As people who live very close to the natural world we are genuinely proactive in working to minimise the environmental impacts associated with our operations. We are dedicated to the preservation, protection, and improvement of the living systems in Iceland, which serve as the foundation for our business and the broader human economy. We actively take steps to manage and reduce these impacts, safeguard the well-being of individuals in our supply chain, and work alongside aligned partners to support responsible tourism practices. 

Ultimately, our mission at Atlantik is to understand and reduce the environmental and social impacts associated with our operations. Our guests become part of a journey that celebrates responsible travel, respect for Iceland’s environment and respect for local communities.

As a leading DMC, Atlantik has been at the forefront of the cruise ship business in Iceland for over 45 years. Since 1999, we have also focused on the MICE market, where we aim to shape the future of holidays while taking responsibility for understanding and reducing the environmental and social impacts associated with our operations. In alignment with this mission, Atlantik has demonstrated a deep dedication to responsible tourism practices. 

In 2012, we became one of the first four companies in Iceland, and the first Destination Management Company (DMC) to join Vakinn, Iceland’s Official Tourism Quality Assurance Organization.

Overall, Atlantik operations are guided by strong ethical principles, focusing on the three pillars of sustainability: economic, social, and environmental. This policy outlines our commitment to providing services in accordance with the environmental and social practices described in this policy while offering innovative and diverse travel products that meet the needs of our 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 with consideration  for their environmental and social impacts.

In pursuit of this goal, we have partnered with Travelife for Tour Operators and Travel Agents certification scheme to support the implementation and continuous improvement of our environmental and social practices. By taking action now, we aim to contribute to the protection of the natural and social environments on which tourism depends. 

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 responsible tourism. Improving environmental and social practices in tourism requires a collective commitment as we all have a responsibility to protect the environment and respect local traditions through education, planning, and action. Responsible tourism is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring and adjustment of policies as the industry evolves. 

Atlantik’s management fully supports and endorses the company’s sustainability mission, Sustainability Policy and Sustainability Action Plan and is committed to the continuous improvement of our environmental and social performance. 

2.1. Sustainability Coordinator: Atlantik has appointed 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 coordinating environmental and social 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 identify relevant developments and opportunities to improve Atlantik’s practices. Overall, the Sustainability Coordinator’s role at Atlantik is essential in coordinating our sustainability commitments. Through her diligent oversight and coordination of sustainability initiatives, she helps the company to integrate environmental and social considerations into our operations, promoting environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

2.2. Sustainability Action Plan: Atlantik maintains a Sustainability Action Plan to translate the commitments of this policy into practical actions. The action plan includes sustainability objectives, actions, measures, responsibilities and timelines and is reviewed and updated regularly.

Progress is monitored by the Sustainability Coordinator in cooperation with management and relevant employees. Where objectives or actions are not achieved, appropriate corrective measures are considered as part of our commitment to continuous improvement. 

2.3. Internal Sustainability Policy : This Sustainability Policy is supported by Atlantik’s Internal Sustainability Policy, which sets out the environmental practices and responsibilities applicable to our internal operations and employees.

Together with our Sustainability Action Plan, these policies provide the framework for implementing, monitoring and continuously improving Atlantik’s environmental and social practices.  

2.4. Resources and Responsibilities: Atlantik commits appropriate organisational resources to implementing sustainability commitments, including management support, Sustainability Coordinator oversight, employee involvement, training, monitoring and reporting, and the operational resources necessary to carry out the actions identified in our policies and Sustainability Action Plan.

Sustainability is a shared responsibility. Management is expected to support the implementation of our sustainability commitments, while employees are expected to follow the sustainability practices relevant to their roles.  

Atlantik also expects and encourages suppliers, partners, guides and other representatives working on our behalf to support responsible environmental and social practices. 

2.5. Travelife Reporting: Atlantik uses the Travelife platform to report on our sustainability progress and monitor and evaluate our performance. We report our sustainability performance through the Travelife reporting and certification process every two years and publicly communicate key sustainability results on our website.

3.1. Sustainable Development Goals: 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 use them as a framework to guide our environmental and social activities .

Through the actions described in this policy, we seek to contribute to relevant environmental, social and community objectives while supporting responsible tourism practices.

3.2. Legal Compliance and Ethical Business Conduct: Atlantik is committed to conducting its business responsibly and in accordance with applicable local, national and international laws and regulations relevant to our operations. We are committed to fair and ethical business practices, respect for human rights, equal opportunity and non-discrimination.

Atlantik does not tolerate bribery, corruption, harassment, discrimination, forced or compulsory labour, human trafficking, modern slavery or child labour within our operations. We expect suppliers and business partners working with Atlantik to respect the same fundamental principles and comply with applicable labour, human rights and anti-corruption requirements. 

Atlantik maintains internal Human Resources and Anti-Bribery policies that support these commitments and guide responsible conduct within the organisation.

3.3. Reporting Concerns and Non-Retaliation: Atlantik encourages employees to raise concerns regarding suspected misconduct, unethical behaviour, harassment, discrimination, bribery, corruption, human rights concerns or other breaches of company policies.

Employees may use Atlantik’s established reporting channels, including anonymous reporting. Concerns will be handled appropriately and confidentially in accordance with Atlantik’s internal procedures. 

Atlantik does not tolerate retaliation against any person who raises a concern in good faith or participates in an investigation. Any form of retaliation itself may be treated as a breach of company policy.

