Core Insights - The founder of New Oriental, Yu Minhong, has sparked discussions among employees and netizens due to his recent trip to Antarctica, where he expressed excitement through multiple videos and internal communications [2][3][4] - The Antarctic tourism market is experiencing rapid growth, with China becoming the second-largest source of tourists to Antarctica, surpassing 10,000 visitors for the first time in the 2024-2025 season [4][5][9] Group 1: Yu Minhong's Actions and Reactions - Yu Minhong's internal letter to employees from Antarctica was met with mixed reactions, with some employees criticizing it as "ineffective motivation" [2] - In response, Yu stated that New Oriental encourages employee feedback and plans to support outstanding employees in visiting Antarctica next year [2] Group 2: Growth of Antarctic Tourism - The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) reported that the number of tourists visiting Antarctica has grown from under 10,000 in the 1993-1994 season to approximately 120,000 in the 2024-2025 season [5][9] - China has seen a significant increase in Antarctic visitors, with numbers rising from fewer than 100 in 2008 to over 8,000 in the 2017-2018 season, and now consistently ranking as the second-largest source of tourists [5][9] Group 3: Market Dynamics and Pricing - The cost of traveling to Antarctica varies widely, with reports indicating that prices can range from 50,000 to 640,000 yuan depending on the travel method and duration [10][12] - The demographic of Antarctic tourists is shifting, with an increasing number of younger travelers, particularly those aged 30 and below, now making up about 30% of group tours [15] Group 4: Industry Developments - The Antarctic tourism market, traditionally dominated by Western companies, is seeing more Chinese enterprises entering the space, with a reported 30% increase in active suppliers [16] - New brands, such as the 66 Degrees Exploration cruise line, are emerging, with plans to operate Antarctic routes by 2027 [16] Group 5: Environmental Considerations - The growing number of tourists poses challenges for the fragile Antarctic ecosystem, necessitating adherence to IAATO guidelines and sustainable tourism practices [16] - The need for sustainable development in Antarctic tourism is becoming a global concern as visitor numbers continue to rise [16]

Core Viewpoint - The recent trip of New Oriental's founder, Yu Minhong, to Antarctica has sparked mixed reactions among employees and the public, highlighting the growing interest and market potential in Antarctic tourism, particularly from Chinese tourists [1][4][5]. Group 1: Company Actions and Responses - Yu Minhong's internal communication allowed employees to express their opinions, indicating a traditional openness within New Oriental [1]. - The company plans to support outstanding employees in visiting Antarctica next year, promoting engagement and exploration [1]. - Yu Minhong's excitement about the trip is evident from his 25 posts on a single platform since November 13, showcasing his commitment to the initiative [1][4]. Group 2: Antarctic Tourism Market Growth - The Antarctic tourism market is experiencing rapid growth, with the number of Chinese tourists expected to exceed 10,000 for the first time in the 2024-2025 season, making China the second-largest source of tourists to Antarctica [4][5]. - Historical data shows a significant increase in Chinese tourists to Antarctica, from fewer than 100 in 2008 to over 8,000 in the 2017-2018 season [5][7]. - The overall number of tourists visiting Antarctica has surged from under 10,000 in the 1993-1994 season to approximately 120,000 in the 2024-2025 season [5][7]. Group 3: Pricing and Accessibility - The cost of traveling to Antarctica varies widely, with reports indicating that prices can range from 5,000 to 64,000 yuan, depending on the travel method and duration [9][11]. - Recent offerings from China National Geography for Antarctic scientific exploration trips have been popular, with prices starting at 9,980 yuan and quickly selling out [9][11]. - The demographic of Antarctic tourists is shifting, with an increasing number of younger travelers, now making up about 30% of group tours [16][17]. Group 4: Industry Dynamics and Environmental Considerations - The Antarctic tourism market, traditionally dominated by Western companies, is seeing increased participation from Chinese firms, with a reported 30% growth in suppliers [17]. - The establishment of China's first polar cruise brand, 66 Degrees Exploration, indicates a move towards more domestic offerings in the Antarctic tourism sector [17]. - The growing number of tourists raises concerns about the fragile Antarctic ecosystem, necessitating sustainable tourism practices and adherence to IAATO guidelines [17].

Core Points - The chairman of New Oriental, Yu Minhong, recently faced criticism from employees regarding a video he posted about a trip to Antarctica, which has sparked public interest [1] - Yu Minhong responded by emphasizing that allowing employee feedback is a tradition at New Oriental and that he encourages it, acknowledging that employee dissatisfaction indicates issues within the company that need to be addressed [1] - He announced plans to take around 10 outstanding grassroots employees from New Oriental and 10 excellent members from Dongfang Zhenxuan to Antarctica next winter, supported by the company [1] - Yu clarified the cost of the trip, stating that the price for different ships and cabins ranges from 50,000 to 300,000 yuan, and the specific ship he and another executive took costs between 200,000 to 250,000 yuan, contrary to claims of 1.48 million yuan [1] Summary by Categories Company Response - Yu Minhong expressed gratitude for the concern shown by friends and reiterated the importance of employee feedback as a means to identify and correct company issues [1] - He mentioned that some online comments may be from impersonators and encouraged the public to discern the authenticity of such claims [1] Employee Engagement - The company plans to reward exemplary employees by offering them a unique opportunity to visit Antarctica, highlighting its commitment to employee recognition and engagement [1] Trip Details - The trip to Antarctica involves varying costs based on the type of ship and cabin, with the chairman clarifying the actual price range to counter misinformation circulating online [1]

Core Viewpoint - The response from Yu Minhong regarding employee complaints about the Antarctic trip clarifies the actual costs associated with the journey, emphasizing that the prices vary significantly based on the type of ship and cabin selected, rather than the exaggerated figures reported by the media [1] Summary by Categories - **Cost of Antarctic Trip** - Prices for the Antarctic trip range from 50,000 to 300,000 yuan, depending on the ship and cabin type [1] - The specific ship used by Yu Minhong and Xi Zhinong, the Xiegu number, is described as an advanced icebreaker cruise, with a 12-day trip costing between 200,000 to 250,000 yuan, contrary to the reported figure of 1,480,000 yuan [1]