Polar Tracks Expeditions: Company Profile

Background

Overview

Polar Tracks Expeditions is a specialized agency dedicated to organizing and facilitating polar expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic. Founded in 2015, the company is composed entirely of experienced current and former polar guides, offering unparalleled expertise in planning and executing polar journeys. Their mission is to provide travelers with authentic and safe experiences in the polar regions, ensuring each expedition is tailored to individual preferences and interests. The company's vision is to connect people from around the world to their polar trip of a lifetime, fostering a deep appreciation for these unique environments.

Industry Significance

As a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), Polar Tracks Expeditions adheres to the highest standards of environmental responsibility and safety in polar tourism. Their commitment to sustainable practices and educational outreach contributes significantly to the preservation and appreciation of polar ecosystems.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Polar Tracks Expeditions aims to:

Provide expert guidance and personalized planning for polar expeditions.

Ensure safe and environmentally responsible travel experiences.

Foster a deep connection between travelers and the polar regions.

Areas of Specialization

The company specializes in:

Organizing small-ship expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic.

Offering a range of activities, including wildlife viewing, photography, adventure activities, and educational programs.

Providing impartial advice on itineraries, ships, dates, budgets, and activities to match travelers with the most suitable expedition options.

Key Technologies Utilized

While specific technological platforms are not detailed, Polar Tracks Expeditions leverages advanced booking systems and communication tools to coordinate complex itineraries and ensure seamless customer service.

Primary Markets and Conditions Targeted

The company caters to:

Adventure travelers seeking authentic polar experiences.

Photographers and wildlife enthusiasts interested in unique Arctic and Antarctic environments.

Educational groups and institutions aiming to conduct research or learning expeditions in polar regions.

Financials and Funding

Specific financial details, including total funds raised and recent funding rounds, are not publicly disclosed. The company operates as a private entity, focusing on providing high-quality, personalized services to its clients.

Pipeline Development

Polar Tracks Expeditions continually evaluates and updates its expedition offerings to include:

New itineraries and destinations within the polar regions.

Partnerships with reputable tour operators to enhance service offerings.

Incorporation of emerging adventure activities and educational programs.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

The company utilizes advanced booking and communication systems to manage complex itineraries and maintain high levels of customer service.

Significant Scientific Methods

Polar Tracks Expeditions emphasizes environmental responsibility and education, incorporating sustainable practices and educational outreach into their expeditions.

Leadership Team

Heather Thorkelson – Founder and Owner

Heather is originally from Canada and now calls Sweden home. With over a decade of experience in the polar expedition world, she has led numerous trips to Antarctica and the Arctic. Heather is committed to supporting the highest standards of professionalism in the polar guiding industry and was inducted to the Board of Directors for the Polar Tourism Guides Association in 2018.

Lauren Farmer – Managing Director and Polar Cruise Specialist

Lauren is a dual Australian/American who has been guiding in both polar regions since 2013. She is a proud fellow of the Explorers Club, a certified Senior Guide and Assessor with the Polar Tourism Guides Association, and is a co-founder of the Polar Citizen Science Collective.

Kit van Wagner – Polar Cruise Specialist and Expedition Leader

Kit has been working on expedition ships internationally since 1999, traveling extensively in polar and subpolar regions. She holds a Master’s degree in Marine Science Education and is a U.S. Coast Guard 100 Ton Captain, Dive Instructor, and PTGA Senior Polar Guide/Assessor.

Jon Fuhrmann – Polar Cruise Specialist and Expedition Leader

Jon grew up in Vienna, Austria, and has worked as a naturalist, lecturer, and expedition leader on six continents, with a particular focus on the polar regions. He completed a Master’s degree in glaciology at the Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge.

Erin Chavanne – Polar Cruise Specialist and Expedition Leader

Erin has spent several seasons in the Antarctic, Arctic, and many coastlines in between. She has held various roles onboard, from Kayak Guide to Expedition Leader, and now calls the Arctic "home."

Dr. Alex Cowan – Polar Cruise Specialist and Expedition Leader

Alex has worked as a professional polar guide since 2011 and is invested in promoting safe and professional guiding. He is a co-founder of the Polar Citizen Science Collective and has worked as a yacht master and instructor.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The polar expedition travel industry is characterized by a growing interest in sustainable and educational travel experiences. Travelers are increasingly seeking authentic encounters with polar environments, emphasizing environmental responsibility and conservation.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the polar expedition sector include:

Aurora Expeditions: An Australian-owned company specializing in small-group adventure travel experiences to the Polar Regions and other wild and remote destinations.

Quark Expeditions: Offers polar region expeditions aboard expedition ships and icebreakers, with a focus on environmentally responsible tourism.

Poseidon Expeditions: Provides exceptional experiences for those seeking to explore the Arctic and Antarctic in depth, with a focus on wildlife encounters and photography.

Hurtigruten: Offers unique and captivating journeys to the Arctic and Antarctic regions, with opportunities to witness the Northern Lights and encounter Arctic wildlife.

G Adventures: Focuses on sustainable tourism practices while providing exciting adventure activities for travelers seeking unique experiences in these remote destinations.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Polar Tracks Expeditions collaborates with reputable tour operators who are members of IAATO, ensuring safe and environmentally responsible experiences for their clients.

Operational Insights

Polar Tracks Expeditions differentiates itself through its team of experienced polar guides, offering personalized and expert advice to travelers. Their commitment to environmental responsibility and education aligns with the growing demand for sustainable travel experiences.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The company has the opportunity to expand its offerings by incorporating new itineraries, adventure activities, and educational programs. By leveraging its expertise and commitment to sustainability, Polar Tracks Expeditions is well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of the polar travel market.