You may have noticed the IAATO logo prominently displayed on the homepage of our website. Clients often ask what it means and why we belong to the organization.  IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) is an organization that was founded in 1991 by 7 private companies offering tourist trips to Antarctica.  It was originally brought about in response to government concern of how tourism was being organized and conducted in Antarctica.  It has since expanded both its goals and membership.

In essence our rational for joining the organization is that we believe that it supports our common goals of promoting and practicing safe and environmentally responsible travel to the Antarctic.  There is a standard by which all staff and ships operating under its guidelines must adhere to.  Part of this ensures that no two ships will land at the same place at the same time; which we find is very important to our clients.

IAATO has also been proactive in conducting ongoing research on the effects of visitation on landing sites and it has adapted its policies and recommended practices by restricting access to certain sites and limiting the number of visits allowed per day at others. It has also determined which sites should be off limits to ships carrying more than 200 passengers.

By developing awareness and concern for the environment, IAATO members are ensuring that Antarctica can continue to be responsibly visited and enjoyed by all of us far into the future.

You can learn more about IAATO at its website, http://www.iaato.org/

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