Five new associates and four provisional operators have been welcomed into the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) at the responsible tourism organisation’s annual meeting.
IAATO provisional operators, Exploris, Peace Boat, ROW Management/Residences at Sea and Ultima Antarctic Expeditions have also been granted full operator status following a vote at the gathering held in Cascais, Portugal this week (April 15-17).
The new associates, Agencia Maritim Velmaren, Antarctica Travels, Chile Ship Services, EYOS Cruise Supply and Rad Propulsion, join nine others voted in during the 2024-25 Antarctic season. These are Asteria Expeditions, New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust, Vicam, Compass Ship Agents & Suppliers, Nordic Cruise Management, Polar Tracks Expeditions, Porcelli Law Firm, Sea Chefs and Venture Ship Management Europe.
Tour companies 66º Expeditions, Ocean Nova Expeditions and Voyal have been granted provisional operator status and will undergo a mandatory observation by IAATO during the 2025-26 season as part of the approval process.
Laura Smith, Chair of IAATO’s Membership Committee, said: “Membership in IAATO demonstrates a commitment to uphold the Antarctic Treaty and IAATO protocols by operating at the highest possible standards in Antarctica. It is an enduring obligation integral to IAATO’s mission and vision.
“I’d like to congratulate our new associates, provisional operators and operators on this milestone in their IAATO journey and for affirming their commitment as Antarctic stewards.”
IAATO membership falls into two categories: operators (and provisional operators) organise and operate their own travel programs in Antarctica. Associates include companies that book their customers into operator members' Antarctic programs and companies or individuals interested in supporting Antarctic tourism and IAATO objectives.
All operators and provisional operators commit to obtaining the relevant permits/authorisations from their national competent authority to operate in Antarctica as a condition of IAATO membership. As part of the application process, all new provisional operators must also carry an IAATO observer on board to review their operations in the field. For yachts, this is a dockside observation.
The newest members bring IAATO’s membership to 130, comprising 51 operators, four provisional operators, 75 associate members.
