Tagged: Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO)



Optimal Balance – tourism management workshop in Longyearbyen

AECO (Logo)This week a workshop focusing on a balanced approach to tourism development in Svalbard has taken place in Longyearbyen. The event which was spread over three days has seen many speakers and participants join together to discuss, define and pitch research projects that can help Svalbard find the optimal balance in tourist development. (more…)



Cruise tourism brought Svalbard NOK 110 million in earnings in 2018

Longyearbyen Community Guidelines

A new study of the economic impact of cruise tourism in Svalbard shows that expedition and conventional cruise ships made a substantial contribution to the local economy by purchasing goods and services for more than USD 12 million last year. (more…)















AECO to combat marine plastic litter

AECO (Logo)Armed with NOK 2.43 million in funding, UN backing and thousands of volunteers, AECO is taking on one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time: marine plastic pollution. As part of the UN Environment Clean Seas campaign, AECO will work to drastically cut back on single-use plastics on Arctic expedition cruise vessels, as well as enhance cruise passengers’ involvement in regular beach cleanups. (more…)



New Wildlife Guidelines from the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO)

Seeing wildlife in its natural habitat is a major attraction for travelers visiting the Arctic. New Wildlife Guidelines from the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) aim to help nature lovers enjoy the Arctic fauna safely and without disturbing the birds and animals that they are admiring. (more…)

AECO’s Arctic Cruise Conference examines growth, challenges and opportunities

Glaciers, ice-filled waters and polar bears are some of the sights that draw tourists to the Arctic. (Photo: Frigg Jørgensen, AECO)

Arctic expedition cruising is more popular than ever. New vessels, technology, operators and customer groups will shape the sector’s development in the years to come. This week, major operators and other stakeholders gather in Oslo to discuss how the industry should manage growth. (more…)









Polar Tour Operators Hold First Antarctic/Arctic Field Guide Conference

The poles are combining forces in Toronto next week at a unique conference for polar field staff organized by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) in collaboration with its sister organization in the Arctic, the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO). (more…)





Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), receive funding to develop more Wildlife Guidelines

At a board meeting held in Longyearbyen on April 24th Svalbard Environmental Protection Fund decided to grant Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) 160.000 NOK (approximately 20.000 USD) to develop more Wildlife Guidelines – one of AECO’s many tools to support sustainable tourism in the Arctic. (more…)