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  "description": "As Antarctic tourism grows, industry leadership is under pressure to balance access with conservation, making governance standards central to the future of polar travel. ",
  "path": "/vikings-jorn-henriksen-elected-chair-of-iaato-executive-committee/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-22T11:37:11.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.cruisenews.io",
  "textContent": "Jørn Henriksen, Viking’s director of expedition operations, has been appointed chair of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators’ executive committee following a member vote at IAATO’s annual meeting in Annapolis, Maryland. The meeting was held April 21 to 23.\n\nHenriksen succeeds John McKeon, co-founder and owner of Polar Latitudes, who stepped down after reaching the committee’s five-year term limit, including two years as chair.\n\nHenriksen has worked in Antarctic travel since 2000 and has been an IAATO member since 2005. He joined the executive committee in 2024 and previously chaired the association’s bylaws committee.\n\n“Having served on the executive committee for two years, I have seen the work that goes into guiding IAATO’s core values,” Henriksen said. “I’m passionate about the work we do as a responsible tourism organisation, and I’m honoured to now serve as chair of the executive committee.”\n\nIAATO also added three executive committee members: Kim Crosbie, director and chair of the board at Noble Caledonia; Iain McNeill, chief operating officer at HX; and Kara Weller, senior manager of expedition operations at Seabourn.\n\nThe new members join Diana Galimberti, senior advisor at Antarctica21, and Sibrand Hassing, director of marine and port operations at Holland America Line. Both were appointed to the committee in 2021.\n\nIAATO’s role in Antarctic tourism includes voluntary operating standards intended to limit visitor impact, protect wildlife and support safe operations. Its guidance covers areas such as wildlife-viewing distances, biosecurity for clothing and equipment, landing-site procedures, waste reduction, drone use and site-specific Antarctic Treaty guidelines.\n\n“Our executive committee plays an essential role in guiding IAATO’s priorities and vision each season,” said Lisa Kelley, IAATO’s executive director. “I welcome our new members and chair and look forward to collaborating as a team.”",
  "title": "Viking’s Jørn Henriksen Elected Chair of IAATO Executive Committee",
  "updatedAt": "2026-05-22T13:37:12.104Z"
}