The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has this month confirmed that Azamara, Viking and family owned and sailed polar expedition operator, Tecla Sailing, have been promoted from Provisional Operators to fully fledged IAATO Operators for the upcoming 2024/25 season.
By IAATO’s definitions, ‘Operators’ are able to operate their own travel to Antarctica, having fulfilled certain membership and operational requirements.
Six new Associate members have also been welcomed into the association. An Associate is either a company, individual, tour operator, travel agent, tourist board or other marketers that book customers into Operator member’s Antarctic programs. Among the six new Associates are Farers International of China, Uruguayan ship agent JR Williams Montevideo, Kovacic Services Corporation (a port services operator in Ushuaia) and Ocean Nova Expeditions.
Subscribe to LATTE Cruise’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury cruise space.Laura Smith, Chair of IAATO’s Membership Committee, said: “Membership to IAATO is no small commitment. The standards set are high and being a member comes with an enduring obligation to uphold Antarctic Treaty and IAATO protocols.”
All new applications are thoroughly reviewed by the association’s membership committee before recommendations are made to the membership. Associate members may be determined through an intersessional vote. Provisional Operators and those moving up to Operator status must present themselves to IAATO’s membership at the association’s annual meeting and answer questions before their application is voted on.
All new Provisional Operators, as part of the application process, are required to carry an IAATO observer on board to review their operations in the field. For yachts, this is a dockside observation. These observations not only provide a forum for feedback but offer a further opportunity for the membership to make sure that Antarctic Treaty protocols and IAATO’s robust operational procedures are upheld in practice.
John McKeon, Chair of the IAATO Executive Committee, said: “It’s hugely encouraging to see new companies joining IAATO, affirming their commitment to Antarctic stewardship.
“We look forward to working with them in preparation for the season ahead.”
The newest members bring IAATO’s membership to 114, comprising 47 operators, five provisional operators, 55 associate members and seven non-profit Associate members.
