Sustainable Polar Tourism

The sustainability of polar tourism is one of the most pressing—and controversial—questions we face at Polartours. We don’t take this topic lightly. In this article, we explain how polar tourism is strictly regulated, what our role as a marketplace is, and how you can make an informed decision—and travel responsibly, if you choose to go.

We get a lot of criticism on social media. People accuse us of promoting the destruction of the last pristine places on Earth. They say polar tourism should be banned, that it’s arrogant, irresponsible—even shameful. We take that criticism seriously. Because they’re not wrong to be worried.

The polar regions are among the most fragile environments on the planet. The impact of climate change is accelerating here faster than anywhere else. If tourism here isn't done with absolute care, it shouldn’t be done at all. And yet: we believe there is a responsible way to travel to these places.

Exploring the world is a profound experience. Travel expands our perspective and awakens us to the beauty and complexity of the planet. Exploration is part of who we are—the farther, the more remote, the more it calls to us. And we all know: polar tourism isn’t going away. Even if it were banned in one country, it would simply shift elsewhere. The polar regions are vast and shared by many nations—blanket restrictions are unrealistic. And if left unregulated, tourism would do more harm than good. That’s why we believe in this approach instead:

• Transparency over greenwashing
• Strict regulation over open access
• Empowered, informed travelers over passive consumers

Polartours only features IAATO and/or AECO member operators—these leading associations define best practices for safety and environmental stewardship. IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) enforces strict rules on landings, wildlife distances, fuel use, and group sizes. No ships with more than 200 passengers can land. AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators): Adds cultural sensitivity, biosecurity tools, and guidance on microplastics, indigenous engagement, and historical site protection.

Membership is voluntary—but operators use these standards to prove their commitment to responsible travel.

Unlike mass-market cruises, polar voyages are intimate and expedition-focused: most vessels carry fewer than 200 guests. Smaller ships mean fewer impacts on landing sites and allow greater flexibility to operate safely around wildlife and ice.

We equip you with knowledge as part of your expedition experience:

• Stay close to your licensed guide during landings
• Never disturb or feed wildlife
• Follow Leave‑No‑Trace principles: take nothing, leave nothing behind
• Avoid bringing any external organic items aboard
• Respect wildlife zones and historic sites—IAATO/AECO rules are there for a reason

Here a video by Benno, the founder of Polartours, on the topic of responsible behaviour on shore:

We are certified by TourCert and undergo a detailed review of all business areas every two years. TourCert GmbH is a non-profit organization for certifications in tourism and has set itself the task of promoting ecological, social, and economic corporate responsibility in tourism.

The V Social Foundation is a non-profit organization that has working to support community-based tourism groups for more than 20 years. With a focus on sustainability and local development needs, the foundation helps strengthen local communities in the places we visit, preserve culture, and partner with them on the path to self-management. Many of our trips include a donation to V Social, and our travelers have the opportunity to visit projects during their travels to witness the positive impact community-based tourism has on both travelers and host communities.

Our team is a passionate, international group of polar enthusiasts who deeply care about Antarctica and the Arctic. We believe that living our values makes us better at what we do, which is why we regularly set aside time for company-wide initiatives. Regular "Fair Days" give back to our communities—whether by supporting local charities or helping clean up the environment.

To ensure we stay true to our commitments, our dedicated CSR team meets regularly with representatives to review our practices and make sure we’re putting our values into action. We also work closely with the V Social Foundation and ensure that every decision we make, from the executive level to operations on the ground, is made with our commitment to responsible travel in mind.

We’re committed to work-life balance and invest in the personal and professional growth of our team, ensuring that passion and purpose drive everything we do. We live, breathe, and deliver on our values, and so do our suppliers. Improving the lives of the people we work with, those who work with us, and their families is paramount to us.

A portion of your trip price goes toward Ventura’s Conservation Project, an initiative of the V Social Foundation launching in 2024. The conservation project will work with local people to give them ownership of their territory, protect the environment through reforestation and regeneration efforts, and prepare the community for taking over control of the project within five years. So, your trip contributes to environmental protection and truly shows how travel can be a force for good! Together, we’re developing something really special. Stay tuned for more details about how you are part of making a difference through tourism.

As an active member of the Round Table on Human Rights in Tourism for many years, we verify that for all our trips and our partners respect the legal provisions in terms of wages and employment, especially for young people. Moreover, through the V Social Foundation, we actively support local communities in defending human rights by promoting gender equality, building capacity for access to quality jobs, and strengthening cultural identity to prevent discrimination. See here: https://www.vsocialfoundation.org/what-we-do

The Forum Anders Reisen e.V. is an association of travel companies that are committed to sustainable tourism. The travel experiences offered by their members are oriented towards people and the environment, use local resources carefully and purposefully, and treat foreign cultures with respect. The forum Anders Reisen was founded in 1998 and has around 130 members.

Responsible travel is a way of life. Embracing sustainability not only ensures the preservation of natural wonders and local cultures, but also fosters a deeper appreciation for how interconnected we are with other people and the environment.

To find out more about our work, our style of travel, or how you can get involved, talk with your travel specialist.

• Follow our commitment to change by subscribing to the V Social newsletter
• Get inspired by signing up for our newsletter
• See the impact of travel for good on one of our trips!

Still unsure where you stand on polar tourism? We believe that making an informed decision is the first step toward responsible travel. Here are a few trusted sources that explore the risks, regulations, and potential benefits of visiting the Arctic and Antarctica:

• UNWTO Report – Tourism in Polar Regions
  A 2023 overview by the UN World Tourism Organization on how polar tourism can be managed responsibly, with a focus on sustainability and local benefit.
• Cambridge Prisms: The Future of Sustainable Polar Ship-Based Tourism
  A peer-reviewed analysis of IAATO and AECO's effectiveness, concluding that they are among the most robust regulatory tools for wilderness visitor management.
• AECO & Arctic Council – Sustainable Tourism in the Arctic
  A practical guide from AECO and the Arctic Council on how expedition operators and guests can minimize their impact in the high north.
• Sustainable Travel Tips for the Arctic and Antarctica A practica guide to behaving responsibly ashore, on our Polartours Blog.

At Polartours, we are committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all users, including individuals with disabilities. We strive to adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards. Known Accessibility Limitations:

• Some images may lack alternative text.
• Certain color contrasts may not meet recommended ratios.
• Some forms may not have properly associated labels.

We are actively working to address these issues. If you encounter any accessibility barriers, please contact us at [email protected].