The new boss of Albatros Expeditions has voiced the “critical” role of agents despite an industry shift towards direct bookings.
The arrival of Jakob Lunoe, with a background as a cruise tour leader and in the tech sector, signals a new chapter for the Danish small-ship polar expedition line.
Has has taken over from Hans Lagerweij, who left in January. Albatros Expeditions has been managed directly by its management board in the interim period.
Prior to this role, Lunoe headed Delogue, a cloud-based software solution for the fashion and apparel industry.
He sees Albatross Expeditions evolving into an even more dynamic and guest-centric line, “deeply rooted in its Nordic and family values”.
Lunoe said: “I’ve always dreamed of returning to the travel industry, and Albatros Expeditions felt like the perfect fit.
“The focus on adventure, environmental awareness, and delivering unforgettable guest experiences aligns deeply with my personal and professional values.”
He also recognises the critical role of agents in the company’s future success, particularly as the industry adapts to shifts toward direct-to-consumer bookings.
“Our strongest collaborations with agents are partnerships built on trust and shared vision,” Lunoe said.
“We’ll be introducing new tools, like a real-time booking system, and expanding educational initiatives to strengthen these relationships.
“While direct sales will grow, agents remain invaluable for guiding guests through the complexities of expedition travel.”
He added: “We’re an international company with people from all corners of the world and the globe. But the core value of what we do and how we lead this is still a Nordic approach.
“We have a very flat hierarchy, open communication and strong awareness on sustainability. My focus will be to combine our Nordic DNA with polar expeditions, offering a luxurious, yet accessible, Nordic expedition experience rooted in the beauty of polar nature.”