Tourism in the Antarctic Peninsula is booming, with tourists visiting thousands of miles to explore penguin colonies and explore sub-Antarctic islands. However, increasing numbers of visitors pose risks including disease, invasive species, and pollution to the delicate ecosystems. A meeting next week will discuss whether the Antarctic Treaty System requires a more robust framework to regulate tourism. The industry already sets out guidelines for medical protocols and insurance cover for tourism operators in the region. The number of visitors to Antarctica more than tripled from 37,000 in 2015 to more than 117,000 by 2025, according to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. Some experts predict that these numbers could quadruple over the next decade. The Antarctic tourism industry claims it follows strict health and environmental protocols.