IAATO Advances Stewardship with New Visitor Guidelines and Strategic Actions From Annapolis Meeting

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During the association’s annual meeting held in Annapolis, MD, USA from April 24 to 27, several key actions were approved. Among them are the implementation of 17 new IAATO Visitor Site Guidelines and the introduction of seven short-term initiatives aligned with IAATO’s five-year strategic plan, “Embracing our Role as Antarctic Stewards.”

Lisa Kelley, IAATO ‘s Deputy Executive Director and Director of Operations and Government Affairs, said: “It’s an immense privilege to travel to Antarctica and one that comes with a responsibility to do so with no more than a minor or transitory impact. In recognition of this, each year our members come together to discuss and enhance our protocols to strengthen our already robust standards.

“These new measures are part of IAATO’s continued mission to advocate and promote the practice of safe and environmentally responsible private sector travel to Antarctica.”

The IAATO has introduced new guidelines for marine and terrestrial sites, offering practical advice for operators and guides to manage visits while respecting environmental values and sensitivities.

In the previous year, the organization revealed a five-year strategic plan with four key pillars: operators as environmental stewards, intentional research support, strategic resource management, and unwavering commitment to sustainability.

During this year’s IAATO annual meeting, members approved several actions for 2024-25. These include developing a new digital app to aid field guides, enhancing the Antarctic Ambassador Program, and advancing IAATO’s Observer Program.

Additionally, members established a cruise-only working group to craft specific operational procedures aimed at supporting IAATO’s mission and enriching the guest experience. This new group increases IAATO’s total committees to 12 and working groups to 10.

Gina Greer, IAATO Executive Director, said: “IAATO members have long taken a collaborative approach to developing best practice and evolving guidelines in support of our safe and environmentally responsible mission.”

Since its establishment in 1991, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has spearheaded the self-regulation of its members within the Antarctic Treaty System’s framework.

IAATO gathers comprehensive data to monitor long-term tourism and environmental patterns, aiding in the responsible management of its members’ activities. This data is collected via Post Visit Report (PVR) forms, endorsed by the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties, which are submitted to the IAATO Secretariat and compiled into an annual statistical summary.

IAATO’s membership includes a majority of private-sector tour operators. All activities by member Operators in Antarctica are sanctioned or authorized by Competent Authorities through Environmental Impact Assessments (or their equivalents), Advance Notifications, and, when necessary, Waste Management Permits, all of which must be submitted before the season begins.

Dedicated to responsible travel, IAATO opposes the construction of permanent infrastructure in Antarctica for tourism purposes and continues to implement and refine procedures and guidelines to ensure the ongoing protection of the continent.

All IAATO Operators and Provisional Operators are committed to supporting the Antarctic Treaty System, including the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol on Environmental Protection, as well as International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Conventions and other international and national laws and agreements. IAATO collaborates closely with Antarctic stakeholders and valued polar partners to promote and manage responsible tourism.