Falklands reaffirms close relationship with IAATO; Marketplace Expo in USA
Key takeaways
- This year s meeting marked an exciting milestone with the introduction of the first ever IAATO Marketplace Expo, launched as part of the 2026 Annual Meeting program.
- FIDC coordinated the application process and submitted on behalf of the Falklands delegation and played a key role in facilitating participation throughout the event.
- The 15 IAATO Marketplace Exhibitors were:
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
Reaffirming the close relationship and collaboration members from the Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC) team led a coalition of Falkland Islands businesses for the inaugural Marketplace Expo during the International Association for Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) Annual meeting, which was held in late April, in Annapolis, Maryland, USA.
This year s meeting marked an exciting milestone with the introduction of the first ever IAATO Marketplace Expo, launched as part of the 2026 Annual Meeting program. The Marketplace provided an opportunity for IAATO associate members to participate in an exhibition/trade fair style engagement with IAATO operator members.
With only 15 exhibitor tables available and more than 100 associate members eligible to apply, securing a place at the Marketplace represented a significant opportunity for destinations and organizations working within the polar tourism sector.