Membership

WHY BE A MEMBER?

Members of AECO are Arctic cruise operators and others who wish to contribute to association goals of ensuring responsible, environmentally-friendly and safe cruise operations in the Arctic, but who also realize that a strong pan-arctic organization is needed to reflect and represent the interests of the cruise industry in an ever-changing Arctic situation.

In addition to strong influence, AECO offers a broad industry contact network, operational coordination, industry meetings, newsletters and updates, access to resources, advice and many other activities.

WHO CAN BE A MEMBER?

AECO welcomes applications from all Arctic cruise operators, tour operators, port agents, travel agencies and others connected to Arctic cruise operations that support the objectives of AECO and agree to follow our guidelines.

If you are an Arctic cruise operator or associated with the Arctic cruise industry and would like to become a member of AECO, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you onboard.

MEMBER CATEGORIES

Full members are expedition cruise operators with operation within AECO’s core areas, presently Svalbard, Jan Mayen, Greenland, Arctic Canada and the national park “Russian Arctic”.

Provisional members are expedition cruise operators with operations within AECO’s core area, who are seeking Full membership in AECO. Provisional members can apply for Full membership after one full season of operation in the Arctic.

Associate members are expedition cruise operators with Arctic operations outside AECO’s core areas. Associate members are also cruise vessel owners and management, and other companies and entities associated with the Arctic expedition cruise industry.

member responsibilities

AECO members are obligated to operate in accordance with national and international laws and regulations and agreed upon Bylaws. Members have, in addition, agreed to follow an extensive set of guidelines, tools and measures as decided by AECO’s members.

aeco’s responsibilities

AECO advocates for the interests of its members by participating in regulation and policy development processes together with national and local authorities and other stakeholders interested in Arctic cruise tourism. AECO liaises with related-interest groups such as the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). AECO arranges a yearly Arctic Cruise Conference, at which policies, procedures, challenges, tasks and strategies are discussed. The AECO Secretariat, an Executive Committee and a number of Working Committees work throughout the year.