Arctic Adventures, one of Iceland’s leading adventure travel companies, has renewed its Vakinn accreditation, achieving the distinguished Gold-Class Environmental Certificate in the tourism services category. The award marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to prioritize sustainability, safety, and ethical travel.
Vakinn, the official quality and environmental system of the Icelandic Tourist Board, is designed to promote responsible travel practices and help travelers identify operators who uphold the highest standards. Gold-Class status represents the program’s most rigorous certification, awarded only to companies that demonstrate exceptional commitment to professionalism, safety, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.
Arctic Adventures has maintained Vakinn certification for several years, but its most recent audit elevated it once again to the top tier of recognition. The company was assessed across a wide range of criteria, including how it minimizes environmental impact, promotes conservation, and ensures safe and respectful experiences for travelers exploring Iceland’s landscapes.
To qualify for Gold-Class status, operators must also provide education for both staff and guests on responsible travel practices. For Arctic Adventures, this has meant integrating environmental awareness into every stage of its tours, from glacier hikes and snorkeling excursions to multi-day trekking adventures.
“We see this certification not as a finish line, but as a reflection of how far we’ve come together,” said Francois Denis, Head of Health & Safety at Arctic Adventures. “Our colleagues, our partners, and our guests all play a role in protecting Iceland’s natural wonders, and we’re proud to keep raising the bar as a team.”
The company’s sustainability initiatives extend beyond meeting certification requirements. Arctic Adventures has pledged to continually improve operations by reducing waste, offsetting carbon emissions, and expanding eco-conscious travel opportunities. Its efforts also support local communities and conservation projects, strengthening the connection between tourism and environmental responsibility.
By achieving Vakinn’s Gold-Class recognition, Arctic Adventures joins a select group of Icelandic operators setting the standard for mindful travel. For guests, the certification serves as a trusted mark of quality and ethics, ensuring that every tour is both safe and environmentally responsible.
With Iceland’s popularity as a destination continuing to grow, Arctic Adventures’ leadership in sustainable tourism highlights how adventure and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
Travelers can learn more about Vakinn’s Sustainable Tourism system and explore Arctic Adventures’ certified tours at arcticadventures.is.