Bad weather strands Aussie entrepreneurs

Heavy fog and rain has delayed a group of more than 100 Australian entrepreneurs from reaching Antarctica on Australia Day.

Bad weather has dampened plans by a group of more than 100 Australian entrepreneurs to reach Antarctica on Australia Day.

The group had planned to fly from the southern Chilean town of Punta Arenas to King George Island, just off the Antarctic peninsula, on Monday to begin a unique eight-day conference.

But heavy fog and rain has made it too dangerous for them to fly to the island and board a waiting ship.

Organisers hope the weather will improve on Tuesday and allow the group to make the journey.

The trip was organised by a new think thank called The Unstoppables, which was set up by businessman Julio De Laffitte with the aim of fostering collaboration between entrepreneurs and expanding their businesses.

Mr Laffitte expressed disappointment about the delay in reaching Antarctica, but said the group was pushing ahead with planned business forums in Punta Arenas until the weather improved.

"Sometimes you are in business and you set out to arrive at a certain target or destination and yet you have delays," he said.

"Regardless of whether we have gone (to Antarctica) or not, we are are doing what we came here to do."

Those on the trip have filled in their long wait for a flight to Antarctic by taking part in various discussion forums at a hotel.

Mr Laffitte hopes the experience will inspire entrepreneurs and drive $1 billion worth of business deals, which he says will benefit Australia's economy.


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