New Grant Supports AECO’s Work to Reduce Expedition Cruise Emissions
New funding will help AECO members improve emissions reporting and identify opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Arctic operations. (more…)
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AECO Appoints First Ambassadors for Responsible Arctic Tourism
The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) has appointed its first group of ambassadors, marking an important step in strengthening outreach and advocacy for responsible expedition cruise tourism in the Arctic. (more…)
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New Study: Expedition Cruise Ships Among Quietest in Arctic Waters
Most expedition cruise vessels operating in the Canadian Arctic produce lower underwater noise levels than cargo ships, tankers, and bulk carriers measured in the same areas, according to results from a collaborative research program measuring ship noise in Arctic waters. (more…)
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Arctic SAR Readiness Put to the Test – AECO Hosts Joint SAR Event Addressing Emerging Threats
The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), together with the Icelandic Coast Guard, successfully hosted the 2026 Joint Arctic Search and Rescue Event (JASE) marking 10 years since the first event was held. (more…)
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Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators Target Underwater Noise. AGM Decision Sets New Environmental Focus for AECO
Members of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) gathered in Oslo today for the Annual General Meeting (AGM), a key forum for setting strategic direction, and reviewing environmental priorities, and strengthening collaboration across the Arctic expedition cruise industry. (more…)
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AECO Wraps Up a Sold-Out Arctic Expedition Cruise Week
The Arctic Expedition Cruise Week, hosted by the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), brought together industry leaders, destination representatives, local stakeholders, and government partners through three key events to advance sustainable and responsible expedition cruising in the Arctic. (more…)
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New Regulation on Field Safety in Svalbard Introduces Guide Approval Scheme
The Norwegian government has introduced a new regulation aimed at enhancing field safety for all activities in Svalbard. (more…)
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Strengthening Arctic Connections — AECO and Swan Hellenic Engage Local Communities Through Stakeholder Cruise
In an ongoing effort to build stronger ties between Arctic communities and the expedition cruise industry, the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and member Swan Hellenic recently concluded a stakeholder voyage aboard the expedition ship SH Vega. (more…)
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Researchers and Arctic Expediton Cruise Operators Partner to Study Underwater Noise
A new project is launching this year that aims to better understand and reduce impacts from underwater noise in the Canadian Arctic. (more…)
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AECO Launches New Knowledge Base Developed by Experts. From Research to Reality: New Knowledge Base Empowers Arctic Guides in Their Work
AECO is excited to announce the launch of the Knowledge Base for Guides, a resource developed specifically for Arctic guides in collaboration with top research institutions and field experts. (more…)
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AECO Celebrates Successful Expedition Cruise Week
AECO wraps up a successful Annual Expedition Cruise Week, reinforcing the dedication to responsible Arctic tourism through a commitment to reduce GHG emissions. (more…)
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AECO Response to High North News Article on Greenwashing
Response to High North News Article on Greenwashing Accusations (Anne Øien, Head of Communications, Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators): “First, it is important to highlight the value of citizen science initiatives. Citizen science is a recognized and well-established form of research, used in a wide range of studies”. (more…)
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Arctic Search and Rescue (SAR) network established – AECO
The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operator’s (AECO) initiative for a collaborative network and platform between expedition cruise operators and SAR entities in the Arctic has met for the first time. (more…)
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AECO strengthens relations with Iceland stakeholders
Local value and growth management were the most important topics when AECO meet with local stakeholders on an expedition cruise around Iceland. (more…)
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Kickoff for the Clean Up Iceland project, a collaboration between AECO, The Blue Army, Gára and the Icelandic Coast Guard
AECO’s members have done cleanups on Svalbard for over 20 years with great success. Starting with this kickoff, AECO expands the project to Iceland – while supporting the great work of The Blue Army, says AECO’s Head of Operations, Melissa Nacke. (more…)
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Local Cruise Forum established in Svalbard. Three-year project under the leadership of Visit Svalbard
Svalbard, Norway, is an important destination for the expedition cruise industry. This offers economic and other values for Longyearbyen and adds to the opportunity for year-round employment in the local tourism sector. (more…)
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Fourth annual Cleanup for Sarah. This week Oceanwide Expeditions proudly participated in AECO’s fourth annual Cleanup for Sarah
This week Oceanwide Expeditions proudly participated in AECO’s fourth annual Cleanup for Sarah, held June 11 – 19 in honor of AECO’s environmental agent Sarah Auffret. (more…)
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Iceland develops new Community Specific Guidelines for tourists
In March, AECO helped facilitate four Community Specific Guideline Workshops in western, northern, and south-eastern Iceland. The workshops were led and organized by communities in Akranes, Húsavík, Hrísey, and Djúpivogur. (more…)
AECO hires Community Engagement Project Manager to lead Arctic initiatives
With new community engagement projects on the horizon, the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators hires a Project Manager to lead initiatives to ensure that expedition cruise tourism in the Arctic is carried out in partnership and dialogue with local stakeholders. (more…)
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Expedition cruise industry prepares for safe reopening – 62 participants representing 38 member organizations attended AECO’s digital Annual General Meeting
