Antarctic Travel Season Begins with New Members Joining the Responsible Tourism Fold

The 2026-27 Antarctic season has begun, marking the first season as members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) for three new provisional operators and 18 associates.

IAATO Provisional Operator Ocean Nova has become a full operator after successfully completing its mandatory observation during last year’s expedition season.

Proios, Kenn Boreck Air, Bernard Schulte Cruise Services, heyHusky, Polar Adventure Company, Cruceros Australis, Glacial Expeditions, RZ Turismo eLazer Ltd, Select Health Services, SGL SRL Gualdesi Hnos SR, C&O Travel Inc., Comfort International Travel Service, CYTS Beijing, LATOUR Chile, Shenzhen Dearisland International Travel Service Co., LTD., Sunstone Ship Management Unipessoal S.A., VOLAR S.A., and YPF are IAATO’s newest associate members.

Terra Nova Expeditions, Paganel Studios, and Oceanwide Sail Expeditions have been granted provisional operator status and will undergo an IAATO observation during this season as part of the association’s approval process.

Jørn Henriksen, Chair of IAATO’s Executive Committee, said: “IAATO maintains strict requirements for membership. For applicants to meet those requirements and become a member is no small feat – it’s a reflection of their dedication to safeguarding Antarctica. We are delighted to welcome new members into the organization who share our mission and vision.”

Laura Smith, Chair of IAATO’s Membership Committee, said: “IAATO members commit to upholding the Antarctic Treaty and operating at the highest possible standards in Antarctica – both of which are central to IAATO’s mission.

“I’d like to congratulate our new associates, provisional operators and operators on this milestone in their responsible tourism journey.”  

There are two categories of IAATO membership: operators and associates. Operators (and provisional operators) organize and operate their own travel programs in Antarctica. Associates include companies or individuals interested in supporting IAATO objectives, as well as companies that book customers into operator members' Antarctic programs.

All operators and provisional operators commit to obtaining the relevant permits/authorizations from their national competent authority to operate in Antarctica as a condition of IAATO membership. As part of the application process, all new provisional operators must also carry an IAATO observer on board to review their field operations. For yachts, this is a dockside observation.

New members are voted in at IAATO’s Annual Meeting, this year held in April in Annapolis, MD, USA. Membership is then ratified ahead of the new Antarctic season. Additional associates have been voted in this month via an online ballot.

As the 2026–27 season begins, the latest membership changes are now in effect.