About Us

From the Executive Director

Antarctica’s early visitors ushered in the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration (1898–1922) when legendary adventurers like Amundsen, Shackleton, and Scott set out to explore the White Continent. Decades later, in 1969, a new wave of visitors arrived, not as explorers but as tourists, travelling aboard repurposed ferries, ex-military ships, and vessels explicitly designed for tourism. This marked the beginning of modern Antarctic travel.

As interest in the region grew, seven private tour operators came together in 1991 to form the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). Their mission was clear: to establish the highest possible standards for safe, responsible, and environmentally conscious travel in this remote and fragile wilderness.

Today, more than 100,000 tourists visit Antarctica annually, with most choosing to travel with an IAATO Operator. I first set foot on an expedition ship as a guest with my grandparents during a gap year before medical school. I had never been on an ocean-going vessel, and the experience was transformative. What was a family trip, led to me getting hired for my first contract onboard an expedition vessel in Antarctica.  The raw, untouched beauty of the continent changed my life forever. That is Antarctica’s power: it inspires. Those fortunate enough to witness its majesty often feel a deep responsibility to protect it.

This shared sense of responsibility unites IAATO’s diverse membership, which includes ship and land-based operators, travel agents, ship agents, and nonprofit organizations. Together, we have developed extensive procedures and strict guidelines to ensure that private-sector tourism in Antarctica remains safe, sustainable, and with environmental best practices at its core. This level of proactive self-management is rare in global tourism, particularly in such sensitive ecosystems.

As leaders in responsible travel, IAATO members extend their expertise far beyond Antarctica, operating in other fragile environments like the Arctic and the Galápagos. Their experience, knowledge and commitment help promote responsible tourism practices in remote regions worldwide.

IAATO is also deeply invested in supporting scientific research and collaborating with environmental experts. We work closely with governments and scientific institutions, participating in the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting and other international forums to uphold the continent’s status as a “natural reserve dedicated to peace and science.” Antarctica stands as a unique example of international cooperation, with more than 50 countries working together within the Antarctic Treaty System to preserve its pristine environment. IAATO’s self-management model demonstrates that environmentally responsible tourism is not only possible but essential in such delicate landscapes.

Visiting Antarctica is a privilege, one that comes with the responsibility to tread lightly. We believe that well-managed, environmentally responsible expeditions foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world. By inspiring travellers to become Antarctic Ambassadors, we ensure that this extraordinary place remains protected for future generations.