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Travel smart in the arctic

Have you ever thought about how powerful you are as a tourist?

Not only do you take an important decision by choosing where to travel and with which company, but also what you do on your trip can really make a difference, for you, arctic nature and local people.
Dog teams moving across the frozen tundra.

Dog teams moving across the frozen tundra.

© Staffan Widstrand

Finding a good tour operator

There are many good tour operators and providers in the Arctic – like anywhere else – which deserve recognition.

Unfortunately, there is no arctic-wide evaluation or labeling system in place yet which can guide you the way. However, there are local labeling systems in some areas, like in Sweden and the Sustainable Arctic Tourism project might help you to find what you are looking for.

But even without such a formal scheme, there are criteria which can help you to make a better choice, and the Ten Principles for Arctic Tourism can help you ask the right questions.

Read WWF's tips for protecting the environment when you travel anywhere >>

Resources for sustainable travel in the Arctic

Arctic Tourism Associations

These organizations provide tourists with information on alternative travel within their respective region:

bullet Swedish Ecotourism Association
bullet Alaska Wilderness Recreation & Tourism Association
bullet Westfjords Development Agency, Iceland
bullet Wilderness Tourism Association of the Yukon, (Runner up Arctic Award 2000)

Tour operators & outfitters in the Arctic

The following businesses are listed because of the recognition they have received through the WWF Arctic Tourism & Conservation Grant or the Arctic Award for Linking Tourism and Conservation.

Norway
bullet Jann’s Lofoten Adventures Runner up Arctic Award 1999
bullet Svalbard Villmarkssenter Arctic Award winner 2002
bullet Ocean Sounds Arctic Grant recipient 2005

Sweden
bullet Lapplandsafari Arctic Award winner 2000

Alaska
bullet Alaska Wildland Adventures Arctic Award winner 2001
bullet Arctic Treks Arctic Award winner 1999

Canada
bullet Igloolik Outdoor Adventures Runner up Arctic Award 2001
bullet Bathurst Arctic Experiences Arctic Grant recipient 2005

Photos and graphics © WWF or used with permission. Text available under a Creative Commons licence. RSS/Web Feeds

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