Tomaž Rotar possesses extensive knowledge and experience in navigating life and death situations in extreme environments. In February 2021, the Slovenian oral surgeon found himself situated inside a congested tent, perched 7,300 meters above sea level on K2, the second highest peak in the world. A group of over 20 climbers had huddled together on this frigid ledge, having arrived at the camp amidst treacherous winds and temperatures plummeting below -30C. In order to take advantage of the closing weather window and stand a chance at reaching the summit, the climbers would need to resume their ascent almost immediately.
While most climbers made the rational decision to wait until morning and descend, acknowledging the hefty price they had paid to guiding companies (at least £20,000) for the opportunity to conquer the winter summit, a feat accomplished only a few weeks earlier, a select few were compelled to venture forth into the darkness to fulfill their ambitious dreams. Rotar was part of the courageous group of seven climbers who chose to press on. He eventually turned back hours later when confronted with an unforeseen crevasse. Tragically, three other climbers managed to cross the crevasse but never returned. A frantic search ensued, capturing global media attention as military helicopters and even a fighter jet scoured K2. The bodies of the three men were only discovered months later, frozen and lifeless.
As Rotar reads about the recent Titan submersible news, he can’t help but experience a familiar sense of dread. He reflects on the complex calculations that affluential adventurers make when faced with the crucial decision of whether to persevere or retreat. He describes the inherent drive that these individuals possess, a relentless yearning to explore the deepest depths of the sea, scale towering heights, or embark on grueling long-distance runs. Rotar likens this compulsion to a sickness, a venom coursing through their veins that propels them forward. The allure lies in the ecstatic feeling that washes over them once the danger has subsided and they realize they have achieved something extraordinary. It becomes a pivotal moment that reshapes their whole existence, rendering their pre-adventure lives incomprehensible. And so, they are compelled to repeat the cycle, returning time and time again to chase that elusive euphoria.
At the pinnacle of the travel industry, there exists a niche catering to the demand for unparalleled experiences that evoke similar emotions. From challenging the depths of the oceans to conquering majestic mountains, traversing polar ice sheets, venturing into active volcanoes, and now venturing into the vast expanse of space, individuals are increasingly willing to invest significant sums of money to pursue audacious and sometimes perilous dreams.
Even the remote and inhospitable region of the South Pole, which remained untouched by human presence for decades after Scott’s ill-fated expedition in 1912, has now found its way into tourist brochures. In close proximity to the US Amundsen-Scott South Pole station lies a tourist camp proudly proclaiming itself as “the world’s southernmost resort.” Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions (ALE), the organization running the camp, offers various modes of transportation to reach the South Pole, including the “South Pole Overnight” trip priced at $65,000, where guests simply fly in and out, receiving a certificate upon their return. Luxury Antarctic operator White Desert offers expeditions that push clients to their limits, allowing them to partake in activities ranging from abseiling to zip lining. The company, founded by Antarctic adventurer Patrick Woodhead, which originally started with three tents and two clients in 2005, now operates three camps accommodating 12 guests each. These camps come complete with amenities such as cocktails, chef-prepared meals, a yoga pod, sauna, and library. Travel options even include a Gulfstream private jet, with clients typically paying around $100,000 per visit. Woodhead believes this type of travel aligns with what people seek, offering an opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and engage with an otherworldly environment that leaves a profound impact.
While tourism in Antarctica is becoming more commonplace, it does not come without risks. The US Coast Guard is currently conducting an investigation following the deaths of four cruise ship tourists in three separate incidents at the end of 2022. These incidents highlight the dangerous nature of extreme tourism. Paradoxically, this element of risk seems to attract rather than deter customers. Shortly after the eruption of the White Island volcano in New Zealand, which claimed the lives of 22 people in 2019, the town closest to the volcano reported an influx of inquiries from tourists who wished to visit the site. One woman expressed her desire to witness the fury of the volcano up close.
According to geographer and volcanologist Amy Donovan, the allure of extreme tourism lies in the spectacle it offers, an experience that transports individuals beyond the confines of their everyday lives. Demand for proximity to erupting volcanoes has witnessed a significant increase, as seen when over 350,000 people flocked to Fagradalsfjall in Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula following its eruption in March 2021.
Tragedies in extreme sports and activities also seem to fuel interest and demand. Following fatalities in the Clipper Round The World yacht race and the death of renowned skier Doug Coombs in a skiing accident, there was an upsurge in applications and inquiries from individuals wishing to participate in these activities.
The deadly winter season on K2 in 2021, claiming the lives of multiple climbers, has only intensified the desire to conquer this treacherous mountain. Despite its higher level of danger compared to Mount Everest, the number of individuals reaching the K2 summit reached a new record.
Austrian mountain guide Lukas Furtenbach, specializing in premium expeditions to Mount Everest, asserts that people are drawn to these pursuits precisely because of the inherent danger and risk involved. The absence of risk would render the adventure mundane and dull, subsequently diminishing demand.
This year, the Everest season witnessed a record number of climbers who braved the challenging terrain, demonstrating the enduring allure of these perilous undertakings.
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