AECO
The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) is an international association for expedition cruise operators operating in the Arctic and others with interests in this industry.
The association was founded in 2003 and has since become an important organization representing the concerns and views of Arctic expedition cruise operators. AECO is dedicated to managing responsible, environmentally friendly and safe tourism in the Arctic and strive to set the highest possible operating standards.
The association’s geographical range is considered to encompass the Arctic area north of 60 degrees north latitude. The core areas are Svalbard, Jan Mayen, Greenland, Arctic Canada, the Russian Arctic National Park and Iceland.
OUR OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES
- To ensure that expedition cruises and tourism in the Arctic is carried out with the utmost consideration for the vulnerable, natural environment, local cultures and cultural remains, as well as the challenging safety hazards at sea and on land.
- To be recognized as the primary organization representing the concerns and views of the expedition cruise tourism companies operating in the Arctic.
- To agree upon and encourage the incorporation of specific standards and guidelines of operating expedition cruises in the Arctic.
- To encourage the use of the highest qualified guides and staff knowledgeable and experienced in the Arctic environment, it’s natural and human history and contemporary culture.
- To stimulate and encourage coordination among expedition cruise operators offering voyages to the Arctic.
- To serve as a contact and advisory group to government ministries and agencies responsible for managing and regulating the lands, surrounding marine waters, and human activities in the Arctic
- To interact with and maintain an open dialogue with non-governmental organizations interested in the Arctic.
- To educate all interested groups and people about the Arctic and its unique environment, culture and natural history.
Community engagement
AECO’s Community Engagement Program is an innovative and collaborative program that engages with communities, stakeholders, visitors and tourist operators across the Arctic. The purpose is to ensure that expedition cruise tourism in the Arctic is carried out in partnership and dialogue.
Clean Seas
AECO is working to reduse plast
ic pollution. As part of these efforts, members have drastically cut back on single-use plastics, as well as increase passenger involvement in beach cleanups.
FIELD STAFF & MARINER ASSESSMENTS
For information and questions please visit the dedicated page and our FAQ.
The online exams allow guides, expedition leaders and mariners to test their knowledge of AECO guidelines and relevant regulations.
Our Guidelines
Visitor Guidelines
General guidelines for travelers visiting the Arctic.
YACHT GUIDELINES
For private yachts and sailboats.
CLEAN SEAS GUIDELINES
Combating marine plastic pollution.
Community Guidelines
Guidelines when visiting communities.
Research Station Guidelines
Guidelines by individual research stations.
vEGETATION Guidelines
Preventing disturbance of Arctic plant life.
Cultural remains Guidelines
Stories from the past.
Wildlife Guidelines›
Information and guidelines for encounters with Arctic wildlife.
BIOSECURITY GUIDELINES
Guidelines for protection of the environment.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
Mandatory guidelines for tour operators that are members of AECO.
SITE GUIDELINES (Members only)
Information and guidelines on selected and specific sites in the Arctic.
