Our Sustainability Policy 

As a leading DMC that has been at the forefront of the cruise ship business in Iceland for over 40 years we aim to shape the future of holidays while also taking responsibility for making our ecosystem more sustainable. In alignment with this mission, Atlantik has demonstrated a deep dedication to sustainability, making it the first Destination Management Company (DMC) in Iceland to join Vakinn in 2012, which is Iceland’s Official Tourism Quality Assurance Organization. Overall, Atlantik operations are guided by strong ethical principles, focusing on the three pillars of sustainability: economical, social, and environmental.

This policy outlines our commitment to responsible service delivery, offering innovative and diverse products to our esteemed clients. It covers not only our efforts to minimise environmental damage but also the measures we take to ensure the health and safety of our employees and partners. Furthermore, Atlantik is dedicated to developing, operating, and promoting our tourism services in a sustainable manner. In pursuit of this goal, we have partnered with ‘Travelife for Tour Operators and Travel Agents certification scheme to guide our journey toward greater sustainability. By taking action now, we can ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of our world.

However, we understand that we cannot achieve this alone. It is only by working together with our clients, suppliers, partners, and colleagues that we can increase support for sustainable tourism. Achieving sustainable tourism requires a collective commitment as we all have a responsibility to protect the environment and respect local traditions through education, planning, and action. Sustainability in tourism is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring and adjustment of policies as the industry evolves.

Atlantik is dedicated to enhancing our focus on sustainability goals through the implementation of this sustainability policy and the adoption of the following operational practices:

I. Sustainability Management

Atlantik has appointed an experienced team member as a Sustainability Coordinator who plays a vital role in overseeing and coordinating our sustainability initiatives. With a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and social impact, Atlantik recognizes the importance of having a designated individual who focuses on driving sustainable practices throughout the organisation.

The Sustainability Coordinator’s main responsibilities encompass various aspects of sustainability management. Firstly, a crucial aspect of the Sustainability Coordinator’s role is to monitor and measure the effectiveness of our sustainability initiatives. She tracks progress regularly, generating reports to communicate the company’s sustainability performance to management and stakeholders, including Travelife. This enables us to identify successes, address challenges, and continuously improve our sustainability efforts.

Additionally, the Sustainability Coordinator stays informed about emerging sustainability trends, regulations, and best practices. She conducts research and benchmarking exercises to ensure Atlantik remains at the forefront of sustainable business practices within the industry. Overall, the Sustainability Coordinator’s role at Atlantik is essential in driving our commitment to sustainability. Through her diligent oversight and coordination of sustainability initiatives, she helps the company to integrate sustainable practices into every aspect of our operations, promoting environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

II. The Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations

In 2015, the United Nations introduced the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a comprehensive framework for addressing global sustainability challenges. Atlantik recognizes the significance of these goals and by focusing on these specific goals, we aim to maximize our impact and contribute effectively to sustainable development.

Respecting and utilizing the SDGs as a framework not only demonstrates our commitment to global sustainability but also allows us to align our efforts with a broader global agenda. Through our dedication to these goals, we strive to create a positive impact on the environment, society, and the communities we engage with, while advancing sustainable tourism practices.

III. Internal management: Good health and Well-being of Staff

Atlantik attaches great importance to the well-being of its employees. We put our employees first and by so we receive the best out of them. As a result, we create committed employees who dare to take responsibility. Atlantik works at the destinations with partners that offer good working conditions, equal opportunities and fair wages to the employees. We provide good facilities and a healthy and safe working environment.

Overall, Atlantik maintains a clear human resource policy to ensure:

• Legal compliance in all regards
• A safe, healthy, and welcoming workplace
• Fair contract conditions including fair compensation
• Inclusion and equal opportunity for all employees in all aspects of the company such as with regards to recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, professional development, training and promotions.
• Training opportunities including trainings on topics of sustainability
• Ensure that employees understand our environmental policy and conform to the standards it requires
• Hybrid working environment
• Open communication and feedback loops

IV. Internal management: Environment

At Atlantik, we are fully committed to minimizing the direct impact of the internal management of our business operations on the environment.

We have the following measures in place:

• All our electricity and heating is from 100% green resources
• Minimize the use of disposable and consumer goods
• Waste recycling program that all staff members comply with
• Follow all local and national regulations concerning the environmental laws
• Procure office supply locally, seasonally, fair trade and sustainability certified whenever possible
• Prioritize sustainable products such as tea, sugar, and milk when possible.
• Print only when absolutely necessary, and when printing, always print double-sided on grayscale. Paper must always be FSC or equivalent certified, with preference for the highest percentage post-consumer materials
• All equipment and lighting is energy-efficient certified (Energy Star Certification & Led lights) and turned off/unplugged/on sleep mode when not in use
• Ensure a clean and safe workplace with an environmentally certified cleaning company
• Update our Sustainability Policy annually in consultation of the Sustainability Coordinator of Atlantik, staff and partners

V. Partners

Activities

Atlantik prefers to work with partners that share the company’s commitment towards sustainability. This means that we prefer partners that have a written sustainability statement as an integral part of their business policy and/or a clear sustainability policy in place.

