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Early activities at the South Pole were related to exploration and discovery. Today, most activities at the South Pole are for scientific research or are in support of science.
Non-governmental organizations and individuals also visit the Pole on expeditions or as tourists. Every year several hundred expeditioners and tourists visit the South Pole, arriving overland or by plane. Most visit for just a few hours but some camp overnight. The highest number of visitors in one season to date was recorded in 2011-12 with 495 visitors. This peak was driven by a surge of interest in the South Pole surrounding the centennial years of Amundsen's and Scott's expeditions.
In addition, the South Pole attracts interest from the media and the arts, while the historic and scientific significance of the region continues to be of great fascination for education.