Pioneering Responsible Tourism: GJ Travel’s Landmark Achievement
Award recognizes commitment to sustainability and Icelandic heritage
GJ Travel, a proud American Bus Association (ABA) member, has achieved a remarkable milestone by receiving the Icelandic Incentive Award for Responsible Tourism. This prestigious accolade was presented by the President of Iceland, Mrs. Halla Tómasdóttir, during a formal ceremony held on Icelandic Responsible Tourism Day, January 15, 2025. This honor recognizes GJ Travel’s enduring commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and preserving Iceland’s unique natural heritage.
With a history spanning 94 years, GJ Travel has been at the forefront of championing sustainable tourism practices. This award underscores their dedication to reducing environmental impact, ensuring the safety and well-being of their guests, fostering meaningful connections between travelers and the environment, and embedding sustainability into every facet of their company culture. It is a testament to their efforts in making tourism an enriching experience for visitors and a regenerative force for local communities and ecosystems.
Its comprehensive sustainability policy and roadmap guide GJ Travel’s initiatives. These include actionable goals and innovative programs like their “Workshop on Wheels” regenerative tours. This initiative integrates hands-on education and engagement with local communities, enabling travelers to learn about and contribute to sustainable practices. More details about their sustainability approach can be found in their Sustainability Policy, Sustainability Roadmap, and the Workshop on Wheels program.
Founded in 1931, GJ Travel has consistently demonstrated its passion for storytelling and preserving Icelandic heritage. Their extensive old and new imagery collection chronicles the evolution of sustainable tourism within the company. These visuals reflect their unwavering commitment to protecting the environment while delivering unforgettable travel experiences.
This award exemplifies the core values that define GJ Travel’s culture. It strongly affirms its mission to foster a more sustainable and responsible future for tourism while building deeper connections with organizations that share similar values.
As GJ Travel celebrates this remarkable achievement, it remains steadfast in its vision of fostering a harmonious relationship between travelers and nature. Their commitment to responsible tourism is an inspiring model for the global travel industry, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in creating meaningful and transformative experiences for future generations.
Photo above: Stefán Gunnarsson, GJ Travel CEO and the President of Iceland, Mrs. Halla Tómasdóttir; courtesy GJ Travel
Sif Helgadóttir, contributed to this article. View the press release in Icelandic.