Whenever possible, Atlantik prefers to select partner companies that comply with tourism-specific, internationally recognized certifications, or other sustainability certifications like B Corp or ISO. In our selection process for new partners, we place significant importance on their sustainability performance.

If there is substantial evidence indicating that contracted accommodations pose a threat to the provision or sustainability of fundamental services such as food, water, energy, healthcare, or soil to the surrounding communities, it may serve as grounds for terminating the partnership with the said accommodation.

Atlantik partners with excursion providers that adhere and demonstrate respect for the following principles:

• Environmental Conservation: Preserving the environment is a priority for us. We actively seek and prioritize partnerships with excursion providers who share our commitment to environmental sustainability and should not engage in activities that cause harm, distress, or exploitation of the environment. Our contracted companies should take measures to minimize their impact on the environment, including proper waste management, responsible energy and water usage, and adherence to local conservation regulations.
• Animal Welfare: We recognize the importance of treating animals with care and dignity. Our contracted companies are required to uphold high standards of animal welfare and should not engage in activities that cause harm, distress, or exploitation of animals. Excursions involving wildlife encounters should be conducted in accordance with ethical guidelines and regulations. Furthermore, we do not support the provision of meals that include vulnerable or endangered animals. We are dedicated to the preservation of such species and believe that consuming them is incompatible with our values. 
• Human Well-being: We prioritize the safety and well-being of our customers and local communities. Our contracted companies should not offer products or services that pose risks to human health or safety. They should adhere to all relevant health and safety guidelines and have appropriate insurance coverage.
• Social and Cultural Acceptability: We respect the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of our customers and the communities we engage with. Our contracted companies should not offer products or services that may be considered socially or culturally unacceptable, discriminatory, or exploitative.

We are committed to regularly reviewing and assessing our partnerships to ensure that they align with our sustainability goals, ethics and values. Our evaluation process includes monitoring compliance, collecting feedback from clients and local stakeholders.

Through these efforts, we strive to create a network of partners who are actively engaged in promoting sustainability in the tourism industry. By working collectively towards sustainable goals, we can drive positive change, foster innovation, and contribute to the long-term preservation of the destinations we operate in.

Accommodation

Our commitment to sustainability extends to our accommodation suppliers, as we believe they play a crucial role in achieving our sustainability goals. When circumstances permit, we prioritize accommodation providers who have acquired certifications from globally recognized sustainability certification programs as these certifications validate their commitment to environmental responsibility and social engagement.

Tour leaders and guides

The Atlantik team comprises highly skilled individuals who possess the requisite qualifications, including relevant education and extensive job experience, tailored to their respective roles. Our tour guides are either certified by the Iceland Tourist Guide College, authorized by the Icelandic Tourist Board and approved by the Ministry of Education, or possess substantial knowledge and academic accreditation in their field.

To prioritize the safety and well-being of our employees, including tour guides, all staff members undergo comprehensive first aid and first response training conducted by certified instructors. Additionally, as part of our onboarding process, new staff members receive an introduction training program that encompasses two essential components.

The first component involves standard job training, which familiarizes new employees with their specific job responsibilities, work methods mandated by Atlantik, and technical training encompassing software proficiency if required for their roles. The second component focuses on SMS (Safety Management System) safety training. During this training, staff members gain a comprehensive understanding of Atlantik’s Safety Management System, safety procedures, policies, and best practices.

We recognize the crucial role guides play as intermediaries between guests and the socio-cultural and environmental aspects of the destination. Therefore, Atlantik places great importance on ensuring that all guides hired are aware of the significance of responsible conduct in their role.

X. Marketing messages and Product Information

When it comes to marketing messages and product information, Atlantik maintains a commitment to integrity and transparency. We never make promises that exceed our capacity or create false impressions of the destinations where we operate. Taking full responsibility for our actions, we strive to generate a positive impact on the environment, customers, employees, and communities.

We continuously monitor and ensure active compliance with the ethical standards, the spirit of the law, and international values. During our customers’ journey with Atlantik, we provide comprehensive support, and guidelines are in place to handle emergency situations effectively. Our aim is to offer a seamless and secure experience while upholding our commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism.

If you have any questions regarding Sustainability please do not hesitate to contact our Sustainability Manager: semina@atlanik.is