Global cruise experts to congregate in China

Edited by Travel Weekly

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) is bringing global experts to Guangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai in September as part of its “Super Brand Day” trade roadshow.

HX Sales Director, China and SEA, Joe Zou, said the company was investing many resources into the Chinese market, with Antarctica currently being a top seller locally.

“We’re looking to attract up to 500 travel partners and VIPs to our three afternoon events, so we want to make sure our attendees get a lot of value out of this,” Zou said.

“Among our speakers, we’re really excited to announce that we will have the Chairs of both IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) and AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators).”

The events format includes a presentation of HX’s cruises and experiences, followed by in-depth sessions around destinations, onboard science and sustainability.

“HX has much to offer that other cruise brands do not and that will be explained throughout our events. We have an international community on board our ships and we’ve seen that Chinese travellers enjoy this atmosphere, but we also make the experience more comfortable with our recently upgraded ‘China Ready’ program on board. This includes in-cabin Chinese news and movies, Chinese food as an option, and dedicated Chinese-speaking expedition team leaders, receptionist and waiter,” added Zou.

Managing director for APAC, Damian Perry, is also attending the events and said the China roadshow would be an excellent opportunity to introduce the new HX branding and evolution of the expedition company to trade partners and talk through the AECO and IAATO regulations for ships.

“It’s very pleasing to see Chinese travellers focusing on and prioritising more sustainable travel. During the roadshow, we will provide clarity around the C2 category for mid-size vessels travelling to Antarctica, as we have seen some misinformation in the market recently,” Perry said.

“HX’s MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Roald Amundsen are the premier ships for cruising to Antarctica and were the world’s first battery-hybrid cruise ships, resulting in a lower environmental footprint. Our Chinese guests can enjoy the comforts of modern ships and amenities that are purpose-built for polar cruising with unforgettable landings and onshore excursions.”

Each event finishes with a question-and-answer session, and one attendee in each city will win a very special prize.

Speakers at each Super Brand Day event

Tudor Morgan, HX VP Sustainability and Industry relations & Chair of IAATO (from London, UK)
Karin Strand, HX VP Expeditions Development & Chair of AECO (from Oslo, Norway)
Dr Verena Meraldi, HX Chief Scientist (from Sverige, Sweden)
Damian Perry, Managing Director for APAC (from Melbourne, Australia)
Joe Zou, HX Sales Director, China and S.E.A (from Melbourne, Australia)
Darwin Zhang, Chinese expedition team leader, phD in Zoology (from London, UK/Shandong, China)

Event details

9 September 2024, The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou
11 September 2024, InterContinental Sanlitun, Beijing
13 September 2024, Jing An Shangri-La, Shanghai

Event registration starts at 1pm with events starting at 1.30pm

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HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)