62 participants representing 38 member organizations attended AECO’s digital Annual General Meeting, held on Wednesday October 20. While the pandemic has limited expedition cruising in the Arctic, AECO and the industry has been keeping busy strengthening industry practices. (more…)
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Report from Joint Arctic Search and Rescue Tabletop Exercise published
This week, the report from the most recent “Joint Arctic Search and Rescue Tabletop Exercise” was published. The report highlights how the skillset of expedition staff can be leveraged when establishing and evacuating passengers to a shore camp. (more…)
Oceanwide proudly participates in AECO’s “Cleanup for Sarah”
“Today we’re proud to join once more in AECO’s Cleanup for Sarah campaign, which invites participants to remove litter from nature in memory of environmental agent Sarah Auffret”, said Oceanwide in a press release. (more…)
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AECO / IAATO: Polar tour operators participate in third annual Cleanup for Sarah
People worldwide will be picking litter on beaches, in cities and in their communities for the third year in a row in memory of Sarah Auffret, a beloved member of the polar travel community. (more…)
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AECO: Tour operators’ efforts to tackle Arctic marine litter highlighted in new video
AECO's Clean Seas Project
The Arctic expedition cruise industry has vowed to leave Arctic beaches cleaner than they find them. In addition, they are working to address the problem at its source. The industry’s efforts to combat marine plastic pollution is presented in a new information video. (more…)
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New animation video highlights tourist involvement Arctic beach cleanups
AECO Clean Seas Animation
It would have been an idyllic scene: A remote beach, ice floes in the distance and a lone seabird searching for its next meal. However, what the fulmar gobbles down is more likely to hurt it rather than to nourish it: A piece of plastic. (more…)
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AECO – Community engagement key to a responsible return to Arctic expedition cruising
Once Arctic coastal communities are ready to welcome tourists again, expedition cruise operators can engage with local communities to plan safe and considerate visits. (more…)
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Arctic search and rescue partners pioneer virtual tabletop exercise
For the fifth year in a row, the Arctic expedition cruise industry, search and rescue sector and academia gathered for a joint tabletop exercise. This year, the exercise was organized as a fully virtual event, gathering nearly 130 participants from across the world. (more…)
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The Greenlandic communities of Maniitsoq and Kangerlussuaq launch tourist guidelines
The Greenlandic communities of Maniitsoq and Kangerlussuaq offer unique experiences to travelers. The two communities have now developed “Community Specific Guidelines” to help visitors understand how they can make the most of their stay while being considerate guests. (more…)
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Arctic expedition cruise industry introduces field staff standards
Arctic expedition cruising gives travellers the opportunity to get close to nature, observe wildlife and gain cultural experiences by visiting local communities. (more…)
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AECO: Funding for Arctic oil spill response project
A sum of NOK 360 000 has been awarded to the Norwegian Coastal Administration and AECO through the Arctic Council’s Emergency, Prevention, Preparedness and Response (EPPR) working group. (more…)
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Oceanwide proudly participates in Cleanup for Sarah
FCleanup for Sarah Auffret
In memory of Sarah Auffret, AECO’s environmental agent who tragically passed away March last year, Oceanwide Expeditions took part in an AECO-organized waste removal effort known as Cleanup for Sarah on June 16, her birthday. (more…)
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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. (more…)
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New report encourages research to support Arctic tourism management
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. (more…)
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AECO statement regarding potential Svalbard Tourism Regulations
On December 9, 2019, the Norwegian Government issued a press release stating that the Norwegian Government is considering a generalized ban on heavy fuel oil (HFO), size limitation on passengers ships in Svalbard and other measures to manage growing tourism. (more…)
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Expedition cruise sector continues to combat plastic waste in the Arctic
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. (more…)
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Regulating the booming Arctic cruise industry is proving frustratingly difficult
For wealthy boomers with cash to splash, luxury doesn’t necessarily look like poolside mojitos or glistening golden sands. Instead, it might involve a boat hardened against the ice, traversing the fragile wilds of the Arctic, with the chance to encounter the cliff-face of climate change from the comfort of a five-star suite. (qz.com)
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Sermersooq welcomes visitors with four new community guidelines
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). (more…)
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AECO announced several decisions aimed at strengthening responsible industry practices
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. (more…)
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Lufttransport, AECO and the Governor of Svalbard launch heli-rescue training video
Helirescue training video by AECO, Lufttransport and Governor of Svalbard
The Arctic expedition cruise industry and search and rescue responders are collaborating to enhance preparedness and collaboration. The latest step in this effort is a new video that explains how crew and staff onboard vessels can assist in a helicopter rescue operation. (more…)
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AECO’s Arctic Cruise Conference donates, Thanks to Silversea Cruises, to Tara Ocean Foundation
Representatives from the expedition cruise industry, Arctic stakeholders, authorities and researchers gathered in Oslo this week for AECO’s Arctic Cruise Conference. In addition to the conference and side meetings, attendants were invited to be part of AECO’s traditional Annual Dinner, which took place October 16. (more…)
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