Friday, 22 November 2024
HX studying Tasmania University IMAS doctorate
by Rose White
Words by Anne Majumdar and Guy Dundas
HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) is already considering an expansion of its brand new collaboration with the University of Tasmania and its Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS).
Speaking with LATTE, HX CEO Gebhard Rainer said the new certification, announced last week, represents a real point of differentiation for the expedition cruise line and will continue to evolve.
“It’s unique and exclusive for HX. No other expedition cruise line offers anything similar,” he said.
Subscribe to LATTE Cruise’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury cruise space.
Available to guests on any Antarctic voyage from next week, the short course has no cost to guests. He sees it as the perfect extension of the HX proposition because, like its journeys, the education offering centres on the idea of “mindset change”.
“We have a very aligned mindset with the University and IMAS as we go forward,” he said. “For me, it’s exciting because there is a lot of passion and we’re really just undertaking our journey now as HX, a separate independent company as of 1 November.
“There is a lot of opportunity ahead as to how we can position ourselves and what we actually can be. Travelling with purpose for people who are curious, people who want to get into these far-reaching destinations and who are inquisitive.”
Discussions are underway as to how to further extend the tie-up, Rainer revealed exclusively to LATTE.
“It could easily be developed into a doctorate, for example, where we selectively say that, through this program, we support three to five aspiring doctors by providing them space and transportation to do their research work to get to a doctorate,” he suggested.
“Repeat guests could have a follow-up course on an additional sailing, perhaps to the Arctic, or maybe we could cover the history aspect of Antarctica.
“It’s exciting and we’re really looking forward to it.”
After all, incorporating science into its programs is a long-standing priority for HX. Guests can participate in the science lab projects that are held onboard the expedition ships, be taken out on zodiacs to gather water samples and carry out plankton tests. They can then follow the research through online and track the projects long after they’ve cruised.
In addition, the expedition cruise line donates just under 2,000 cabin nights each year to science, bringing scientists down to research stations to carry out their work – placed in jeopardy by government cutbacks.
“I strongly believe we’re a little more serious with our science program that other cruise lines offering something in the same space, with more commitment,” Rainer said. “We collaborate on board with them. They provide lectures to our guests. It’s really a nice combination of education, science and practical aspects of the life of a scientist because we are helping them to do their work.”
Lead image: HX Hurtigruten Expeditions’ Gebhard Rainer, CEO and Chloe Couchman, EVP Communications meet with LATTE at Melbourne Airport following their whirlwind trip to meet with trade partners in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart.
The post HX studying Tasmania University IMAS doctorate appeared first on LATTE Luxury News.