3.4. Good Health and Well-being of Staff: Atlantik attaches great importance to the well-being of its employees. We put our employees first and aim to create a workplace where they feel valued, supported and empowered to take responsibility. Atlantik works at the destinations with partners that are expected to provide good working conditions, equal opportunities and fair employment practices. 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 training on topics of sustainability
• Ensure that employees understand our sustainability policy and conform to the standards it requires
• Hybrid working environment
• Open communication and feedback loops

3.5. Environmental Responsibility: At Atlantik, we are fully committed to understanding and reducing the direct environmental impacts associated with our internal business operations.

We have the following measures in place: 

• We monitor our energy use and take measures to reduce electricity and heating consumption in our office operations.
• 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 
• Where practical, give preference to locally sourced, seasonal, Fairtrade or appropriately certified office supplies
• Give preference, where practical, to products carrying relevant environmental or sustainability certifications.
• Print only when necessary, and when printing, print double-sided on grayscale. We give preference to FSC or equivalent certified paper
• Where applicable, give preference to equipment carrying recognised energy-efficiency certifications, including ENERGY STAR, and use LED lighting. Equipment is turned off, unplugged or placed in sleep mode when not in use.
• Use a cleaning company holding relevant third-party environmental certification 
• Update our Sustainability Policy annually in consultation with the Sustainability Coordinator of Atlantik, staff and partners 

Atlantik’s Internal Sustainability Policy provides further guidance for the responsible use of energy, water and materials, waste reduction and recycling, pollution prevention, responsible purchasing and staff mobility practices. 

3.6. Carbon Management: Atlantik is committed to understanding and reducing the carbon footprint associated with its operations. We calculate and monitor our carbon emissions to identify opportunities for improvement and support informed environmental management decisions.

Where practical, we seek to reduce emissions through responsible energy use, changes to working practices and consideration of lower-emission transportation options. 

For business-related events and conferences, Atlantik seeks, where possible, to participate in events and venues that demonstrate recognised sustainability practices or certifications. 

Atlantik expects its suppliers and business partners to conduct their activities responsibly and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. We expect our partners to respect human rights and fair labour practices, provide safe working conditions, prevent discrimination and harassment, forced labour, human trafficking and child labour, act with integrity and without bribery or corruption, and seek to minimise adverse environmental impacts.   

Where relevant, environmental considerations include responsible use of energy and water, waste reduction, pollution prevention, protection of nature and biodiversity, and responsible sourcing. 

Atlantik seeks to work collaboratively with suppliers to encourage continuous improvement in environmental and social practices. Where serious or persistent non-compliance with applicable requirements or Atlantik’s fundamental sustainability principles are identified, Atlantik may request corrective action and, where appropriate, reconsider the business relationship. 

4.1. Accommodation: Our commitment to responsible tourism practices extends to our accommodation suppliers, as we believe they play a crucial role in reducing the environmental and social impacts associated with tourism.

When circumstances permit, we prioritize accommodation providers who have acquired certifications from recognized sustainability certification programs as these certifications provide assessment against the requirements of the relevant certification scheme.

4.2. Transportation: When selecting transportation and other operational services, Atlantik considers environmental factors where practical, while taking into consideration safety, availability, operational requirements, route, distance and service quality.

4.3. Activities and Excursions: Atlantik prefers to work with partners that share the company’s commitment to responsible environmental and social practices. 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 relevant third-party certification schemes. In our selection process for new partners, we consider their documented environmental and social practices.

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.

Where appropriate, Atlantik recommends tours and activities selected with consideration for environmental practices and relevant certifications and encourages responsible conduct when visiting destinations across Iceland.

Atlantik seeks to partner with excursion providers that 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 demonstrate responsible environmental practices 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.
• Forbidden Souvenirs: Atlantik does not allow or promote the purchase of souvenirs containing threatened or protected flora and fauna species, including species covered by CITES or identified on relevant IUCN Red Lists. This includes illegally obtained wildlife, plants, eggs, feathers or other animal or plant products. We do not allow the purchase of illegally obtained historic or archaeological artefacts, drugs, illegal substances or other prohibited products, and expect our suppliers, guides, partners and guests to comply with applicable local and international laws governing their purchase, possession, transport and export.
• 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 in. 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 and taking into consideration relevant feedback received from clients and other stakeholders where applicable.

Through these efforts, we strive to create a network of partners who are actively engaged in improving environmental and social practices in tourism. By working collectively towards these objectives, we aim to support continuous improvement and contribute to the protection of Iceland’s environment and communities.

4.4. 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 hold a degree from certified programs for Icelandic guiding, possess substantial knowledge and academic accreditation in their field, or have extensive guiding experience in Iceland.

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.

Atlantik is committed to supporting local communities in Iceland through the activities described below.

We support local and social initiatives through community involvement, charitable contributions and employee participation. Our support includes initiatives relating to community wellbeing, emergency and rescue services, sport and social causes.  

We also seek, where practical, to support local businesses and services through our operations. 

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 seek to understand and manage relevant environmental and social impacts associated with our operations and services. 

We continuously monitor and seek to comply with applicable legal requirements and relevant ethical standards. 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 responsible tourism practices. 

Atlantik is committed to communicating its sustainability practices and achievements truthfully and transparently. We ensure that environmental and sustainability claims made in our communications are specific, accurate and supported by appropriate evidence relating to the scope of the claim. 

Atlantik respects the privacy of its customers and handles personal information in accordance with applicable data-protection requirements, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). 

All Atlantik employees share responsibility for supporting the implementation of this Sustainability Policy within their respective roles. The implementation and monitoring of the policy is coordinated by the Sustainability Coordinator with the support of management and employees. 

Atlantik will monitor and review its sustainability practices and commitments to identify opportunities for improvement and to ensure that this policy remains relevant to our operations. This Sustainability Policy will be reviewed annually and updated where necessary.