TV broadcaster Monty Halls says the best way to protect delicate ecosystems is to send customers to the destinations where they are found.
Agents were also told by Halls, a marine biologist and former Royal Marines officer, that cruise holiday experiences were “a big selling point” at the Clia Expedition Cruise Forum on Thursday (March 28).
He said: “I think that the magic bullet is not the [cruise] vessels, which are all of a similar standard, but the experiences. Facts tell, stories sell.
“The best way to protect delicate ecosystems is to take tourists there.”
However, he issued a warning about clothing carrying undetected foreign seeds to protected destinations.
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In 2007-08, 853 visitors carrying 2,600 seeds had unwittingly introduced various plant species to Antarctica.
Although the Galapagos has 600 native species of plant, there are now 870 introduced species – 46% of which have been brought in deliberately, Halls said.
“We are the first generation in the history of mankind that is able to explore these places for the first time,” he said.
“There is an impact without a doubt,” he said. “Expedition cruising is one of the most sustainable ways of seeing the islands, but there is a physical impact.
“Tell your clients to buy new clothing before they go – bio-security is everything.”
Cruise writer Sue Bryant told delegates she felt that one of the misconceptions of expedition cruise holidays was that you were away for long periods.
“There is a move to make [itineraries] more concentrated so you can do things quickly,” she said. “I think expedition is one of the friendliest forms of cruising you can do.”