Aquila Tours earns Level 4 recognition in GreenStep sustainability review

Aquila Tours, part of Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, has reached Level 4 in GreenStep’s Sustainable Tourism Pathway after an independent assessment of its business practices in New Brunswick. The result gives the company a roadmap for future sustainability improvements across management, community impact and environmental responsibility.

Why it matters: - Aquila Tours now has third-party recognition of sustainability progress across its business, not just its environmental footprint. - The Level 4 result can help the company strengthen credibility with guests, cruise partners, employees and local communities. - GreenStep’s process also produces an action plan, which gives Aquila Tours a structured path for continued improvement.

What happened: - Aquila Tours, a division of Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, achieved Level 4 recognition through GreenStep’s Sustainable Tourism Pathway. - The assessment was completed after a comprehensive review of Aquila Tours’ sustainability practices against internationally recognized criteria. - The announcement came from New Brunswick, Canada, on August 5, 2026.

The details: - GreenStep measures businesses against the GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Standard, a GSTC-Recognized Standard. - The pathway evaluates performance across four pillars: management, social and economic impacts, natural and cultural stewardship, and environmental responsibility. - The assessment was based on verified performance. - Aquila Tours underwent an independent review of its business practices. - The review produced an action plan to guide future sustainability initiatives. - Ambra Attus, Aquila’s Director of Impact, Growth and Development, said the recognition reflects work to strengthen sustainability across every part of the business. - Attus said sustainability remains a continuous journey and that the assessment shows where Aquila Tours is thriving and where it can improve for guests, partners, employees and communities. - Aquila Tours says sustainability includes supporting local communities, honoring cultural heritage and creating cruise experiences with positive impact. - More information about Aquila Tours is available in the company’s announcement.

Between the lines: - The recognition is as much about process as outcome. GreenStep’s model emphasizes verified performance and a roadmap for future action, which can matter more than a one-time sustainability claim. - Aquila Tours is framing sustainability as an operating strategy, not a side project, by linking it to community impact and guest experience. - The Level 4 designation suggests the company has made substantial progress, while still leaving room for further gains under the pathway.

What's next: - Aquila Tours will use the action plan from GreenStep’s review to guide future sustainability initiatives. - The company is likely to keep building on efforts tied to community support, cultural stewardship and environmental responsibility. - GreenStep will continue offering sustainability measurement, planning and certification services to businesses across North America.