15 Nov 2024
HX (formerly known as Hurtigruten Expeditions), the leader in mindful expedition travel, today announced a pioneering global partnership with the University of Tasmania and its Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS).
This exciting collaboration marks a significant milestone for both HX and the University as it brings together one of the world's oldest and leading expedition companies and a globally renowned education and research institute with a focus on Antarctic and polar studies.
For the first time, HX's guests and expedition teams will have the unique opportunity to explore Antarctic and polar science with world-leading researchers, in a university-developed program that blends immersive learning with real-world experiences – with the online course being able to be accessed anywhere in the world.
Participants will experience an enriched journey through the wonders of the polar region of Antarctica and upon completion, both guests and expedition staff will receive an official University of Tasmania certificate.
A unique, strategic partnership
The University of Tasmania is based in Hobart, Australia, and is home to IMAS. IMAS is recognised as a centre of excellence for marine and Antarctic research, leading groundbreaking studies across scientific and social science boundaries. Their work is dedicated to enhancing environmental understanding and driving sustainable development worldwide.
HX and the University have worked together for four years, laying the groundwork for this strategic collaboration. Their relationship aligns with the Tasmanian T2030 Visitor Economy Strategy, which seeks to encourage tourism that provides benefits to the regions that the university operates within. It also aligns with the T2030 mandate to foster collaboration between organisations such as Tourism Tasmania, the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service and the tourism industry, to ensure a sustainable tourism industry in Tasmania and its Sub-Antarctic Islands.
HX has hosted over 30 scientists and UTAS-related university students on polar expeditions over the last three years to work on scientific and social science projects. This is part of HX's ongoing science support program that provides over 1,800 free cabin and cruise nights to scientists and research students each year, an initiative that's part of the expedition company's ongoing and significant focus on sustainability.
Guest and staff educational program
As part of this partnership, the University and HX will launch this education program to both guests and staff starting in the late 2024 season.
The program will offer a unique educational journey – from Antarctica's fascinating history and the science of polar regions to responsible tourism and Antarctic governance. Topics include:
- The human history of Antarctica
- Who owns Antarctica? The Antarctic Treaty System
- The Southern Ocean
- Ice core studies
- Wildlife and ecological communities
- Climate change
- Citizen science
- Living, working and travelling responsibly in Antarctica.
The program named 'The HX Pre-Departure Course' has been designed and developed by leading academics from the University and IMAS as well as guest collaborators, ensuring participants gain cutting-edge insights into the fascinating polar world. It will be delivered through a specially developed syllabus of engaging content, including online seminars, interviews and live Q&A sessions, available before, during or after the physical HX journeys.
Benefits for guests and HX expedition staff
Speaking about the partnership, Dr Verena Meraldi, HX's Chief Scientist said: “For HX guests, this collaboration offers a world first for our industry and a market-leading program that will enrich their travel experience with knowledge, scientific education, and inspiration.
“We have carefully curated the syllabus, optimised for curious travellers – who do not just want to explore but want to take that knowledge further and hopefully use that as a force for good for the future.
“This new program will ensure our guests gain a deeper understanding of the regions they explore – and an official University Certificate to mark their learning journey.”
The short but detailed course (which is roughly 4-hours of content) will also be available to HX staff, providing access to and the benefits of learning from experts sharing contemporary knowledge of Antarctica.
HX is the only expedition cruise company in this sector to offer their staff access to a tailored education experience, developed by a world leader in Antarctic and polar education.
A new chapter in mindful expedition travel
HX's VP Sustainability, Guest Learning and Industry Relations, Tudor Morgan, who is also a world-leading expert in Antarctica, said the partnership was a testament to HX's commitment to delivering unique and enriching experiences for guests, while empowering their expedition teams with unparalleled knowledge and training.
“Together with the University of Tasmania, we are breaking new ground in expedition travel, offering scientific educational opportunities that are truly transformative and based in ocean conservation.
“This collaboration represents a bold step forward in bridging the worlds of exploration and academia, offering travellers and professionals alike an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the polar regions, while contributing to their academic and personal growth.”
University of Tasmania's Acting Executive Dean of the College of Sciences and Engineering, Dr Angela Castles, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative.
"The University of Tasmania is thrilled to work with HX in this pioneering initiative. We're combining world-class education with an unparalleled opportunity to explore the polar regions, all while contributing to the understanding of crucial environmental challenges.
"This partnership is a natural extension of our focus on sustainability, climate and marine science. We look forward to seeing both guests and HX staff deepen their knowledge of the Antarctic and make meaningful contributions to scientific research.
"This collaboration highlights the University of Tasmania's commitment to connecting research with real-world experiences. Through this program, we're giving both guests and expedition teams the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Antarctic environment while advancing their learning journey."
In their personal itineraries, HX guests will be able to find out more about the program, which will launch as a pilot program later this month. This short course will be free for HX guests, and more information can be found at travelhx.com/au.
Notes to Editors
Images and b-roll can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZO26pQiV0MP5XMfv5Lzb2FyZwJfVodo0?usp=drive_link
About IMAS
Located at the gateway to the Southern Ocean and Antarctica, the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) at the University of Tasmania is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for marine and Antarctic research. With collaborative partners across the globe, we deliver our research to government, industry, institutions, and communities. We create exceptional learning opportunities for the next generation of scientists, and we are dedicated to enhancing environmental understanding and facilitating thoughtful and sustainable development for the benefit of Australia and the world.
Media assistance: Louise Creely IMAS m: +61 417 239 537 e: louise.creely@utas.edu.au
About HX
HX, the world's leading expedition cruise company, has been guiding curious travellers on mindful adventures since 1896. With headquarters in London and a global team of over 1,300 professionals, HX operates a fleet of five modern ships, offering voyages to over 250 destinations across more than 30 countries. Renowned for its pole-to-pole expeditions, HX combines sustainability, science, and education to create transformative travel experiences. Pioneering in sustainability, HX was the first cruise company to eliminate heavy fuel oils, ban single-use unnecessary plastics in its operations, and launch hybrid cruise ships. The company also supports scientific research, donating over 1,800 free cruise nights to onboard scientists, and runs the HX Foundation, providing grants to community projects focused on education and marine conservation.
Christina Koullas
PR & Communications Manager – Asia Pacific
Christina.Koullas@travelhx.com
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Chloe Couchman
EVP OF COMMUNICATIONS
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How can you do the Course as a guest? Where can I find more details.
As it stands, the course details will be exclusive to the HX Antarctica voyages, which will be made available to guests in a personalized and tailored manner. Guests will receive their course information 60 days prior to departure. This will ensure ample time to prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
For those who have not yet reviewed the details, HX will also provide the option to access the course content onboard during the voyage. Additionally, guests will receive a reminder and further course details in our 'welcome home' communication after their trip.
To enhance the personalized experience, course details will also be accessible through the travel document portal, which is specifically designed for each Antarctica voyage. This portal provides customized information related to their specific itinerary.
We look forward to providing a seamless and exclusive journey for all our valued guests, ensuring that they have everything they need for an unforgettable Antarctic adventure.
This is the first of its kind for this type of course and if it proves popular there may be plans to expand this to other destinations.
