Polar Routes agent enquiries to be taken over by new Latin Routes team

Specialist operator Latin Routes is to “unify its trade-facing polar proposition” by including expedition cruise itineraries, with sister company Polar Routes becoming a consumer-only brand as a member of The Travel Network Group.

Polar Routes will continue to fulfil direct bookings through its website, with trade enquiries now dealt with by a newly created two-person Latin Routes polar team.

The operator said the move aims to “deliver a clearer, stronger position to the travel trade”, with the new team focusing on packaging Antarctica cruises with tailor-made travel across Latin America and flights.

It confirmed agents would have access to a “streamlined” product range compared to Polar Routes “to focus on key offerings that best align with our current trade mix”, but added the range would “expand over time, both more broadly and in response to agent demand”.

Polar Routes was set up by Jessica Dennison and Martin Johnson in 2016 as a sister brand to Latin Routes and sells Arctic and Antarctic cruises in addition to other destinations and warm-water expedition itineraries.

The company said the move “consolidates its polar expertise into a single, streamlined brand, making it easier for agents to identify the right point of contact while continuing to benefit from the same high level of specialist knowledge”.

It added: “By unifying its trade-facing polar proposition, Latin Routes expects to deliver greater advantages to its agent partners, including improved rates, stronger commercial terms and a range of exclusive offers set to be announced in the coming months.”

Johnson, who is chair of the Latin America Travel Association and co-founder of The Expedition Cruise Network, said Latin Routes’ trade approach was “completely unaffected” by the change.

The operator plans to hire a business development executive to strengthen trade relations and take 50 agents to Costa Rica this year through its Latin Routes Academy which will include training across Latin America and Antarctica product.

Gaynor Atherton, head of trade at Latin Routes, said: “This is a natural evolution for us.

“By bringing our polar offering fully into Latin Routes, we’re making things simpler and more commercially compelling for our trade partners, while continuing to offer the same depth of expertise.

“Antarctica is a perfect complement to Latin America, and we are excited to help agents maximise the opportunity across both.”

A statement on the Polar Routes website about the change said bookings made before December 31, 2025, remain with the company, and packages including flights are 100% financially protected by Atol.

Any bookings made from January 1, 2026 come under TTNG membership and also carry full financial and Atol protection “where applicable”.

The statement added: “Polar Routes is a member of The Travel Network Group and acts as an agent for Atol-protected tour operators and other principal suppliers.

“Financial protection for flights and flight-inclusive holidays will be provided by the relevant Atol holder.”