Australian
Expedition
Summit
2026
Understanding Polar Codes &
Choosing Expeditions Destinations
The Code Behind the Journey. The Destinations Beyond.
A curated gathering of innovators, industry leaders, and experts from across the expedition cruise sector, the Australian Expedition Summit brings together key voices to spark meaningful dialogue, exchange ideas, and explore the opportunities shaping the future of expedition cruising in the region. This year’s programme focuses on Polar Codes and Destination Strategy, providing practical, future-ready insights into the regulatory, operational, and strategic considerations influencing the next generation of expedition travel. Through expert perspectives, engaging discussions, and meaningful networking, participants will gain valuable knowledge, strengthen industry connections, and discover new ways to contribute to a more innovative, responsible, and dynamic future for expedition cruising.
The Australian Market
Discussion Themes & Curated Speaker Dialogues
08:30 - 09:00
Welcome guests, Registration.
Enjoy a welcome breakfast while you register to the Australian Expeditions Summit.
09:00 - 10:20
Session 1:
We will begin the day with a look at the Australian cruise market, passenger trends, demographics, distribution, growth of small-ship and expedition products where data is available, and changes in consumer expectations.
Then examine how expedition cruising is shaped by international safety and environmental standards. Together with our keynote panellist, we’ll look at the Polar Code’s role in guiding responsible operations and discuss how destination choices can balance guest expectations with sustainability and regulatory realities.
10:20 - 10:40
Coffee Break
10:40 - 12:00
Session 2:
Within this session, we can revisit Luxury vs Expedition. Luxury can enhance an expedition, but luxury itself does not make a voyage an expedition.
If we removed the ship from the marketing material, would the experience still clearly be an expedition?
We will focus on the role of advisors and the evolving landscape of expedition cruising. Our panellists will share perspectives on how travel advisors can position themselves as trusted experts in polar and expedition travel, and explore how future regulations and destination trends will shape the next decade of the industry.
12:00 - 13:40
Networking Lunch
Breakout Tables of Ponant and Aqua Expeditions. Get the latest updates on the new vessels and itineraries.
13:40 - 14:30
Breakout Tables:
The event will have breakout tables where participants will be able to get the most updated news from Ponant and Aqua Expeditions
Keynote Speakers: 3 Industry Leaders
01
Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aqua Expeditions
Francesco Galli Zugaro
Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aqua Expeditions
Francesco Galli Zugaro, Founder & CEO of Aqua Expeditions, established the company in 2007 with its first luxury river vessel on the Amazon in Peru. Expansion followed with Aqua Mekong in Southeast Asia (2014), Aqua Blu in East Indonesia (2019), Aqua Nera in Peru (2021), Aqua Mare in the Galapagos (2022), and most recently Aqua Lares in 2026, an icebreaker superyacht exploring East Africa and the Arctic.
Galli Zugaro has overseen every vessel launch, from construction in Vietnam to the transformation of a British Navy ship into Aqua Blu with Dutch designer Cor D. Rover. Aqua Lares marked a milestone, bringing Aqua’s distinctive expedition style to two new continents.
Under his leadership, Aqua Expeditions has earned global recognition for its personalized guest experience, combining attentive service, fine cuisine, and expert-led explorations. The company is celebrated by leading travel publications including Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, and Forbes.
A sought-after speaker, Galli Zugaro shares insights on innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, emphasizing travel’s role in driving social and environmental impact.
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Julie Rogers
Director of Sales, Asia Pacific - PONANT
Jules Rogers serves as Director of Sales, Asia Pacific at PONANT where she leads the region’s robust commercial operations from Australia to emerging Asian markets.
A long term alumni of the Travel Industry her experience have ignited a passion for exploring the globe. With a healthy respect for learning new cultures and seeking adventures, Julie Was quoted as saying, ‘I have enjoyed my fair share of camping in extremely remote locations in my youth, today I prefer to blend authentic exploration with luxury.
Small Ship Luxury Expedition Cruising delivers this perfectly’. Julie has extensively explored Africa, The Kimberley, Greenland and has ventured to Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic regions many times.
Next year, Julie will be making the pilgrimage to the Geographic North Pole onboard Luxury Ice-breaker, Le Commandant Charcot.
02
Director of Sales Asia Pacific. Ponant.
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Benjamin Garcia - MC
Director of Sales APAC - Aqua Expeditions
Benjamin Garcia is the Managing Director of Nomade Unique Experiences, where he leads the development of high-end, boutique travel projects and expeditions across South America and beyond.
With extensive experience in luxury tourism and expedition cruising, Benjamin has been instrumental in positioning Nomade as a leading curator of unique journeys that connect travellers with remote destinations, expert knowledge, and meaningful cultural encounters. His career spans leadership roles in expedition cruising, luxury lodges, and destination management, always with a focus on crafting immersive and sustainable experiences.
At Nomade Unique Experiences, Benjamin spearheads collaborations with global partners to design expeditions that highlight the richness of South America while integrating innovation, education, and conservation.
As part of his vision, Benjamin is committed to redefining the expedition segment—placing emphasis on small-scale, intimate journeys that foster deeper connections between travellers, destinations, and local communities.
04
Director of Sales APAC -
Aqua Expeditions
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03
Head of International Training &
Development at CLIA
Peter Kollar
Head of International Training & Development at CLIA
Peter Kollar is Head of International Training and Development for Cruise Lines International Association in Australasia (CLIA). With over 25 years of experience spanning shipboard operations, shore excursions, and global cruise education, he brings a broad perspective on expedition cruising’s place within the wider industry.
His experience of operations across more than 150 countries informs a practical approach to connecting destination experiences, passenger expectations, and travel advisor development needs. Peter has led flagship education initiatives including the CLIA Learning Academy and CLIA Masters Program, leading to many award acknowledgements including winner of Best Talent Development at the global Seatrade Awards 2020.
Over the past three years, he has released two comprehensive expedition courses for CLIA, translating the segment’s specialist knowledge into accessible learning for travel advisors, including those new to cruise.
At the Australian Expedition Summit, Peter brings an industry perspective on market development, traveller trends, and distribution, with a focus on helping advisors understand expedition experiences, identify suitable audiences, and communicate their value with clarity and confidence.
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The Venue
Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf, Suite 87/32 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Tribute Museum
Adorned with photographic memorabilia from Pyrmont’s past, Tribute pays homage to the maritime trade origins of Jones Bay Wharf. The room is rich in original details, from the vertical wool bale chute to the timber staircase and sliding cargo door. The hanging vintage wine decanter light and black mesh ceiling installation elevates the space with a stylish urban twist. An atmospheric space for private lunches and dinners, Tribute interconnects with Harbour and is ideal as a breakout meeting space.
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SPEAKERS
PARTICIPANTS
Our Sponsors
Cruise Line Partners
