2012 Press Releases
IAATO reminds travel agents and tour operators with Japan-based clients about Antarctic travel requirements from Japanese Ministry of the Environment
February 21, Providence, RI. In an effort to assist travel agents and tour operators with Antarctica travel planning for their Japanese clients and foreign residents of Japan, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) is making new information available from the Japanese Ministry of the Environment.
“Japanese nationals, as well as citizens of other countries who live in Japan, intending to visit Antarctica are required to notify the Ministry of the Environment prior to their trip,” according to Steve Wellmeier, executive director of IAATO. “While this isn’t a new requirement and is usually handled efficiently by the tour operator, it is sometimes overlooked by Japanese citizens traveling with non-Japanese companies, expatriates residing in Japan, or by travel agents who aren’t aware of the regulation.”
Wellmeier added that no special permit is typically required, only that the traveler, their travel agent or tour operator notifies the Ministry by email with relevant information.
IAATO Continues its Educational Campaign for Antarctica-bound Yachts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE...
February 21, Providence, RI. Following a good response to its public awareness campaign focusing on yacht operators, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has continued its efforts during the current 2011-12 season to educate those bound for Antarctica aboard sailing or motor vessels.
The ongoing campaign consists of updated free information for yacht operators on the IAATO website, a revised “Sailing to Antarctica?” multi-language pamphlet, and posters displayed in popular yacht clubs and port authorities in southern Argentina and Chile, the most common launching points for yacht expeditions to Antarctica. Both the pamphlets and the posters – in English, French and Spanish – are available in electronic PDF format for downloading from the IAATO website.
“Our members – including a number of veteran Antarctic yacht operators – have come together over the years to initiate and put into practice operational standards that promote safety and mitigate potential environmental impacts,” noted IAATO Executive Director Steve Wellmeier. “The goal for the outreach campaign is simple: to share these best practices with non-IAATO yacht owners – both private and charter operators – so that they understand the responsibilities and commitment necessary to protect themselves and to preserve the unspoiled Antarctic environment.”