HX Expeditions has announced that the Americas has become the company’s largest source market worldwide, marking a milestone in the region’s continued growth.
To support this momentum, HX is expanding travel advisor resources across North America through a new advisor onboarding program, the launch of a dedicated groups division, and ongoing expansion of its commercial team.
“Becoming our largest source market reflects the strength of our travel advisor partnerships and the growing demand across the Americas,” said Steve Smotrys, managing director and SVP Commercial, Americas.
“Our travel advisor partners have told us where they need additional support, and we’ve responded with investments in onboarding resources, dedicated Groups support and a stronger commercial team designed to help them grow their business with HX,” added Smotrys.
The company said in a press release that from 2024 to the first half of 2026, the Americas grew from HX’s third-largest source market to its largest.
The region delivered 53 percent year-over-year growth in the first half of 2026, including 61 percent growth in travel advisor-sourced sales.
To help newly registered advisors build confidence in selling HX voyages, the company has launched an automated Travel Advisor Welcome Program.
The program introduces advisors to HX’s expedition heritage, destinations, onboard experience, sustainability initiatives, scientific contributions and Basecamp philosophy, while highlighting tools and resources designed to help grow their expedition cruise business.
The program is currently available to newly registered North America-based travel advisors. HX plans to expand the program to additional markets in the future.
In addition, HX doubled its North America-based Guest Excellence (GX) team last year and introduced dedicated, in-market service specialists focused exclusively on supporting the unique needs of North American travel advisors and their clients.
Now, it has launched a Groups division to support expedition group travel across the United States and Canada. The new team provides specialized support for travel advisors and tour operators.
The team is led by Senior Group Specialist Zachery Krapes and Groups Specialist Madelyn Nunez Paredes.
HX added that it has also promoted Jennifer Kennedy to senior manager, national and strategic accounts and Charlene Sherman to senior manager, national and strategic accounts.
In addition, Aliette Penton has joined HX as business development manager, Southeast, overseeing Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama.
HX also plans to add Business Development Manager positions in Northern California and the Midwest, as well as a new Sales Coordinator role.
Image: Kennedy, Sherman, Penton, Krapes and Paredes
