The continent of Antarctica embodies one of the most profound manifestations of international peace in the world today. For the past half century the continent has been regulated by the Antarctic Treaty System's global partnership of nearly 50 countries. While the Treaty grants freedom of access to any individual, organization or government, in doing so it poses a challenge for the regulation and management of non-governmental activities such as tourism.

Now in its 15th year, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) was formed in recognition of the gap between regulating and actually managing the tourism industry. As the numbers of visitors, operators and the diversification of activities increase, so does the challenge of co-ordinating activities in order to protect the integrity of the wilderness, and its wildlife through this unique partnership of competing operators. An effective global partnership between all stakeholders is a vital component in meeting future management challenges of Antarctic tourism.