The Falkland Islands proved a huge hit in 2012, with the latest visitor arrivals released by the Falkland 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."

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For further information on the Falklands Islands, please visit www.falklandislands.com. Media enquiries should be directed to Suzanne Holiday or Samantha Kirton on 020 7839 2140 or e-mail: falklandstourism@keenecomms.com

 
Become a Falklands fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/naturesbestkeptsecret.

Notes for Editors:
• The Falkland Islands have a raw, unspoilt quality that entices locals and tourists back time and again. Visitors to the Islands are spoilt for choice with more than 200 species of identified birds (including several of the world's largest endangered breeding colonies) and over 750,000 penguins, as well as whales, dolphins, elephant seals, sea lions, delicate flora and rugged geographical formations.
• The best time to visit the Islands and experience the local culture and wildlife is October to April. Summer temperatures (December to March) can reach 20º Celsius plus, and the Falklands has more sunshine hours and less rainfall than the UK.
• There are over 40 international tour operators offering tailor-made packages and escorted tours to the Falkland Islands. See www.falklandislands.com  for the latest list.
• Visitors can reach the Falklands on the weekly LAN Airways flight via Chile or the charter flight operated from RAF Brize Norton in the UK by the Ministry of Defence.
• The GDS booking code for travel agents for the Falkland Islands is MPN