HX Expeditions has launched a new free online educational course focused on Svalbard, created in partnership with the University of Tasmania (UTAS). The course offers expert-led modules covering the region's wildlife, ecosystems, history and responsible travel practices, aiming to help guests prepare before their voyage. Participants who complete it receive a UTAS and HX Certificate of Attendance. The launch coincides with HX marking 130 years since its first guest voyage to Svalbard in 1896.
The Svalbard course follows HX and UTAS's earlier Antarctica pre-departure programme and recent Arctic-specific learning offerings, reflecting the company's broader push to combine expedition travel with university-backed education. Comments from HX's chief scientist and an IMAS representative highlight the partnership's aim to share polar research with travellers. For prospective Arctic cruise guests, this provides an additional free resource to better understand Svalbard's environment and history ahead of departure.