miles east of the South American coast, the Falkland Islands, also known as the Malvinas, are a premier tourist destination that boasts breathtaking natural beauty and a stunning array of wildlife species, in addition to a wide range of recreation and rejuvenation opportunities. The capital and the largest city of the islands, Stanley is known as a major fishing point for vacationers. With so much going for it, it's no wonder that Falkland Islands tourism is flourishing and doing better than ever!

In the 19th century the Falkland Islands were visited by prominent scientist Charles Darwin, who found here unique samples of fauna and flora, some of them still remaining intact today. These include plants like the colorful Felton's flower, birds like the Cobbs wren, Gentoo Penguins and Magellanic penguins among others. Such discoveries have resulted in large crowds of nature lovers and enthusiastic travelers alike visiting the Islands to explore their rich and diverse wildlife. This was the time when the Falkland Islands tourism showed the first signs of development and growth, becoming rapidly one of the most important sources of income.

Today the Falkland Islands are a well-developed tourism destination that has something to offer to each of its visitors regardless of time of the year and your particular interest. The establishment of top quality facilities and amenities, and the maintenance of a strong marketing campaign have resulted in the considerable expansion of the Falkland Islands tourism in recent decades. The Falkland Islands Tourism Board's successful co-operation with major UK and European tour operators has entailed presentation of several tour programs, and hence, a significant increase in total number of visitors, mainly due to the expansion of cruise ship sector.

And despite the fact that the United Kingdom is currently the principal market of the Islands, recent efforts have focused on development of new and existing contacts with tour operators in mainland Europe and the United States. Direct flights from South America by the Chilean National Airline and LAN make the destination more accessible than ever.

Currently the Falkland Islands tourism owes much in its successful development to the capital city Stanley, ranked with the smallest and most remote destinations and reminding a typical English village in many ways. However, it is home to Government House, the Cathedral and a variety of services and amenities ensuring memorable vacation experience. Visitors to Stanley can take advantage of numerous excursions and cruises, including Cape Pembroke which offers an exciting introduction to the Islands' birdlife; Battlefield Tours that imply visits to the places associated with the 1982 conflict; Launch Trips, arranged around Kidney Island and Port Harriet Point; Kidney Cove Trips, designed for those interested in penguin viewing; and much more. A number of local tour guides offer excursions and tours to Volunteer Point, located some 3.5 hours from the capital city.

To enhance the development of the Falkland Islands tourism, an increasing network of tracks and roads has been designed and constructed, thus bringing the majority of interesting and delightful destinations within a scope of excursions from Stanley, including Cape Bougainville, Seal Bay, San Carlos, Cape Dolphin, Darwin, Port San Carlos, Goose Green and North Arm.

In addition to its capital, Stanley, the Falkland Islands boast a range of other renowned destinations, notably Darwin, Salvador, Port Louis, Sea Lion Island, Port Howard, Weddell Island, Carcass Island and Pebble Island, boasting well-established tourist lodges.

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