PONANT EXPLORATIONS marked International Polar Bear Day on 27 February 2026 by hosting an engaging Polar Workshop for travel trade partners in the Hunter Valley.
The event welcomed travel advisors from Newcastle and surrounding regions for a day dedicated to exploration, learning and connection, all while celebrating one of the Arctic’s most iconic species.
Representatives from TravelManagers, Helloworld Travel, Cruise Travel Centre, Travel The World, Spencer Travel, AMEX, itravel, Italktravel and Bfree Tours attended the workshop. They joined PONANT EXPLORATIONS State Manager Kristina Sambaher, National Sales Manager for Home Based Agents Sandra Cahil and special guest Captain David Marionneau, Director of Marine Operations APAC.
Kristina Sambaher, Karryn Bartlett, Peter Carmichael, Erin Beckford (TravelManagers Australia), Sandra Cahill and Captain David Marionneau
Throughout the event, guests enjoyed a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere while hearing stories from the remote polar regions where PONANT operates. Captain Marionneau shared insights from his experiences navigating some of the most extraordinary environments on the planet, offering attendees a deeper understanding of expedition cruising and the unique encounters travellers can expect in polar destinations.
The workshop also provided valuable product knowledge and selling insights, helping advisors feel more confident in presenting polar voyages to their clients.
Held over a lunch in the Hunter Valley, the gathering blended professional development with celebration, highlighting the spirit of exploration that defines PONANT’s expedition journeys.
At the conclusion of the event, guests left inspired and equipped with new knowledge about polar travel, along with a special keepsake of the day: their own PONANT Polar Bear print.
