Sustainability is an important part of how Atlantik operates and develops as an Icelandic Destination Management Company. With more than 45 years of experience in Iceland’s tourism industry, we recognise the importance of protecting the natural environment and supporting the communities connected to the destinations in which we work.
For international travel professionals, responsible destination management is also an important consideration in programme planning, supplier selection, and the delivery of high-quality travel experiences. Atlantik approaches these responsibilities through established operational practices, local expertise, and long-standing relationships across Iceland.
Atlantik’s approach is formally supported by Travelife Certified status, the highest level within the Travelife sustainability certification system. This reflects alignment with internationally recognised environmental and social standards. The company was also one of the first Destination Management Companies in Iceland to join Vakinn, Iceland’s official tourism quality assurance organisation.
Rather than treating sustainability as a separate initiative, Atlantik considers it across its workplace practices, resource management, partnerships, and wider operations. Our efforts are also guided by frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, providing a broader reference for environmental and social responsibility.
Reducing Environmental Impact Through Daily Operations
Renewable energy forms part of Atlantik’s approach to managing the environmental impact of its daily operations. Atlantik’s internal sustainability policy specifies the use of renewable electricity in its office operations. Practical measures are also in place to monitor and reduce energy consumption, including energy-efficient equipment, automatic sleep settings, and responsible electricity use.
Natural ventilation is favoured where practical, while employees are encouraged to switch off lights and equipment when they are not needed. Electricity consumption and equipment settings are periodically reviewed to identify opportunities for improved efficiency.
Materials used within the workplace are considered from an environmental perspective as well. Atlantik works with cleaning service providers that demonstrate environmentally responsible practices and hold recognised environmental certifications. The company’s internal policy specifies the use of biodegradable cleaning products and gives preference to contractors using low-VOC paints where relevant. These measures form part of Atlantik’s approach to responsible purchasing and workplace management.
Waste management follows the same practical approach. Atlantik maintains a recycling programme covering materials such as plastics, paper, organic waste, batteries, and ink cartridges. Employees are encouraged to reduce single-use products, choose reusable alternatives, and use digital communication instead of paper where practical. Digital documentation is prioritised where suitable, helping limit unnecessary paper consumption in daily operations.
People, Equality and Responsible Tourism Partnerships
Environmental responsibility represents only one part of Atlantik’s wider approach to sustainability. Social considerations also influence how we work with employees, suppliers, and other partners.
A respectful and inclusive workplace is supported through an approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion that focuses on fairness, representation, accessibility, and equal opportunity. Collaboration across different age groups, genders, cultures, and communities forms part of this approach, alongside efforts to maintain an environment where employees can contribute and work together effectively.
Atlantik’s commitment to fair employment is also reflected in its Equal Pay Certification and its Equality Plan, which has been approved by Iceland’s Directorate of Equality. These measures support transparent employment practices and equal opportunities within the company. Employee wellbeing and professional development are further supported through training, workplace communication, and dedicated human resources support.
Atlantik encourages employees to consider public transportation and carpooling where practical, while recognising that weather conditions, safety, and operational requirements influence commuting decisions. Flexible working arrangements are also supported under company guidelines, helping employees balance workplace responsibilities with practical circumstances.
Partner selection is another area where responsible practices matter. Atlantik prioritises, where possible, organisations whose environmental and ethical values align with our own. Recognised sustainability certifications can also form part of that consideration when assessing potential partners.
For a Destination Management Company, these relationships have a direct connection to how travel programmes are delivered. Hotels, transportation providers, guides, activity operators, restaurants, and other suppliers form part of the wider service network, making responsible cooperation relevant beyond Atlantik’s own offices.
When selecting accommodation providers, Atlantik gives preference, where circumstances allow, to businesses with recognised sustainability certifications. Environmental considerations also form part of the assessment of transportation and excursion providers, alongside safety, service standards, logistical requirements, and the expectations of our international clients. This approach supports the integration of sustainability considerations into the planning and delivery of MICE programmes and other travel experiences across Iceland.
Responsible tourism also involves protecting Iceland’s natural environment and respecting the communities that welcome visitors. Atlantik encourages guests to travel responsibly through sustainability information shared before and during their visits, including guidance on respecting local surroundings. We also seek to work with excursion providers that demonstrate responsible environmental practices, respect for animal welfare, and consideration for local cultures and communities.
Beyond its travel operations, Atlantik contributes to community initiatives through charitable support and local involvement. Recent contributions have included organisations such as ICE-SAR, SOS Children’s Villages, and local sports organisations, reflecting the company’s commitment to supporting communities in Iceland and beyond.
Continuous Improvement in Responsible Tourism
Sustainability requires ongoing evaluation rather than a one-time commitment. Practices need to be reviewed as operating conditions, industry standards, and opportunities for improvement develop.
Atlantik therefore monitors and evaluates its sustainability practices and works with employees, partners, and clients to identify areas where further progress can be made. This keeps sustainability connected to the company’s day-to-day operations rather than treating it as a separate programme.
This work is supported by Atlantik’s Sustainability Coordinator, who oversees the monitoring and evaluation of sustainability practices and reports on progress. The company’s Sustainability Action Plan provides a framework for setting objectives, assigning responsibilities, and reviewing progress over time. Together, these measures help translate sustainability commitments into practical actions and identify areas requiring further attention.
More than four decades of experience in Iceland’s tourism industry provide a long-term perspective on the relationship between tourism, the environment, and local communities. Responsible resource use, careful partner selection, an inclusive workplace, and consideration for local communities form interconnected parts of that responsibility.
For Atlantik, sustainability is an ongoing responsibility that extends from daily workplace practices to the partnerships and travel programmes we deliver across Iceland. Through responsible resource management, considered supplier selection, and continuous evaluation with decades of destination expertise, we aim to support more responsible tourism while maintaining the reliability, operational precision, and professional service our international clients expect.
