AECO COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE AECO is committed to ensuring expedition cruise tourism contributes meaningfully to visited communities. Through community engagement initiatives, AECO and its members work closely with local stakeholders to support mutual benefits and sustainable development. In 2024, AECO’s Community Engagement Committee made strong progress in strengthening ties between Arctic communities and the expedition cruise industry. A key achievement was Inuit Guide Recruitment: through partnerships with Campus Kujalleq and Nalunaiqsijiit, the committee supported the development of local talent in Greenland and Nunavut, leading to successful recruitment of multiple onboard Inuit guides for Quark Expeditions. Several long-term projects are underway. Following the AECO Stakeholder Cruise hosted by Quark Expeditions, AECO is developing clear, passenger-facing import/export guidelines to support ethical and legal purchases during community visits. A draft will be shared with AECO operators and local partners in 2025 to guide responsible purchasing and support year-round tourism development. A seasonally updated Stakeholder Directory is also in progress for Arctic 2025, aimed at streamlining communication, reducing community burden, and promoting a respectful, coordinated engagement approach. Together, these efforts reflect AECO’s commitment to economic collaboration and respectful, community-centered operations in the Arctic.
Sustainability Report 2024: Our Commitment to Conservation & Community | 45
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