Application & Audits

  • An application must be sent through the Vakinn website. Members of the Vakinn team are ready to answer questions and assist.
  • Three certifications bodies are partners of the ITB and they offer audits according to Vakinn critera.
  • Applicants must choose one of the certification bodies and then follow the application process described below.
  • Further information and guidance on audit arrangements can be found by contacting the certification bodies.

The following certification bodies offer certification according to Vakinn criteria:

Initial Audit

  1. Applicants complete the general quality criteria and the relevant specific quality criteria with written explanations on how the criteria is fulfilled. In some cases certain documents must be attached.
  2. The auditor evaluates the documents as well as the company´s website.
  3. If the auditor approves the documents as satisfactory, the on-site visit is next. 
  4. The purpose of this visit is to confirm that the company operates according to the applicable criteria and written documentation. Select general and specific quality criteria will be covered as well as the environmental criteria if applicable.
  5. Companies with satisfactory documents and on-site visit then receive the certification and are added to the list of certified companies on Vakinn´s website.
  6. Companies with certification are showcased on visiticeland.com and ferdalag.is alongside the Vakinn logo
  7. Annual maintenance audits are conducted, which may include scheduled site visits or the submission of updated information by the certified company

Examples of documents that must be sent to a certification body:

  1. Safety plans.
  2. List of tour guides and other employees (as applicable), stating relevant education and experience.
  3. Quality manual/Employee handbook.
  4. Specific quality criteria applicable to the services offered - The checklist must be filled out with explanations.
  5. Completed checklist On the way to sustainable tourism.
  6. And more

Please note that the applicant is responsible for the compilation and the content of the documents presented, including safety plans, and their implementation in the company operations.  

 Certified companies receive the following:

  • Vakinn certificate. 
  • Vakinn electronic certification logos to be displayed on the company's website and in promotional materials.