HX Expeditions has launched a free online pre-departure course on Svalbard in partnership with the University of Tasmania, coinciding with the 130th anniversary of its first voyage to the Arctic archipelago in 1896.
The HX x UTAS Svalbard Course is available to guests booked on Svalbard sailings and features expert-led modules on the archipelago’s wildlife, ecosystems, history, and responsible exploration principles.
The course is designed to be completed before travel, providing guests with a deeper understanding of Svalbard, one of the Arctic’s most remote destinations.
Participants who complete the program will receive a UTAS x HX Certificate of Attendance.
Kayakers on an HX expedition trip in Mollerhamna, Svalbard, can be seen in a photo taken by Jan Hvizdal.
This is the third destination added to a pre-departure learning program built with the University of Tasmania, following HX’s award-winning Antarctica course and its more recent Arctic-specific modules.
The University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies is an internationally recognized center for marine and Antarctic research.
Svalbard holds particular significance for HX, as it was the destination of the company’s first guest voyage in 1896, which established expedition travel in the Arctic.
They operate a fleet of five ships sailing to over 250 destinations across more than 30 countries and were the first expedition line to eliminate heavy fuel oil and introduce hybrid-powered expedition ships.
HX Chief Scientist Verena Meraldi said the timing of the HX x UTAS Svalbard Course launch is significant, as it coincides with the 130th anniversary of HX’s first guest voyage to Svalbard.
Verena Meraldi added that the first voyage was attended by scientists, biologists, and guests who wanted to learn more, making it fitting to launch the educational program this week.
Polar bear on ice in northern Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway.
As HX continues to evolve its legacy by pairing exploration with science, learning, and responsible travel, the new course provides a valuable resource for guests and advisors alike.
The value of the course starts before the ship even sails, giving advisors a tangible hook when pitching a big-ticket polar expedition to curious, science-minded clients.
With the University of Tasmania leading the content, the course offers an easy local angle for conversation, making it a valuable addition to HX’s expedition offerings, much like a travel founder might offer unique experiences to their clients.
HX’s commitment to responsible travel is further emphasized by the course, which educates guests on the importance of preserving the Arctic environment.
The course is designed to be completed before travel, so guests arrive with a deeper understanding of one of the Arctic’s most remote destinations.
