The Client

IAATO – Stewards of Antarctica

IAATO is more than just an organisation; they're a global force dedicated to preserving the pristine beauty of Antarctica while advocating and promoting the practice of safe and environmentally responsible tourism. Since 1991, they've been setting the gold standard for environmental stewardship in one of the world's most delicate ecosystems. Having successfully migrated IAATO from WordPress to Drupal in a previous phase, we already had a deep understanding of their mission and digital needs.
 

The Challenge

A Vision for Enhanced Engagement

IAATO approached us with a clear vision: to elevate their website's aesthetic appeal and functionality to better serve their members, stakeholders and external audiences. The goal was to create a digital hub that truly reflected their commitment to conservation and collaboration. This ambitious project involved seamlessly integrating cutting-edge designs from ORCA into their robust Drupal 10 platform.

We worked closely with IAATO and their graphic contractor, ORCA. Our collaborative approach ensured that every design element and technical integration aligned perfectly with IAATO's strategic objectives.

 

IAATO screenshot of new site built by Circle Interactive showing glaciers and logo.

'Working with Circle Interactive on our website design update was a great experience. The team took the time to understand our business goals and collaborated effectively with our other contractors to deliver a site that looks excellent and performs reliably. Since launch, the user journey and overall experience have improved significantly, and member feedback has been consistently positive. Communication was clear throughout, deadlines were met, and updates were managed efficiently.'

Alfred Speredelozzi, IAATO Website Manager, November 2025

The Solution

Precision, Partnership, and Performance

Our team embraced the challenge, focusing on:

  • 'Timing' - The project needed to be completed ahead of IAATO's busiest season - October to April
  • 'Mobile responsiveness' - An increased use of devices with smaller viewports by travellers / visitors
  • Flawless Design Integration: We meticulously implemented ORCA's innovative designs, a stunning and functional web experience.
  • Strategic Collaboration: Our strong partnership with IAATO and ORCA was key. We fostered open communication, ensuring that all stakeholders were aligned and informed throughout the project.
  • Budget-Conscious Innovation: During this design project we delivered exceptional value, carefully managing the project within the agreed-upon budget while never compromising on quality or impact.
The Results

A Digital Leap Forward

IAATO's new website isn't just visually captivating; it's a powerful tool that delivers tangible benefits:

An Irresistible User Experience: The refreshed design creates an intuitive and engaging journey for every visitor, from seasoned members to potential new partners.

Driving Growth: A more appealing online presence directly translates to increased member engagement and helps to fuel IAATO's vital mission.

Reinforcing Leadership: The enhanced website solidifies IAATO's position as a leader in sustainable Antarctic tourism, showcasing their dedication to best practices and environmental protection.

Seamless Continuity: Building on our successful Phase 1 migration, our in-depth knowledge of IAATO's operations ensured a smooth and efficient project delivery.

 

Some of the functions of site including commitees

'This project demonstrated Circle’s professionalism, capability, and dependability.' 
 
Alfred Speredelozzi, IAATO Website Manager, November 2025