• Find below the general and specific criteria that make up the foundation of the Vakinn quality and environmental certification.
• Prospective applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the applicable criteria prior to submitting applications.
• To be certified tourism providers must fulfill all of the general and specific quality criteria applicable to the business.

Regular Review of the Quality and Environmental Criteria

Since Vakinn was launched in 2012, the quality and environmental criteria have been reviewed regularly in consultation with various experts and stakeholders within the tourism sector. The current version of the criteria entered into force on 1 January 2022. In that revision, a new standard from the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) was taken into account, as well as ISO standards for adventure guiding.

In connection with the government’s action plan and tourism policy through 2030, a working group has been appointed to review quality and environmental certification for Icelandic tourism, including with reference to the development of Vakinn.

While this important work is ongoing, and until the results are available, the revision of the criteria (6th edition) has been put on hold and the validity of the 5th edition has been extended.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at vakinn@vakinn.is if further information is required.

General quality criteria

The general criteria consists of four chapters:

 All participants must agree to operate according to 
 Vakinn's code of ethics.

General Quality Criteria

General Quality Criteria with guidance and explanations

Specific quality criteria for different categories of tourism services

To attain certification participating companies must fulfil 100% of the specific criteria applying to the company and the services it offers.