“USTOA is committed to fostering sustainability in tourism and HX’s expertise and passion for responsible travel strongly align with our association’s vision,” said Dale. “HX is distinguished for its pole-to-pole expeditions that combine sustainability, science and education to create transformative travel experiences. They are a very welcome addition to our membership portfolio.”
“As we join the esteemed USTOA family, HX is excited to expand our presence in the Americas, where we see tremendous opportunity for growth,” said Steve Smotrys, HX Managing Director & SVP of Commercial, Americas. “With a focus on supporting our tour operator and trade partners, we’ve tailored our expedition products to meet the evolving needs of American travelers — from launching a fleet-wide all-inclusive offerings to introducing shorter, more accessible itineraries”.
Smotrys continued, “Our 173% revenue growth since 2019 reflects this commitment to the trade, and as USTOA members, we look forward to building even stronger relationships with North America travel advisors to further enhance the expedition experience for their clients.”
HX has been guiding curious travelers on mindful adventures since 1896. With a global team of over 1,300 professionals, HX operates a fleet of five modern ships, offering expedition cruises to over 250 destinations across more than 30 countries. 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.
Tags: Steve Smotrys, HX, Terry Dale, United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA)
