Industry couple launch travel storytelling partnership

Travel industry couple Kristina Wallen and Steve Dunlop have launched a storytelling venture, using her writing expertise and his photography skills.

Wallen, founder and managing director of recruitment firm Harp Wallen, and well-known travel industry photographer Dunlop have established Wallen Dunlop Stories – and are currently sailing with Atlas Ocean Voyages in Antarctica for their first assignment.

She said: “This is a natural extension of Steve’s established photographic work, and for me a creative outlet alongside my role in executive search.

“It gives me space to add context and insight shaped by over 30 years working with leaders across the travel industry.”

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Wallen said the idea had been in the back of their minds for a while but was crystallised following a conversation with Bernie Carter, Atlas Ocean Voyages’ international sales director, during the inaugural Clia Expedition Showcase last summer in Svalbard.

“Bernie asked whether I would be happy to write blogs, do short pieces to camera and potentially take a more active role in speaking to the media and others about our experiences to help spread the word,” she said.

“It became clear that we needed a proper vehicle, platform or brand to support these conversations with media, trade associations, agents and partners.

“From that Wallen Dunlop Stories was born as a storytelling travel partnership.

“The response so far has been very positive.”

She said the husband-and-wife team had “great input and encouragement” from industry figures such as Andrew Shelton, founder of Llama marketing consultancy, Tricia Warwick, chief executive of Visit Jersey, and others.

They will be sharing content from their World Navigator expedition cruise including video diaries for Clia and a feature with photography for Silver Travel Advisor.

The pair will establish Wallen Dunlop Stories social media channels, while Dunlop will create dedicated image libraries for specific trips.

“We’ll be sharing moments, insights and stories from the journey as we go – with the hope of keeping you entertained, inspired and informed in equal measure,” Wallen added.

“Follow along for icy landscapes, thoughtful reflections, and a reminder that saying yes to adventure only gets better with time.”