MEDIA RELEASE
Contact: Mariela Castro
Phone: 416.644.0666
Quark Expeditions® Announces The North Pole Summit 2017
Top international global citizens unite to create change through expedition adventure
[Seattle, WA] – 9 December 2016 – Quark Expeditions®, the leading provider of expeditions to the Polar Regions, is pleased to announce the ultimate meeting of minds for The North Pole Summit 2017. Departing July 20, 2017, this exclusive sailing is an enhanced version of the company’s popular North Pole: The Ultimate Arctic Adventure expedition, and will include seven very special guests from the worlds of science, exploration, conservation, politics, and education.
These real-life global citizens will reveal what inspires them and share their perspectives on today’s environmental challenges:
• Paul Nicklen, Canadian-born photographer, marine biologist and conservationist
• Alan Chambers, legendary polar adventurer and speaker
• Cristina Mittermeier, marine biologist, photographer, biochemical engineer and conservationist
• Maureen Raymo, paleoclimatologist and marine geologist
• David Serkoak, Inuit Elder and educator
• James Raffan, geographer, author and polar historian
• Frances Ulmer, policy adviser and public servant
Renowned polar explorer and environmentalist Robert Swan, the first person in history to walk to both the North and South Poles, will be joining a special 11-day Quark Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent expedition departing March 5, 2017. Guests will discover the wonders of Antarctica led by Quark’s own expert expedition team, while taking part in Swan’s esteemed Leadership on the Edge program, learning about climate change, sustainability and what we can do to protect the last great wilderness on Earth. Swan has dedicated his life to the preservation of Antarctica’s unique wildlife and magnificent landscapes, and remains one of Antarctica’s most experienced and respected thought-leaders.
Author and historian Jonathan Shackleton, cousin of famed Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, will accompany three consecutive expeditions to Antarctica starting February 2, 2017, aboard Quark’s South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari voyages. As a lecturer and guide, Shackleton has accompanied 30 groups on trips to the Antarctic in the past 15 years, and will be sharing his knowledge about the region, along with insight into his family history.
About Quark Expeditions®:
Specializing in expeditions to Antarctic and the Arctic, Quark Expeditions® has been the leading provider of polar adventure travel for 25 years. With a diverse fleet of specially-equipped small expedition vessels, icebreakers, and unique land-based adventures, it offers travelers unparalleled access to the most remote places on earth. Led by passionate and seasoned expedition teams, including scientists, naturalists and researchers, the on-board program focuses on guest interaction to educate and enrich the passenger experience. The company is known for its unwavering commitment to safety and sustainability, including its partnership with The Nature Conservancy (USA). It was also the first to offer passengers — free of charge — carbon offsetting aboard Ocean Diamond and Ocean Nova voyages.
About Travelopia:
Travelopia offers premium, experience-based adventure holidays and expeditions worldwide for active travelers. In addition to QuarkExpeditions.com, the division includes expedition specialists IEtravel.com and Zegrahm.com; leading European adventure and activity specialists ExodusTravels.com, Headwater.com, World-Challenge.co.uk, Sawadeee.nl, TrekAmerica.co.uk and GrandAmericanAdventures.com; as well as US-based destination management company AmericanAdventures.com. From reaching the top of Kilimanjaro and canoeing on the Zambezi, to catching tiger cub sightings and breaking ice en route to the North Pole, Travelopia offers inspirational experiences that create lifelong memories.
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