HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) has announced that Steve Smotrys will take up the new role of Managing Director & SVP of Commercial for HX in The Americas. The company says the high-profile appointment underscores its commitment to a vital travel market.
Smotrys brings more than 24 years of experience in the cruise industry. His most recent role was VP/Head of Global Sales and Trade Relations at Seabourn Cruise Line. Before that, he held roles including VP North America Sales at Cunard and Revenue Management at Princess Cruises.
In his new role, Smotrys will oversee all aspects of HX’s commercial and sales offerings and relationships, leading a team of business development managers across the USA and Canada. He will report directly to HX Chief Commercial Officer Alex Delamere-White.
HX Chief Commercial Officer Alex Delamere-White. (Photo Credit: HX)
“We are excited to welcome Steve to our team,” Delamere-White said. “Steve’s leadership and vision will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen our presence in the Americas and drive our growth strategy forward. With his expertise, we are well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities and enhance our partnerships even further in this key market. As Steve takes the helm for important areas such as our trade sales, I’m confident the company is poised to achieve significant milestones in the coming years.”
The appointment follows the company’s ambitious recent fam trip when HX hosted over 200 travel partners on a sampler expedition cruise from Vancouver to Seattle. It marked the largest trade event of its kind to date for the company.
HX offers all-inclusive expedition cruises. (Photo Credit: HX)
Smotrys expressed his enthusiasm about joining HX stating, “I am honoured to take on this role at such a pivotal time for the company. I look forward to working closely with our team and partners to unlock new avenues for growth and innovation in the Americas and beyond. I’m looking forward to delivering exceptional travel experiences and building lasting relationships in the industry.”
HX says it offers guests from the Americas “the perfect balance of all-inclusive comfort, adventure and focus on sustainability” and stakes a claim to offer “more itinerary and experience options to remote and transformational destinations such as Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands, Greenland, Northern Alaska and the Canadian Arctic than any other expedition cruise company.”