Archive for «Press releases»

Arctic expedition cruise industry introduces field staff standards

October 23rd, 2020

Qualified guides are key to responsible tourism in the Arctic. The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators has taken steps to ensure that guides have the relevant skills and training by introducing recommended field staff standards.

AECO represented in a Committee appointed by the King and Council of State

June 19th, 2020

Today, in a meeting in the Council Chamber at the Royal Palace the Norwegian King and the Council of State have appointed a new official committee that will provide advice and recommendations on maritime safety and preparedness challenges related to cruise traffic in Norway, including Svalbard. We are proud and honoured to announce that AECO’s […]

Half a million NOK grant to AECO to combat marine plastic pollution

June 18th, 2020

The Norwegian Retailer’s Environment Fund (Handelens Miljøfond) has awarded 500,000 NOK (≈ 53,000 USD) to secure AECO’s continued efforts to combat marine plastics pollution within AECO’s Clean Seas Project, which has been running since May 2018. AECO members have been conducting beach cleanups for decades, and the secretariat has recorded thousands of passengers, staff and […]

Norway leads way – reopening of Svalbard for expedition cruises

June 12th, 2020

Norway leads way – reopening of Svalbard for expedition cruises Today, the Norwegian Government announced that expedition cruise operations will be allowed again in Svalbard with certain rigorous conditions. The decision is based in part on thorough work on providing infection control guidelines for the expedition cruise industry which has been carried out by several […]

New report encourages research to support Arctic tourism management

January 9th, 2020

Arctic tourism stakeholders have contributed to a report that outlines knowledge gaps and research needed to support responsible tourism management in the Arctic. The goal is to encourage researchers to undertake research that can inform decision-makers, local communities and operators in a time of increased interest in Arctic tourism.

AECO statement on potential tourism regulations in Svalbard

December 16th, 2019

As an industry association dedicated to managing responsible, environmentally friendly and safe tourism in the Arctic and strive to set the highest possible operating standards, AECO welcomes regulations that support this goal.

Anders la Cour Vahl joins AECO as assistant director

December 9th, 2019

AECO is pleased to welcome new staff member Anders la Cour Vahl who assumed the position of assistant director on December 2.

Expedition cruise sector continues to combat plastic waste in the Arctic

November 27th, 2019

New survey results have been released of the Arctic expedition cruise industries efforts to combat marine plastic pollution, including the reduction of single-use plastic onboard and organizing beach cleanups.

Sermersooq welcomes visitors with four new community guidelines

November 20th, 2019

This week, Sermersooq municipality launched guidelines for visitors to Nuuk, Paamiut, Tasiilaq and Ittoqqortoormiitt, using a template developed by the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO). Sermersooq is the first municipality in Greenland to introduce Community Specific Guidelines for all communities at once.

Expedition cruise industry charts course for sustainable Arctic tourism

November 7th, 2019

Following the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators’ recent Annual Meeting, the association has announced several decisions aimed at strengthening responsible industry practices, including a ban on the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil (HFO) in the Arctic.